Category: Carbon Neutrality

Botanists from Ramco Nursery have launched a conservation effort to revive Salvadora persica, an ancient tree species locally known in Tamil as the Ukai tree, now found only in a few scattered locations and considered endangered in the region.

During a survey in Senbagathopu, the team identified two surviving trees in poor condition. Subsequent searches led them to a cluster of mature trees near an Ayyanar Temple close to Paramakudi, where, with the support of the temple priest, seeds were collected.

Using these seeds, Ramco Nursery has successfully raised nearly 1,200 saplings so far, offering new hope for the species’ revival through planting in multiple locations.

Commonly known as the Miswak or Toothbrush Tree, Salvadora persica is valued for its medicinal uses and for twigs traditionally used as natural toothbrushes. It is highly drought-tolerant, thrives in saline soils, and is considered ideal for afforestation and ecological restoration.