The Western Ghats, one of the biodiversity hot spots in India, is a major
diversity centre of Garcinia species. The region harbors 11 Garcinia species, of which
9 are endemic. Most of the Garcinia species are economically important with wide
utility in both traditional and industrial sectors. The present chapter assesses the
distribution, taxonomy and conservation aspects of the Genus Garcinia of the Western
Ghats. Sustainable utilization of Garcinia species through plant products such as
condiments, gamboges, resins, essential oils and high value secondary metabolites has
also been discussed in detail. The chapter highlights the importance of utility and
conservation of plant wealth in the Western Ghats.
Keywords: Garcinia species, Western Ghats.