DIVERSITY AND ETHNOBOTANICAL KNOWLEDGE OF FERN FLORA IN SACRED GROVES
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Date
2020-11
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KELADI SHIVAPPA NAYAKA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES, SHIVAMOGGA (COF PONNAMPET)
Abstract
An investigation on “Diversity and ethnobotanical knowledge of fern flora in sacred groves" was carried out in Virajpet taluk, Kodagu during 2019-2020. The study was carried out to know the diversity, ethnobotanical knowledge and combined conservation value of wild fern species in different sacred groves of Virajpet taluk, Kodagu. The population structure of wild ferns was assessed by stratified random sampling technique. Fern diversity status, species richness, dominance and abundance were assessed by adopting Shannon and Simpson diversity indices. The Density, frequency, IVI was calculated by using appropriate methods. Species richness and diversity were more in the sacred groves of semi evergreen vegetation compared to that of moist deciduous vegetation. Among the sacred groves, species diversity was more in Kakkottu Ayyappa sacred grove of Maggula village. Maximum frequency, density and Important Value Index was recorded in Tectaria paradoxa. A semi structured questionnaire was used for the ethnobotanical survey of wild ferns. Totally, 36 fern species were documented, of which nine species were used for medicine followed by edible (8), ornamental (4). Mainly Drynaria quercifolia is used for curing jaundice, asthma, dysentery, throat infection and ear bleeding. Nephrolepis exalatata, Nephrolepis undulata and Parahemionitis cordata were used for ornamental purposes. 96 percent of the respondents were using Diplazium esculentum as vegetable. Combined Conservation Value (CCV) was calculated for different vegetation types and sacred groves. Conservation status of fern was assessed with their medicinal, endemic and threat values. Among the vegetation types considered, semi evergreen vegetation showed a higher CCV (89.43%) than the moist deciduous (42.76%) indicating that semi evergreen vegetation was found to be maximum number of medicinal, endemic and threatened ferns. Among the sacred groves, Bhagavathi, Uttarat Aiyappa and Bhattamakki Ayyappa showed higher CCV (38.33%) indicating the presence of medicinal, threatened and endemic ferns in these sacred groves. The study gives an understanding of the diversity and ethnobotanical knowledge of the fern species in sacred groves which would help in conservation and management of the species.