Diversity and Potential Uses of Pteridophytes in Nelliyampathy Hills, Kerala, India

Aims: To document the pteridophytic diversity of Nelliyampathy hills bordering the southern part of the Western Ghats in Palakkad district Kerala and to analyze their habitat, conservation status, and their applications in day-to-day lives.

Study Design: The pteridophytic diversity in the Nelliyampathy hills of Kerala was documented by the collection of the pteridophytic species and their preservation. Specimen identification was done with the help of previous literatures and local people were approached to understand more about the applications of the collected species in day-to-day lives.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at ten regions of nelliyampathy hills in Palakkad district namely; Pothundy, Kaikatty, Kundrachola, Noorady, Karappara, Seetharkundu, Kesavanpara, Pulayanpara, Anamada, and Karasoori.

Methodology: The collection of pteridophytic specimens from hillsides, roadsides, footpaths, and rocks was done from the study area which was gathered and preserved in 4% formalin solution according to standard taxonomic procedures. The specimen identification was carried out with the help of the literature and their floristic, habitat analysis, and conservation status were analyzed. Applications in livelihood were also listed.

Results: A series of floristic surveys conducted at ten selected sites during different seasons of the year recorded and vouchered 61 species, 35 genera, and 19 families of pteridophytes of which Pteridaceae dominates with 11 species (19%) followed by Polypodiaceae with 8 species (13%), Thelypteridaceae and Woodsiaceae with 6 species (9%). The majority of the species collected were terrestrial, followed by lithophytic, epiphytic, semi-aquatic, and aquatic species as per the habitat analysis. Five endangered species and two endemic species were also present in the study area. Many of the species possess medicinal and ornamental values which is beneficial to mankind.

Conclusion: The current survey contributes to the information on the diversity, distribution, and potential applications of pteridophytes in the Nelliyampathy hills which can be a reference for future conservation strategies and operations.