Gyrinops walla
Gyrinops walla[2] is a species of plant in the family Thymelaeaceae. It was described by Joseph Gaertner. The tree grows up to 15 m high. Its bark is thin and brownish-grey color. Leaves are 1–6 mm long and yellowish-white flower's pedicels are 3–4 mm long.[3]
| Gyrinops walla | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus: | Gyrinops |
| Species: | G. walla |
| Binomial name | |
| Gyrinops walla | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Aquilaria walla H.Hallier | |
Gyrinops walla is found in wet zone of Sri Lanka and very rarely in southwest India. It is harvested for agarwood and agarwood resin.[4] The tree has commercial value that resulted to smuggling. In Sri Lanka, it is known as "Walla patta".[5] Due to the demand of the tree, Sadaharitha Plantations Limited released a study on growing Gyrinops walla in home gardens. Some organizations conducted the research with the support of the Sri Lankan government.[6]
Gyrinops walla has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, due to its harvesting for agarwood. The species does occur in one protected area of Sri Lanka: Sinharaja Forest Reserve.[1]
References
- Oldfield, S. & Ediriweera, S. (2022). "Gyrinops walla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T173914536A173914568. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
- Gaertn., 1791 In: Fruct. 2: 276. I. 140
- "Gyrinops walla". Retrieved 21 February 2016.
- "Agarwood resin production and resin quality of Gyrinops walla Gaertn". Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- "Walla patta (Gyrinops walla): The tree to preserve". Department of Wildlife Conservation. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- "Walla Patta Receives New Lease Of Life". The Sunday Leader. Retrieved 26 February 2016.

