Geostachys smitinandii

This species was collected within the Khao Yai National Park, however, logging, encroachment and other anthropogenic disturbance are reported to occur within this conservation unit. Natural forests have been degraded in parts of the park, and replaced by grasslands and secondary vegetation especially in its core, i.e., within the Khao Khiao area (Albers and Grinspoon 1997, Kwaiphan and Boonkerd 2008). Gingers have been popular as an ornamental plant in Asia and the Far East for centuries. Ornamental gingers have rapidly increased in popularity in the western world in the past few years (West Demmy and Burch 1998), which has promoted an increase in illegal collecting. The taxon has potential value as an ornamental (Larsen and Larsen 2006) and may be collected for that purpose. The impact of potential rhizome extraction on the population is unknown. Any extraction of individuals may represent a great loss of the genetic diversity of the population of this very narrow endemic. Global warming could potentially reduce available land to plants adapted to mountain habitats, especially those in high altitudes (Scarano 2007). Growing near the mountain summit, this species would have little room to migrate upwards, to maintain its climatic niche, in such circumstances.

Khao Yai National Park was the first national park to be created in Thailand, and recently was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites due to its great diversity in flora and fauna (UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2005). It is one of the last remaining nearly intact forests in northeastern Thailand and a last refuge for the native flora and fauna. The taxon is listed assessed as Vulnerable, in Thailand. It does not appear to be grown ex situ in botanical institutions or to be in available lists of seed bank species. Field collections and research characterization of Zingiberaceae are much needed. Many Thai endemic species of Zingiberaceae are rare and some remain unidentified (Prathanturarug et al. 2004). Surveys and census should be conducted on Khao Khiao and on the two other highest peaks of the park to determine the range and size of the population. The biology and ecology of the taxon should be studied. Micropropagation protocols should be developed for ex situ conservation and potential population reinforcement. Seeds should be collected for germplasm conservation. Any other collection of the taxon should not be allowed.