Fritillaria cirrhosa

Botanical Description

Fritillaria cirrhosa is a perennial plant growing from a fleshy bulb composed of 2 scales 10 - 20mm in diameter; it can grow around 15 - 60cm tall[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. , 1977 Title Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar Publication Author Ghimire S.K. et al Publisher WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal Year 2008 ISBN 978-99946-837-9-6 Description ]. A very popular Chinese Traditional Medicine, with a long history of use, the plant is harvested in large quantities from the wild and also cultivated for use as a food and medicine. The bulbs are often dried and sold in local markets and also exported to various countries for medicinal use[ 979 Title The Gardens' Bulletin Straits Settlements Vol VI Publication Author Publisher Singapore Botanic Gardens; Singapore. Year 1930 ISBN Description A botanical publication of Singapore Botanic Gardens, with a range of articles. This one focuses on the medicinal plants of the region. ]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental. Fritillaria cirrhosa is over-exploited for its bulbs, which are valued for medicinal purposes. Extensive harvesting and illegal trade are serious concerns for its survival. At most localities, the density of the species is low and its population is rapidly diminishing. Habitats of the species are also prone to livestock grazing, deforestation, and climate change. Considering the rate of decline, long generation length, poor germination potential, high trade value, extensive harvesting pressure and illegal trade, the plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2022)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].