Question 27 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Environm ent

Question

Consider the following:
1. Cashew
2. Papaya
3. Red sanders
How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Only one

Strategy: Focus on distinguishing between native and introduced species based on their geographic origin:

*   Identify Red sanders as a tree endemic to India, specifically Andhra Pradesh.
*   Recognize cashew and papaya as New World species introduced by Europeans, despite their widespread cultivation in India.
*   Eliminate non-native or introduced crops to pinpoint the true native species.

Key Info: ### Cashew
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree native to northeastern Brazil. The Portuguese introduced it to India in the 16th century; it now thrives in the coastal regions of Kerala, Goa, and Konkan. Cashew nuts and 'cashew apples' are key agricultural exports, but the tree is non-native to India.

### Papaya
Papaya (Carica papaya) originated in southern Mexico and Central America, particularly Costa Rica and South Mexico. It was introduced globally by Spanish and Portuguese traders. India is now the world's largest producer, but papaya is not indigenous to the subcontinent.

### Red Sanders
Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), also called Red Sandalwood, is a tree endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats, principally Andhra Pradesh. Valued for its rich red wood and used historically in Ayurvedic medicine, dye, and woodworking, its trade is government-regulated due to over-exploitation and CITES (Appendix II) listing. Red sanders is a true Indian native species.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: All three

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None

Consider the following: Cashew Papaya Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

Consider the following:

Cashew

Papaya

Red sanders
How many of the above trees are actually native to India?