Diversity of Leafy Vegetables in Nilgiris, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Southern India

Sasi, R., Rajendran, A. and R. Sivalingam

Diversity of wild ornamental potential plants in Mannavan Shola Forest of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Binu Thomas, Rajendran, A., Chandrashekara, U.M. and, R.Sivalingam

Sonari (Cassia fistula L.): A medicinal and ethno-cultural plant at Niyamgiri Hills ranges among a primitive tribe (Dongaria Kandha) of Odisha, India

S. Kumar, P.K.Jena1, M.K.Satapathy, D.Dash  and M.Kumari

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Volume No. 2(Spl)                                                             December, 2011

Abstract

The present study provides an overview of the use and status of 34- Leafy vegetables in Nilgiri, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Consumption of traditional greens is a major source of vitamins and micronutrients. They are reported to be rich in protein, essential minerals and vitamins. The lack of knowledge especially on the nutritive value of these greens among the public is the main drawback in their production and consumption.

Key words: Traditional uses, Greens, Medicines, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Abstract

The present study highlights the ornamental potential wild plant species collected from Mannavan Shola Forest in the Southern Western Ghats of Kerala. A total of 35 species belonging to18- families under 27- genera were identified. They are the wild progenitors of the most of the present day ornamental flowers. They may be worthwhile to make use house plants in suitable places. The botanical names, families, habit, aesthetic potential and their mode of propagation are also presented.

Key words: Diversity, Wild ornamental plants, Mannavan Shola Foret, Western Ghats, Kerala.

Abstract

Sonari (Cassia fistula L.), a common tree species of Niyamgiri Hill ranges of Odisha, belongs to the family Caselpinaceae, the plant parts of which are used as traditional medicine to cure different diseases by a primitive tribe Dongaria Kandha also called “Jivant Bhuta” (Live Ghost) living in this locality. The traditional indigenous knowledge of the primitive tribes and the ethnocultural practices of the locality in gradually loosing its importance due to lack of proper documentation. Keeping this in view an attempt has been made in the present study to gather data from literature and from field survey to establish the pharmacological and ethnomedicinal importance of this plant for creating a special awareness to conserve the ethic knowledge and the plant as well. Keywords: Cassia fistula, Dongaria Kandha, Ethnobotany, Ethno-cultural uses, Niyamgiri Hills