After lying defunct for over a year-and-a-half since its formation, the Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board has geared up to save a rare species of Indian gooseberry, only restricted to a few hundred trees in Gorakhpur forest range.

The plant, according to Ayurveda, has proved beneficial in increasing immunity of HIV-positive patients.

The board, which recently marked the International Biodiversity Day on May 22, will not only support the cultivation of the plant, but will also train people through its Van Chetna Kendra.

Talking to The Indian Express, the state’s Minister for Forests Fateh

Bahadur Singh said that the department has recently stumbled upon the rare plant, which due to lack of conservation, is nearing extinction.

“The paani amla or paniaonla is a species of amla, which has strong medicinal value,” said the minister.

Its cultivation does not require much of expense and it can grow even in wild areas.

He added: “Paniaonla is high on the agenda of the UP Biodiversity Board. We will not only facilitate the cultivation of the plant, but also provide training to the people interested in cultivating it.”