Abstract

FLORSITIC DIVERSITY OF ILANGUDIPATTI AYYANAR SACRED GROVE AT PUDUKOTTAI DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Dr. Thandavamoorthy M.*

ABSTRACT

Sacred groves are ecologically and genetically very important. They possess a great heritage of diverse gene pool of many forest species having religious attachment and possessing medicinal values. The present study was conducted in Ilangudipatti Ayyanar sacred grove in Pudukottai district of south India. The study aimed at documenting the plant wealth and diversity of the grove. A total of 48 woody species belonging to 41 genera and 27 families were documented from this grove, which measure 7.5 ha. Some medicinal, endemic, rare plants are also protected in this grove. These observations indicate that the sacred grove is the traditional way of conserving plants. The vegetation structure indicates that this grove is inland tropical dry evergreen forest.

Keywords: Plant biodiversity, Sacred Groves, Conservation.