CUK Showcases Rare Cacti Collection

Quick Summary

• The Central University of Kerala (CUK) has launched a unique cacti collection at the Kasaragod botanical Garden and Research Centre on its campus.
• The collection showcases over 30 species of cacti, sourced from india, mexico, Saudi Arabia, Central Africa, and several Indian states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana.
• A specially designed environment simulating dry desert conditions has been created to preserve these plants by minimizing exposure to excess rainfall.
• The initiative is aimed at providing biological sciences students research opportunities involving diverse cactus species.
• Vice-Chancellor Sidhu P. algur inaugurated the programme alongside Registrar Dr. R. Jayaprakash.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The inauguration of this curated cacti collection stands out as an innovative step in botanical research within India. By integrating specimens from domestic and international sources into a controlled environment simulating arid desert conditions, CUK is paving the way for specialized scientific inquiry. Such efforts enrich academic resources available at Indian universities and could spark new interest in researching drought-resistant plants-a topic increasingly relevant amid growing climate concerns.

Additionally, offering hands-on research opportunities aligns with India’s broader goals of fostering higher education innovation while bolstering its global academic profile. This development may also inspire other universities across India to undertake unique initiatives tailored toward environmental sustainability or biodiversity studies.

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