Phytodiversity of Mahe and its conservation strategies

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIM: Mahe, a part of Puducherry administration is rich in its biodiversity as it forms a part of the Western
Ghats, which in turn is the hottest of hotspots in the world. It lies on the west coast of Indian Peninsula between Kozhikode and
Kannur districts of Kerala and is located between 11 ̊ 42' - 11 ̊ 43' N latitude and 75 ̊ 31' - 75 ̊ 33' E longitude. It covers an area of
9 sq. km. The present study has been carried out to document the phytodiversity of the region and its conservation.
METHODOLOGY: Field surveys were undertaken to collect representative samples from various localities. The collected
specimens were processed based on standard herbarium techniques and identified with the help of floras and related literatures.
RESULTS: A total of 639 angiosperm taxa belonging to 127 families have been recorded. Of which 23 are RET species, 33 are
edibles, 92 are exotics and 60 species have various medicinal properties. In addition the area supports a few species of bryophytes,
pteridophytes, gymnosperms, macro fungi and lichen