On a global basis, the IUCN have estimated that about 10% of world's vascular plant species totaling to about 20,000 to 25,000 species are under varying degrees of threat. The flora of India is very rich with an estimated 50,000 plant species, of which 15,000 are flowering plants. Of these, 5,000 species are endemic to India, while about 1500 species i.e. about 10% of the flowering plants, are under varying degrees of threat. Some 75 species of vascular plants are thought to be endemic to Eastern Ghat region of India spread across the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. In a recent census, 17 endemic, 12 apparent endemic and 56 rare/endangered plant species have been reported from Orissa State alone.

Presently, RPRC has a collection of 31 species of plants, which are endemic/ rare/endangered/ threatened plants to Eastern Ghat region. Some important species of RET plants are Lasiococca comberi, Cryptocarya amygdalina, Pomatocalpa decipiens, Alphonsea madraspatana, Hunteria zeylanica, Callicarpa vestita, Heritiera fomes, Cerbera manghas, Aglaia cucullata, Bowenia serrulata, Pterocarpus santalinus etc. These species are being maintained in the botanic garden for conservation, propagation, study, education and public awareness.

List of rare, endangered and threatened plants of Eastern Ghats of India