Rare, endangered fern species found in Salyan

By Pratik Ichchhuk Sharma,Salyan, May 15: Unyu (tree fern), a rare and endangered tree species, has been discovered for the first time in Salyan. The species was discovered in two community forests located in Darma Rural Municipality and Kapurkot Rural Municipality.

The tree, scientifically named Cyathea spinulosa, has now been officially recorded in western Nepal for the first time. According to the Botanical Research Centre in Mulpani, Salyan, the species was located in the Daurekhola area of Raniban Community Forest in Darma-3, Dhulkharka and in Kalika Community Forest in Kapurkot-4.

Mitra Pathak, head of the Botanical Research Centre, said that four species of Cyathea found in Nepal are listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Of these, two are endangered, one is rare, and one is critically endangered. The Unyu species found in the two community forests of Salyan falls under the rare and critically endangered category. This tree species appears in different regions and elevations depending on the country, he added.

In eastern and central Nepal, the species is typically found at altitudes between 750 to 2,000 metres. In Taiwan of China, however, it grows in dense forests at elevations between 300 and 2,500 metres. The recent discovery of Unyu in the community forests of Salyan confirms its range now extends from eastern and central to western Nepal.

Locally known as Daure, the tender shoots of the Unyu trees are used as a vegetable. Traditionally, it has also been used in herbal remedies to treat skin conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, eye infections, cancer and tuberculosis. In some places, it is also used for ornamental purposes.

Dr. Mitra Pathak added that not only Unyu but also other plant species like Kankatsingha, Ban Champa, Sunakhari (orchid) and Tatealo have reached endangered status in the district. The botanical office is now working toward their conservation.

According to environmentalist Jeevan Sharma, who works in forest conservation in Kumakh Rural Municipality, the plant was identified as a rare and endangered species only after agricultural technician Netra Lal Gharti from Darma Rural Municipality posted its photo on social media, prompting further study by various institutions.

Sharma added that Unyu is a type of tree fern typically found in subtropical climates and holds significant biological, ecological and educational value.