Floristic ecology and phenological observations on the Medicinal flora of Southern Eastern Ghats, India

Abstract

Abstract: The study of floristic ecology and phenology of medicinal plants in intact tropical ecosystems is important to understand the dynamics of medicinal plant species evolving in particular ecosystems. Of the 172 taxa occurring in the southern most hill (Shevaroys) of the Eastern Ghats, 41% represented scrub, 35% semi-evergreen and 24% deciduous vegetation types. Among the gender distribution, hermaphrodite category dominated (79%) in the medicinal flora followed by monoecy (16.3%) and dioecy (4.7%). Majority of medicinal arborescent taxa was found to flower during the months of March and April (dry period) and only a few were in bloom during August and December, while herbaceous taxa flowered during December-February. Majority of tree taxa were found to fruit during the dry season (April-May) with a peak during April while the herbaceous medicinal plants fruited during January-March. The nature of fruits types recorded was fleshy (59), dry dehiscent (75) and dry indehiscent (38). Higher temperature conditions were observed to be conducive to flowering and fruiting among the arborescent taxa whereas cooler conditions were favourable for herbaceous taxa. In Eastern Ghats the fruiting phenology pattern closely follows that of the flowering. The occurrence of various types of fruits gives an insight to the understanding of the evolution of seed dispersal behavior in plants. Most probably in Eastern Ghats the biotic interaction has evolved as a sequel to this pattern and timing of fruiting. Data generated in the study can be used for planning proper management strategies of medicinal flora in Eastern Ghats region, thus, ensuring “Development without Destructionâ€.