Notes on the interesting species <Tacca leontopetaloides> (L.) Kuntze

Tacca leontopetaloides is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. The species generally grows in forests and shady areas during rainy seasons. The populations of this species were previously reported to exist in eastern India (West Bengal), have been steadily declining at an increasing rate. Present investigation in four states of eastern India revealed that the species is now only present in the two districts of West Bengal, i.e., Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur. In order to facilitate easy identification and conservation, the article provides a detailed description of the species, including its distribution, conservation status, economic and medicinal importance, figures, and photographs, along with the LM and SEM images of pollen.