India, July 16 -- LUCKNOW Scientists at the Botanical Survey of India and Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences are suggesting a botanical reclassification of the Parijat tree (also known as Kalpavriksh), after studying them in Kintoor (Barabanki), Jhusi (Prayagraj) and Sultanpur, among which the ones in Barabanki and Jhusi are approximately 800 or more years old.

These trees are confronting significant conservation threats and an elevated risk of extinction due to over-exploitation, mainly of bark, leaves, fruits and seeds. "To address this situation, it is important to reclassify the tree species as endangered, while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of its habitat. Climate changes and declines in rainfall are also detrimenta...