The discovery made by forest department authorities in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitaram Raju district, where water spouted out of an Indian laurel tree after its bark was cut, has captivated many and gone viral on social media.
This remarkable phenomenon was brought to light with the assistance of the Konda Reddi tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group residing in the Papikonda hill range within the Godavari region. Renowned for their indigenous knowledge of trees, the tribe shared insights with the forest department regarding the unique water storage capabilities of the Indian laurel tree.
Scientifically known as Ficus macrocarpa, the Indian laurel tree is native to various parts of Asia, the Western Pacific Islands, and Australia. It is valued not only for its ornamental qualities, such as its dense canopy and shiny green leaves but also for its ecological significance. The tree's thick foliage provides a habitat for diverse bird species, while its small figs serve as a food source for birds.
The unexpected sight of water gushing out from the bark of the Indian laurel tree comes at a critical time when many regions across India, including Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Karnataka, are grappling with water scarcity. Reservoir levels in Andhra Pradesh, in particular, have seen a significant decline compared to previous years, with levels currently at only 22 percent of capacity.
This discovery underscores the importance of indigenous knowledge and ecological conservation efforts, especially in the face of climate change and increasing water stress.
