The fragrant kewra plant (Pandanus odorifer), widely known for its aromatic flowers used in perfumes, traditional sweets, and religious rituals, has an evolutionary history that stretches back far beyond human civilization. According to recent scientific research, the plant lineage existed millions of years before the formation of the Himalayas, making it one of the oldest surviving flowering plant groups in the Indian subcontinent.
Researchers found that the ancestors of the kewra plant were already thriving when the Indian tectonic plate was moving northward toward Asia. This means the species predates the collision that eventually gave rise to the Himalayan mountain range around 50 million years ago. The discovery highlights the remarkable resilience and adaptability of the plant, which has survived dramatic geological and climatic changes over millions of years.
Today, kewra is primarily found in the coastal regions of eastern India, particularly in Odisha, where its fragrant flowers are distilled to produce the prized kewra essence used in culinary preparations, perfumes, and traditional medicine. Scientists believe the study not only sheds light on the ancient origins of the species but also underscores the importance of conserving this unique botanical heritage for future generations.