Nepenthes khasiana Hook f., an endangered tropical pitcher plant of India.

Nepenthes khasiana Hook f., is the only representative member of the genus Nepenthes found in India. The species has great ethnomedicinal importance in addition to its ornamental value. It is used for treatment of several diseases by the local people of Meghalaya. The plant is also characterized by synthesis of bioactive compound called naphthoquinones which is a potent antifungal agent. However, it has become threatened in its natural habitat due to several anthropogenic activities. N. khasiana has been included in the Appendix-I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The potential for long term survival of this species in the wild is uncertain, but will surely depend upon the continuing efforts of the local communities to preserve its habitats. The present review highlights the significance of the species and also elucidates the recent findings on the species on various aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]