Phytosociological Analysis And Species Diversity In Akkanattukara Sacred Grove, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha

Abstract

The sacred groves are the representatives of climax vegetation and exhibit the diversity of species such as trees, climbers, epiphytes and other shade loving herbs. Well-preserved sacred groves are storehouses of valuable medicinal and other plants having high economic value and serve as a refuge to threatened species. Every sacred grove carries its own legends, lore, and myths which form the integral part of the sacred grove. Therefore, the biodiversity-rich sacred groves are of immense ecological significance. The present study was conducted by quadrat method. A total of six random sampled quadrats (10 m × 10 m) were laid in the area. The study deals with floristic diversity, phytosociological analysis and conservational importance of valuable resources in Akkanattukara sacred grove (09°14′27.46″N and 76°33′48.78″ E) of Mavelikkara, Alappuzha district Kerala, India. Different population parameters were analysed viz. abundance, density, frequency, relative frequency, relative density, relative dominance, important value index, whiteford index, species richness index and spatial distribution. A total of 11 tree species with 117 accessions falling under 11 families were documented. Out of which, the family Clusiaceae was dominate. Other dominant species were Caryota urens L. and Xanthophyllum flavescens Roxb. The members of Garcinia xanthochymus, Bombax ceiba, Caryota urens and Schleichera oleosa are under IUCN Red Listed, Least Concern (LC) species of Threatened Category. A total of 600 m2 area was assessed and the results indicate the basal area of the trees was varied from 511.031 to 71955.4m2/ha for Salacia fruticosa and C. urens respectively. The most frequently occurring species are G. xanthochymus, X. flavescens and C. urens. Species like C. urens, G. xanthochymus, X. flavescens, B. ceiba and Cinnamomum malabatrum were registered highest relative phytosociological values compared to other species. It is found that the threatened species likes G. xanthochymus and C. urens were the most significant species in this population. Whiteford index showed that all the species in the study sites are distributed in contiguous, however species richness and diverse was comparatively less. The present study results indicated that habitat destruction and less species distribution and richness may severely influence the future existence of sacred species and many suitable habitats may disappear after years due to varied climatic conditions. Consequently the present study could lead to a better understanding of the sacred species with their traditional medicinal value and may shed some light for in situ conservation of each and every sacred grove.