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Flowering Plant Diversity of Selected Rubber Plantations of Meenachil Taluk, Kerala, India
Submitted to Mahatma Gandhi University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement of the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Botany

By Abychan Kokkattu Alex

PG AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

ST. THOMAS COLLEGE, PALA

2010

INTRODUCTION

Since the plantation era of eighteenth century the landuse became a threat to the pristine biodiversity of Kerala state. The conversion of large areas of pristine forests to single species plantations very especially cash crops had resulted the unrepairable loss of biodiversity of this God’s own land. Actually the loss of biodiversity of any area cannot be equaled to the gain by the utilization of the land for various non forest purposes. The direct and indirect values of our biodiversity is not yet fully documented or estimated. It is incomparable to any gain that men have got by the use of this land. The turn of our agriculture from food crop like paddy, tapioca and other tuber crops to various cash crops like rubber again degraded the area regarding the plant diversity. Rubber plantation, the leading cash crops of the state of Kerala or the economic backbone of central Kerala have changed the concept of the people of this land of Latex to a level of earning money from the land by cultivating anything that grows here. It also urged the people to use any method of agriculture to get the benefit in a shorter time. The support of the Rubber Board at the beginning stages of the rapid expansion of rubber plantations of Kerala to clear off any other plants especially trees from newly started rubber plantations and from replanting areas have increased the loss of plant diversity from the rubber plantations. Rubber trees are deciduous that shed their leaves together in summer seasons. It eventually resulted in the naked appearance of the plantations in the summer season where rubber trees are left without leaves. Recently the rubber board and RRII are in search of any shade giving shrubs that bear leaves in the season when rubber trees are in defoliated condition. Nearly 50% of the State's population depends upon agriculture. A unique feature of the State is the predominance of cash crops. Kerala is a major producer of coconut, rubber, pepper, cardamom, ginger, cocoa, cashew, areca nut, coffee and tea. Tree spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves etc. are also cultivated. Rice and tapioca are important food crops. Coconut production was 5,167 million nuts in 2000 and 2001 The agriculture sector in the State recorded an average growth rate of 3.6% against the target of 2.5%. A review of the long term performance of the crop sector, over the last decade, shows that the total output from the sector has recorded an average annual growth 2.5%. There was, of course, a large scale shift from high volume low value crops like tapioca and rice to low volume, high value crops like pepper and rubber. During the course of time, rubber became the chief cash crop of Kerala. Climatic and tropographic and eaphic factors help rubber to flourish in the state and high quality of rubber makes Kerala’s rubber popular. If we take an account of rubber plantations of Kerela, we could see the best in Meenachil taluk of the state. Once planted, its needs only minimum nursing and yield is continuous for many years, say a 20 or 30 or even more in some cases. Since no other mechanical activities are involved in the cultivation areas, we could see a variety of vegetations flourishing throughout the plantations. The present study is an attempt to know the magnitude of plant diversity left in the rubber plantations of Meenachil taluk where the early rubber plantations in Central Travancore were raised. It also aimed to identify species of plants especially shrubs which can provide a shade or coverage to the rubber plantations in rainless months. The assessment of the plant diversity regarding the medicinal plants and other crop relatives are also included in this study.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY There are four objectives identified in this study. They are: 1.	Assessment of plant diversity (Flowering plants) in the rubber plantations of Meenachil Taluk 2.	Identification of shade giving shrubs which are of evergreen nature in the summer seasons 3.	Identification of medicinal plants that can be grown in the rubber plantations 4.	Assessment of the weeds and exotic plant diversity in the rubber plantations.

METHODOLOGY Three rubber plantations of Meenachil Taluk were selected for the study. Collection trips were conducted to these plantations in each season. Plant specimens were collected in plastic bags and brought to the laboratory of Department of Botany, St. Thomas College, Pala. They were processed to herbarium specimens and they were identified to the species level. Photographs of some of them were taken and are given in the dissertation report. The plants were categorized to various groups like exotic, endemic, rare, threatened etc with the help of related literatures (Nayar, 1997, Sasidharan, 2005). A thorough analysis of the plants specimens was done and rough selections of plants regarding their leafy appearance in summer months were also done.

RESULTS There are 303 species of plants collected and identified from the rubber plantations. They belong to 99 species of trees, 86 species of shrubs, 103 herbs and 15 climbers. They are given below in the classificatory system of G. Bentham and JD. Hooker (Hooker, 1872-1897) with some modifications. In each species the correct valid scientific name, local names if any, habit and original habitat where this plant is expected (it is since the general habitat of the study arewa is always rubber plantation), its distribution in Kerala state, geographical distribution and the conservation status of the plants are given. The conservation status is as per the previous literatures (Ahmedullah, M. & M.P. Nayar. 1987; Nayar, M.P. 1980; Nayar, M.P. & A.R.K. Sastry. 1987, 1988, 1990; Nayar, M.P. 1996; Nayar, M.P. 1997)

RANUNCULACEAE 001. Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC. Local names: Vathakodi, Thalavedanavalli, Kuruppakodi Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Moist decedious forest, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South East Asia

ANNONACEAE 002. Annona muricata L. Local names: Mullan chakka, mullathi Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All distrits Geographical: Native to Central America and West indies, introduced elsewhere

003. Artabotrys hexapetalus (L. f.) Bhandari Local names: Manoranjini, Madanapoo Habit: Shrub Habitat: grow as garden plant or naturalised Kerala: KLM, PAT, KTM, TVM, ALP Geographical: Indo-Malesia

004. Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f & Thomas.Fl.Ind Local names: Langilangi, Kanangamaram Habit: tree Habitat: Grown as ornamental plant or naturalist Kerala: All districts Geographical: Myanmar to Australia and New-Zealand, through Malaysia

005. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonner. Local names: Aranamaram, Cherunna Habit: Tree Habitat: Grown as ornamental tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to Sri Lanka; introduced to many Tropical countries

MENISPERMACEAE 006. Cissampelos pareria L. var. hirsuta( Ham.ex DC Local names: Malathangi Habit: Herbaceous climber Habitat: deciduous forest, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

007. Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thoms. Local names: Padakizhangu, Padathali, Padavalli Habit: Herbaceous climber Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

008. Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers, Local names: Patakilammu, Patavalli Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: evergreen and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, MPM, KLM, KNR, PLK, TVM, KKD, TSR Geographical: Indo-Malaysia & East Asia

009. Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson, ; Fl. Ind. 187 (1855). Local names: Vallikanjiram Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests Kerala: KLM, ALP, PAT, TVM, KKD, TSR, MPM, KTM Geogrephical: India and Sri Lanka

010. Tinospora cordifolia auct. non (DC). Miers: Hook f. & Thoms. in Hook. f. Local names: Amruthu, Chitamruthu Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and shrub jungles, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh

NYMPHAEACEAE 011. Nymphaea nouchali N.L. Burman. Local names: Ambel, Poothali, Vellambel Habit: Ponds and pools in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

012. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Local names: Aravindam, Chenthamara, Thamara Habit: Herb Habitat: Fresh water ponds and lakes, also grown as ornamental plants Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and East Asia to far Eastern Russia and to Australia

CAPPARIDACEAE 013. Cleome indica (Linn.) Hiern Local name: Kattukaduku Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Marshy areas Kerala: MPM, KTM, PLK, KNR, KKD, TSR, ALP Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Africa

014. Cleome viscosa L. Local names: Aadunarivela, Naivela, Ariyavela, Kattukaduku, Naikaduku, Patti-vela, Vele Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and plantations, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

FLACOURTIACEAE 015. Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch.-Ham.) Oken - FLACOURTIACEAE Local names: Koti, Marotti, Neerutti, Niralam, Thamana Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: endemic to Western Ghats

CARYOPHYLLACEAE 016. Drymaria cordata - (L.) Willd. ex Schult. Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist areas like stream edges in rubber plantation’s low lands, paddy fields, also as a weed in tea plantations Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, MPM, KNR, IDK, TVM, PLK, TSR Geographical: Paleotropics

PORTULACACEAE 017. Portulaca oleracea L. Local names: Kozhuppa, Kozhuppacheera, manalcheera Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Wet areas in degraded forests, Open sunny areas along the borders of rubber plantations, also in plains Distribution Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

CLUSIACEAE 018. Garcinia gummi-gutta (l.) Robs. Local names: Gorakkapuli, Meenpuli, Perumpuli, Pinar, Kodampuli, Kudapuli, Marapuli, Pinampuli Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Evergreen forests, along stream banks, also cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: south India and Sri Lanka

019. Garcinia mangostana L. Local names: Mangosta, Mungustan Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Cultivated, at times near or inside plantation nearby housing areas Kerala: All disrticts Geographical: Native to Malaysia, widely cultivated in tropical Asia

TERNSTROEMIACEAE 020. Camellia sinsensis (L.) O. Ktze. Local names: Chaya, Tea, Theyila Habit: Small tree Habitat: Raised in plantations Distribution Kerala: IDK, KTM, KLM, PAT, PLK, TVM, TSR, WND Geographical: cultivated in subtropical and warm temperate zone of South East Asia

DIPTEROCARPACEAE 021. Vateria Indica L. Local names: Payin, Painimaram, vellappayin, Vellakunthirikkam Habit: Large tree Habitat: Evergreen and semievergreen forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Southern Western Ghats

MALVACEAE 022. Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench Local name: Venda Habit: Herb Habitat: Cultivated as a vegitable Kerala: All districts Geographical: cultivated in most tropical countries including India

023. Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet. Local names: Kattooran, Ooran, Thutthi, Velluram Habit: Shrub Habitat: Rubber plantations, Waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropics and subtropics of the world

024. Sida acuta Burm.f. Local names: Malatanni, Malamkurunthotti, Kurunthotti Habit: Erect shrub Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

025. Sida cordata (Burm.f.) Borss. Local name: Vallikurunthotti Habit: Trailing herb Habitat: All types of habitat from sandy sea coasts to deciduous forests Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

026. Sida cordifolia L. Local names: Anakurumthotti, Kurumthotti, Vellooram Habit: erect hurb Habitat: Common along roadsides, sandy sea coasts and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

027. Sida rhombifolia L. Local names: Kurunthotti Habit: Shrub Habitat: Waste lands and also along degraded plantation and forest areas Kerala: MPM, IDK, KTM, PLK, TVM, KLM Geographical: pantropical

028. Sida rhomboidea Roxb.ex Fleming. Local names: Kurunthotti Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Wastelands Kerala: all districts Geographical: Peninsular India

029. Urena lobata L. Local names: Oorppan, Uthiram, Vattooram Habit: Shrub Habitat: degraded forests and also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

BOMBACACEAE 030. Bombax ceiba L. Local names: Elavu, Ilavu, Mullilavu, Poola Habit: Very large tree Habitat: moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Asia and New Guinea

031. Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Local names: Kapok, Panjimaram, Panji elavu Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Throughout the tropics

STERCULIACEAE 032. Helicteress isora L. Local names: Edampiri-valampiri, Iswarmuni, Kaivum, Kayinaru, Kayivilanaru Habit: Small tree Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in plantations and plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Australia

033. Melochia corchorifolia L. Local name: Chocolate weed Habit: Woody herb Habitat: degraded forest areas and waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

034. Sterculia guttata Local names: Kavalam, Kithondi, Peenari, Potta kavalam, Thondi Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

035. Theobroma cacao L. Local name: Coco Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Widely cultivated in the tropics; Native to tropical America

TELIACEAE 036. Grewia nervosa (Lour.) Panigrahi Local names: Cherillotta, Kottakka Habit: Small tree Habitat: Semi-Evergreen forests, sacred groves and shrub jungles Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

037. Grewia tiliifolia Vahl Local names: Chadachi, Dhanauna-vriksham, Unnam Habit: Medium to large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, in plantations without taping Kerala: PLK, IDK, KSD, PAT, MPM, TVM, WND, ERN, KSD, KNR, TSR, KTM Geographical: Tropical Africa, India to Indo-China

ELAEOCARPACEAE

038. Elaeocarpus glandulosus Wall. ex Merr. Local names: Kara, Kattukara Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi-evergreen, evergreen and shoal forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, KNR, PLK, KLM, TSR, TVM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE

039. Tribulus terrestris L. Local names: Njerinjil, Mulluringi Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: degraded areas in dry deciduous forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, PLK Geographical: Tropical and warm temperate regions of the world

OXALIDACEAE

040. Biophytum reinwardtii (Zucc.) Klotzsch. in Peters Reise Mossamb. Local name: Mukkutti Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and plantations, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

041. Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. Local names: Mukkutti, Theendavadi Habit: herb Habitat: Moist shady places Kerala: KLM, KTM, KNR, PLK, TVM, MPM, KSD, WND Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

042. Averrhoa bilimbi L. Local names: Chemmeenpuli, Irumbanpuli, Keerichakka, Bilimbi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to Malaysia, cultivated in other tropical countries

RUTACEAE 043. Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa Local names: Koovalam, Koolakam, Vilvam Habit: Small tree Habitat: Grown in temple premises and homesteads Kerala: KKD, KTM, PLK, MPM, PAT, TVM, IDK WND, ALP, TSR, KLM, EKM, KNR Geographical: India and Sri Lanka; widely cultivated in South East Asia, Malaysia, tropical Africa and United States

044. Citrus aurantifolia (Christm. & Panz.) Swingle. Local name: Cherunarekam Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: IDK, KTM, PLK Geographical: Native of Malaysia; cultivated in India

045. Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. Local names: Cherunarekam, Ilimbichinarekam, Odichukuthinarekam Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to south East Asia; cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries

046. Glycosmis pentaphylla (retz) DC. Local names: Kurumpannal, Panal, Panchi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malesia

047. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Local names: Kallathudali, Karamullu, Mulakutanni Habit: Climber Habitat: Evergreen and shoal forests, also in scrub jungles Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia and Africa

SIMARUBACEAE 048. Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston in Trimen Local names: Matti, Perumaram, Pongilium Habit: Large tree Habitat: Semievergreen forests, also planted in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Australia

049. Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT Geographical: Asia and Australia

050. Quassia indica (Gaertn.) Nooteb. In Steenis. Local names: Njotta, Karinjotta Habit: small tree Habitat: Along back waters and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KLM, KNR, TSR, KTM, MPM, TVM, KKD, ALP Geographical: India, Myanmar and Srilanka

051. Gomphia serrata (gaertn) Kanis. Local names: Chavakambu, Chavetti, Valermani Habit: Small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen forests, occasionally in moist deciduous forests Kerala: KLM, PAT, KTM, TVM, KKD, ALP, WND Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

MELIACEAE 052. Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Local names: Aariyaveppu, Kaippanveppu, Veppu Habit: Small to medium tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also widely palnted Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

053. Cipadessa baccifera (Roth) miq. Local names: Kaipanarangi, Potti, Pulippanchedi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

054. Naregamia alata Wight & Arn. Local names: Nilanarakam, Nilanarai Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India

055. Swietenia macrophylla King in Hook. Local names: Mahogani, Manthagni Habit: Large tree Habitat: cultivated as avenue tree, also raised in plantations Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Central America

056. Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KTM, KSD, TSR, PLK, TVM, KLM Geographical: Native to West Indies and Central America

HIPPOCRATIACEAE 057. Salacia Fruticosa Heyne ex Lawson in Hook. f Local name: Korandi Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, also in the sacred groves and plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Western Ghats

058. Salacia reticulate Wight Local name: Ekanayakam Habit: Scandent shrub Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: Grown in House premises near plantations Geographical: south India and Sri Lanka

RHAMNACEAE 059. Zizypus rugosa Lam Local names: Kottamullu, Kottaipazham, Malantutali, Thodali, Juli Habit: Scandent Shrub Habitat: Grass lands and deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar

VITACEAE 060. Cissus discolor Blume Local name: Njerinjampuli Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, IDK, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, TSR Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

ANACARDIACEAE 061. Anacardium occidentale L. Local names: Kashumavu, Parangimavu Habit: Medium tree Habitat: cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to South America; now widely cultivated in Asia and Africa

062. Buchanania axillaris (Desr.) Ramamoorthy in Saldanha & Nicolson Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Evergreen forests Kerala: KTM Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

063. Semecarpus travancorica Bedd. Local name: Avukkaram Habit: Very large tree Habitat: Semi evergreen forests Kerala: KLM KTM PAT TVM TSR PLK IDK Endemic to: southern Western Ghats Status: Rare (Nayar, 1997)

064. Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz Local names: Ambazham, Mampuli Habit: Large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and semi evergreen forests, also in plains Kerala: All distriscts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia MORINGACEAE 065. Moringa pterygosperma Gaerth. Local name: Muringa Habit: Small tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and also cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: cultivated throughout India and many tropical countries

CONNARACEAE 066. Connarus monocarpus L. Local names: Kuriel, puzhukkadikaya Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

067. Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Merr. Local names: Cheriyamarikinni, Kuriel Habit: Woody climber Habitat: Semi evergreen forests, also in sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Malaysia

FABACEAE 068. Abrus precatoris L. Local names: Chuvannakunni, Kakani, Kunni Habit: Twining shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

069. Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. Local name: Nilaorila Habit: herb Habitat: wastelands and plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

070. Butea monosperma (Lam.) taub. in Engl. & Prantl Local names: Chamatha, Plasu Habit: Small tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also grown in plains Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, PLK, KNR, KKD, ALP, MPM, IDK Geographical: tropical Asia

071. Canavalia africana Dunn. Local names: Kattuvalamara, Kattuvettukathipayar Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Along stream banks in the plains and shoal forests Kerala: MPM, KNR, IDK, KLM, KTM Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Africa and Hawaiian Islands

072. Canavalia gladiate (Jacq.) DC Local names: Valaringha, Valpayar Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests Kerala: KSD KLM KTM PLK KKD Geographical: Pantropical

073. Centrosema pubescens Benth. Local name: Kattupayar Habit: Slender climber Habitat: Forest plantations and deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of America; introduced in India

074. Clitoria ternatea L. Local names: Malayamukki, Sankupushpum, Aaral Habit: Climber Habitat: Grown in the gardens, also runs wild Kerala: All districts Geographical: widely cultivated in the tropics, probably native to South America

075. Crotilaria grahamina Wight & Arn Habit: Shrub Habitat: grasslands Kerala: IDK, KTM, TVM Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats Status: Rare (Ahmedullah & Nayar, 1987)

076. Crotalaria juncea L. Local name: Sunhemp Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also grown as green manure in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of India; now spreads to most tropical countries

077. Crotalaria longipes Wight & Arn. Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Wet regions in deciduous forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT Endemic to Southern Western Ghats Status: Rare (Ahmedullah & Nayar, 1987)

078. Crotalaria multiflora Benth. in Hook.’s London .J. Bot.2:478.1843; FBI 2:69.1876; FPM. Habit: Shrub Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: PAT, KTM, PLK Geographical: peninsular India and Sri Lanka

079. Crotalaria nana Burm.f. Habit: Erect herb Habitat: grasslands and waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

080. Crotalaria oallida Dryand.in Ait. Local names: Kilukkanchedi, Kilukilukki Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forest areas, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

081. Crotalaria peduncularis Graham ex Wight & Arn. Habit: subshrub Habitat: moist deciduous forests and savannahs Kerala: KTM, IDK Endemic to southern Western Ghats Status: Critically endangered

082. Crotalaria retusa L. Local names: Kilukilikki, Thanthalakkotti, Chana Habit: Erect herbaceous sub shrub Habitat: All vegetation types, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

083. Crotalaria verrucosa L. Local names: Kiluliluppa Habit: Subshrub Habitat: deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

084. Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. Local names: Eeti, Kariveeti, Veeti Habit: Largr tree Habitat: dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia Status: vulnerable (IUCN, 2000)

085. Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC Local name: Orila Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Japan

086. Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC Local names: Cherupulladi, Nilamparanda, Nilapilladi Habit: Prostrate herb Habitat: Grasslands and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia and Australia

087. Erythrina stricta Roxb. Local names: Mullumurukku, Murikki Venmurukku Habit: Medium Tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT, MPM, TVM, PLK, TSR Geographical: India, China, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam

088. Erythrina variegate L. in Stickman. Local names: Kalyana, Mulmurukku, Murukku Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, widely grown as pepper stand and for fencing Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Africa

089. Flemingia strobilifera (L.) R.Br.ex Ait.f. Local name: Kumalu Habit: Shrub Habitat: Deciduous and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

090. Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. Local name: Seema-konna Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated in fields and along fences Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to South America; Introduced and now widely grown in India

091. Indigofera hirsute L. Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded moist deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

092. Indigofera spicata Forssk. Local name: Cherupulladi Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded forest area, also in the plains Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, KNR, TVM, IDK Geographical: Sri Lanka, India, Africa and Madagascar

093. Indigofera tintoria L. Local names: Amari, Neelayamari Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: widely cultivated

094. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Local names: Chorivalli, Naikurana Habit: Slender climber Habitat: In secondary forests at low altitudes, also in the plains Kerala: KSD, KTM, MPM, PLK, KNR, TSR, KKD, ALP, PAT Geographical: India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

095. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Local names: Ungu, Ponnam, Pungu Habit: small to medium tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also planted as avenue tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

096. Pseudarthria viscid (L.) Wight & Arn. Local name: Moovila Habit: erect subshrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

097. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Local name: Venga Habit: Large tree Habitat: moist ad deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

098. Uraria rufescens (DC.) Schind. Local name: Moovila Habit: Erect Subshrub Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: IDK, KTM, KSD, KLM, KNR, PLK, PAT, TVM, TSR, MPM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

099. Zornia gibbosa Span. Local names: Kozhuppa, Murikutti Habit: Annual herb Habitat: Common in the plainsas wellas degraded forest areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia to Australia and China

CAESALPINIACEAE 100. Bauhinia acuminataL. Local names: Veluthamandaram, Mantharam Habit: shrub Habitat: Cultivated as ornamental plants Kerala: KTM, KLM, TVM, MPM, KKD, ALP Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

101. Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.)Swartz Local names: Chetimandaram, Rajamalli Habit: shrub Habitat: Cultivated as ornamental plant Kerala: All districts Geographical: Probably native in Tropical America; now widely cultivates

102. Cassia fistula L. Local names: Kanikonna, Konna Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, widely planted as ornamental plant Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

103. Chamaecrista mimosoides (L.) Greene Local name: Cheruthakara Habit: Erect herb Habitat: dry and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KKD, KTM, KSD, KLM, MPM, PAT, TVM, TSR, IDK, PLK Geographical: paleotropics

104. Delonix regia (Boj.ex Hook.) Rafin. Local names: Alasippoomaram, Poomaram, Gulmohar Habit: Tree Habitat: Planted as ornamental tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to Madagascar; now cultivated throughout the tropics

105. Saraa asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde Local name: Ashokam Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: evergreen forests, also grown as ornamental tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Madagascar Status: vulnerable (IUCN, 2000)

106. Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Local names: Thakara, Oolanthakara Habit: Shrub Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to South America

MIMOSACEAE 107. Acacia caecia (L.f.) Wild. Local names: Incha, Palinja, Velutha-incha Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: evergreen and semi evergreen foests Kerala: KSD, KTM, PAT, TVM, PLK, KLM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

108. Albizia lebbeck (L.) Willd. Local names: Vakka, Karivakka Habit: Large tree Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia and South China

109. Mimosa diplotricha C. Wight & Sanvalle Local name: Aanathottavadi Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Weed in degrades forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: native to tropical America; introduced to India

110. Mimosa pudica L. Local names: Theendamani, thottavadi Habit: herb Habitat: Weed in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: native to South America’ Now Pantropical

111. Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) taub. Local names: Irul, Irulpool, Irulmullu, Kadamaram, Pangal Habit: large tree Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

BRYOPHYLLACEAE 112. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) pers. Local names: Elachedi, Elamurunga, Ilamulachi, kalliyilachedi Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Rocky areas in moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KTM, IDK, KLM, KSD PAT MPM KNR TVM KKD ALP Geographical: Originally from Tropical Africa; now Pantropical

COMBRETACEAE 113. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Local names: Thanni, tusham, myrobalan Habit: Large tree Habitat: semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

114. Terminalia cuneata Roth Local names: Attumaruthu, Kulamaruthu, Neermaruthu, Puzhamatthi, Vellamatthi Habit: Large tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests Kerala: KSD, IDK, KTM, PLK, KNR Geographical: Sri Lanka & India

115. Terminalia paniculata Roth Local names: Maruthu, Pullamaruthu, Munjamaruthu Habit: large tree Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KKD, KTM, KSD, KNR, KLM, MPM, PLK, PAT, TVM, TSR Geographical: Peninsular India

MYRTACEAE 116. Pimenta dioica (L.) merr. Local names: All spice, Sarvasugandhi Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KTM, WND, IDK, KNR, TSR Geographical: Native of North America

117. Psidium gujava L. Local names: Koyya, Perakka Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Originally from tropical America; now naturalized in the tropics

118. Syzygium aqueum (Burm.f) Alston Local name: Champa Habit: Tree Habitat: cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Molucanna Islands (Indonesia)

119. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Local names: Njara, Njaval Habit: Large tree Habitat: Evergreen forests, also in the plans Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

LECYTHIDACEAE 120. Careya arborea Roxb. Local names: Aalam, Alasoo, Pezhu Habit: Small tree Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

MELASTOMATACEAE 121. Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forest areas Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, TVM, PLK, KLM Geographical: Native of South America; Naturalised in Paleotropics

122. Melastoma malabathricum L. Local names: Athirani, Kadali, kalampotti, Thodukkara Habit: Shrub Habitat: Stream banks and marshy areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: South East Asia

123. Memecylon umbellatum Burm.f. Local names: Aanakombi, Anjanamaram, kanali, Kayampoomaram, Kasavu Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen, Shola and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

124. Osbeckia aspera (L.) Blume Local name: Athiranipoovu Habit: Erect Shrub Habitat: Evergreen forests and grass lands, also in the plains Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, PLK, TVM, TSR, WND, ALP, IDK Geographical: South India and Sri Lanka

LYTHRACEAE 125. Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. Local names: Manimaruthu, Poomaruthu Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, mostly along banks of streams; also planted as avenue tree Kerala: all districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

126. Lagerstroemia microcarpa Wight Local names: Vellilavu, Venthekku Habit: Large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Western Ghats

PASSIFLORACEAE 127. Passiflora edulis Sims in Curtis Local name: Passion-fruit Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: Cultivated, sometimes running wild Kerala: All distribution Geographical: originally from America; introduced in India

CARICACEAE 128. Carica papaya L. Local names: Pappaya, Karmmathi, Karmmus, Pappali Habit: Giant herb Habitat: Cultivated for edible fruits Kerala: Al districts Geographical: Native of Tropical America; cultivated in the tropics and subtropics

BEGONIACEAE 129. Begonia malabarica Lam. Local names: Janaamkolli, Kayyalapulli Habit: Perennial Herb Habitat: Semi evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, IDK, TVM, TSR, KKD Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

APIACEAE 130. Centella asiatica (L.) urban in Mart. Local names: Kodangal, Kudakan, Mutthil Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Decidious forests, also in wet places in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia and Africa

RUBIACEAE 131. Canthium coromandelicum (Burm.f.) Alston in Trimen Local names: kandakara, karamullu, Kattaramullu Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist and deciduous forests, also in the sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: indo-Malaysia

132. Chassalia carviflora (wall.ex Kurz) Thw.var. ophioxyloides (Wall.) Deb & Krishna Local names: Yamari, Vellakurinji Habit: Shrub Habitat: Common in all types of forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

133. Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsd. Local names: Manjakadambu, Malamkadambu Habit: Large tree Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KTM, KSD, KLM, IDK, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, TVM, TSR Geographical: India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Indo-China

134. Hedyotis auricularia L. Local name: Erachiketti Habit: Herb Habitat: degraded forests and in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

135. Hedyotis diffusa Willd. Habit: Herb Habitat: In the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: indo-malaysia, Philippines and America

136. Hymenodictyon orixense (Roxb.) Mabb. Local names: Chakkathekku, Itthil, Perumtholi Habit: Large tree Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

137. Ixora coccinea L. Local names: Chethi, Thechi, thetti Habit: Shrub Habitat: In the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

138. Ixora leucantha Heyne ex G. Don Habit: Shrub Habitat: In the plains Kerala: KTM PAT MPM Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats

139. Mitragyna tubulosa (Arn.) hav. Local names: Malamthumba, Naikadambu Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, PAT, PLK, TVM, KLM, MPM, KKD, TSR Endemic to: Peninsular India

140. Ophiorrhiza mungos L. Local names: Avilpori, chembajarinjil, Pera-aratha Habit: Herb Habitat: Semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: KSD, ALP, KTM, KLM, IDK, TVM, PLK, TSR, PAT Geographical: India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

141. Pavetta indica L. Local names: Kamatta, Nochi, Pavetta Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Banks of rivers and rocky laterite slopes Kerala: KSD, KTM, MPM, PLK, KKD, ALP, KLM, PAT Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

142. Richardia scabra L. Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded forest areas, also in the plains Kerala: IDK, KTM, MPM, KNR, TSR, ALP, WND Geographical: Native to tropical America; introduced in Africa and Asia

143. Spermacoce articularis L.f Local names: Kudalchurukki, natthachuri, tharthavel Habit: Herb Habitat: Grasslands and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia and Africa

ASTERACEAE 144. Acanthospermum hispidum DC. Local name: Kattunjerinjil Habit: herb Habitat: A weed of fallow lands, degraded forests, etc. Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

145. Ageratum conyzoides L. Local names: Appa, Kattappa, Kumminnippacha, Murianpacha Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Weed in fallo fields Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

146. Blumea belangeriana DC. Local name: Venepacha Habit: herb Habitat: Shady places along stream beds and forest margins Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

147. Chromolaena odorata (L.) King  & Robins. Local name: Communistpacha Habit: Shrub Habitat: A weed in all terrestrial habitas Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of America; Naturalized in Tropical Asia

148. Eclipta prostrate (L.) L. Local names: kaithonni, Kanjunni, Kayyunni Habit: Herb Habitat: Paddy fields and moist localities Kerala: All districts Geographical: pantropical

149. Elephantopus scaber l. Local names: Aanachuvadi, Aanayadiyan, koonjilikka Habit: Herb Habitat: moist decidupus forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

150. Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. in Wight Local names: Muyalcheviyan, Orichozhian Habit: postrate herb Habitat: dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia

151. Pentanema indicum (L.) Ling Local name: Kammalchedi Habit: herb Habitat: degraded forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, China, Thailand and West Africa

152. Spilanthes ciliate HBK Local names: Kuppamaniyan, Pallu-Vedana-Chedi Habit: Herb Habitat: Wet or marshy areas Distribution Kerala: PAT, KTM, MPM, TSR, ALP Geographical: Neotropics of the world; now naturalized in Western Peninsular India 153. Spilanthes paniculata Wall.ex DC. Local name: Kuppamanjal Habit: Herb Habitat: degraded forests and fallow lands Kerala: KSD, KLM, KTM, PAT, TSR, IDK, KKD, MPM, TVM, PLK Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, America and New Guinea

154. Tridax procumbens L. Local names: Kumminnipacha, Odiyancheera, muriyampachila Habit: Herb Habitat: deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Tropical America; now widespread throughout tropics and subtropics

155. Vernonia cinerea (L.) less. Local names: Poovamkurunthala, Puvankurunal Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: pantropics

156. Wedelia trilobata (L.) A. S. hitchc. Habit: Herb Habitat: Introduced as a garden plant, now runs wild Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of tropical America

CAMPANULACEAE 157. Lobelia alsinoides Lam. Local name: Kakkapoovu Habit: Annual Herb Habitat: Wet areas in grass lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

MYRSINACEAE 158. Maesa indica (Roxb.) DC. Local name: Kireethi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: evergreen, moist deciduous and shoal forests and grass lands Kerala: KLM, TSR, PAT, MPM, KTM, PLK, KNR, TVM, KKD, IDK Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Pakistan

SAPOTACEAE 169. Chrysophyllum cainito L. Local name: Star apple Habit: tree Habitat: cultivated, also runs wild Kerala: KSD, KTM, MPM, KKD, TSR, ALP Geographical: Native of West Indies

160. Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen Local names: Chikku, Sappota Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of South America; widely cultivated in the tropics

161. Mimusops elengi L. Local names: Bakulam, Elangi, Mukura Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, also grown is homesteads Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

OLEACEAE 162. Jasminum multiflorum (Burm.f.) Andr. Local names: Kasthurimulla, kudamulla, kurukkuthimulla Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

163. Olea dioica Roxb. Local names: Edala, Vayala, Palarana Habit: Small to mediu tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India

APOCYNACEAE 164. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Local names:Ezhilamppala, Mangalappala, Pala, Yekshippala Habit: Large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forest and sacred groves, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and South East Asia to Australia

165. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. Local names: Savanari, Aadam-howa-chedi, Nithyakallyani, Savakottappacha Habit: Perennial herb Habitat: Grown as ornamental plant; also naturalized Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Madagascar; now naturalized in the tropics

166. Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R. Br. in Ait.f. Local names: Palvalli, Parvalli Habit: Climber Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Australia

167. Rauvolfia serpentine (L.) Benth. ex Kurz Local names: Amalpori, Sarpagandhi, Vanduvazha Habit: Herb Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and South East Asia

168. Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall.in Edward’s Bot. Local names: kundalappala, Kunninpala, Kuruttupala, koonam pala Habit: Small tree Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in sacred groves Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats Status: Lower risk: near threatened (IUCN, 2000)

169. Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. Local names: Danthapala, Thondapala, thinnambala Habit: Small tree Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Myanmar and Timor

ASCLEPIADACEAE 170. Asclepias curassavica L. Local name: Kammalchedi Habit: Perennial herb Habitat: Degraded forests and Wastelands in moist localities Kerala: All districts Geographical: originally from tropical America; now naturalized throughout the tropics

171. Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult.in roem. & Schult. Local names: Chakkarakolli, madhunaasini Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: moist and dry decidupus forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

172. Holostemma ada-kodien Schult. In Roem & Schult Local names: Adakkodien, Adapathiyan, Thinnambala Habit: Climbing herb Habitat: Scrub jungles, deciduous forests and in the plains Kerala: KTM, KLM, TVM, KKD, PLK, TSR, MPM, IDK Geographical: South Asia

173. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br.in Ait.f. Local names: Nannari, Naruneedi, sarsaparilla Habit: Shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri.Lanka

LOGANIACEAE 174. Strychnos nux-vomicaL. Local names: Kangnalam, Kanjiram Habit: Mediun tree Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

CONVOLVULACEAE 175. Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) bojer Local names: marikkunni, Samudrappacha Habit: Shrub Habitat: Common in plains, often grown as live fence Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Mauritius

176. Cuscuta reflexa roxb. Local names: Akasagarudakodi, Akasavalli, moodillathali Habit: Climber Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, ALP, KLM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

177. Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. Local names: Krishnakranthi, Sivakranthi, Vishnukranthi Habit: Diffuse herb Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

178. Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet Local name: Kolambipoo Habit: Twiner Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

179. Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) g. don Habit: Herb Habitat: Waste lands Kerala: KTM Geographical: Mexico through Central and South America

180. Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. Local names: pulichuvadi, pulichuvatu, naripadam Habit: twiner Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KKD, KTM, MPM, PLK, KLM, KNR, PAT, TVM, TSR, IDK Geographical: Pantropical

181. Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hall.f.in engl Local names: manja-kolambi Habit: Aggressive climber Habitat: Degraded forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-China and China

182. Merremia umbellate (L.) hall.f.in Engl Local names: Kolavaravalli, Vayara Habit: Prostrate or twining herb Habitat: All types of forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

SOLANACEAE 183. Capsicum frutescens L. Local name: Kantharimulaku Habit: herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical America; widely cultivated

184. Datura metel L.	315 Local names: Karucoomatha, ummam, ummathu Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded dry and deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropical

185. Solanum americanum Mill. Local names: Manathakalli, Karimthakalli, Tudavalam Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded moist deciduous forest areas and river sides, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cosmopolitian

186. Solanum capsicoides All. Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forests and waste areas Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT, ALP Geographical: Indigenous to Malaysia; now naturalized in other parts of the tropics

187. Solanum torvum Sw. Local names: Anachunda, Kattuchunta, Parachunda Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forest areas and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Throughout the tropics

188. Solanum violaceum Ortega Local names: Cheruchunda, Cheruvazhuthina, Puthirichunda, Chunda Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Evergreen, Semievergreen and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

SCROPHULARIACEAE 189. Adenosma indianum (Lour.) Merr. Local name: Kasithumba Habit: erect herb Habitat: Grasslands, deciduous and semi evergreen forests Kerala: TVM, KTM, KLM, ALP, PAT, KKD, MPM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

190. Bocopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Local names: Bhrammi, Neerbrahmi Habit: Herb Habitat: Semi aquatic Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

191. Scoparia dulcis L. Local names: Kallurukki, Karakkanjavu, Meenanganni Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of tropical America, Now pantropical

192. Striga asiatica (L.) O. Ktze. Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Grassy areas in deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South East Asia and Africa

193. Torenia bicolor Dalz.in Hook’s J. Bot. Knew Gard Local name: Kakkapoovu Habit: Harb Habitat: Marshy areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: Western Ghats

OROBANCHACEAE 194. Aeginetia indica L. Local name: Keripu Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, TSR, TVM, WND, KLM Geographical: Indo-malaysia and japan

BIGNONIACEAE 195. Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth.ex Kurz Local names: Palakapayyani, Payyazhantha, Valpathiri, Aralu Habit: Small to medium tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South India and Sri Lanka

PEDALIACEAE 196. Pedalium murex L. Local names: Aananjerinjil, Kakkamullu, Anayiruthi mullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Africa, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan

ACANTHACEAE 197. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall.ex Nees in Wall. Local names: Kiriyathu, Nilavepu Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Scrub jungles, also in the plains Kerala: KKD, KTM, MPM, TVM, IDK, AL, P KLM, KNR, PLK Geographical: peninsular India and Sri Lanka

198. Ecbolium viride (Forssk) Alston in Trimen Local names: Koranda, Neelakarinkurunji, Odiyamadantha Habit: Undershrub Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: IDK, KTM, KLM, PLK, PAT, KSD, ALP Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Africa

199. Hygrophila schulli (Buch.-Ham) M.R. & S.M. Almedia Local names: Neermulli, Vayalchulli Habit: herb Habitat: Moist localities Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Myanmar and Indo-China

200. Justicia diffusa Willd. Local name: Cherupulladi Habit: Herb Habitat: evergreen forests Kerala: TVM, KTM, PAT, KLM, PLK Geographical: South and South East Asia

201. Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. Local name: Vathamkolli Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Distribution Kerala: KKD, KTM, TVM, KLM, PLK, MPM, TSR, IDK, KSD Geographical: Tropical Africa and Asia

202. Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz Local name: Nagamulla Habit: Herb Habitat: Wet areas in moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Java and Madagascar

203. Strobilanthes ciliates Nees in Wall. Local names: Karimkurinji, Kurinji Habit: Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, TSR, MPM, IDK, PLK, KNR Endemic to: Peninsular India

204. Thunbergia grandiflora (Roxb.ex.Rottl.) Roxb. Habit: Climber Habitat: In the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Myanmar, China and Singapora

VERBENACEAE 205. Clerodendrum paniculatum L. Local names: Arumasachedi, Krishnakireedam, Hanumankireedam Habit: Shrub Habitat: Grown as ornamental plant; now getting naturalized Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indi-Malaysia

206. Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon Local name: Cheruthekku Habit: Shrub Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

207. Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. Local names: Perivelam, vattapparuvalam, Peruku Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: degraded forest areas and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

208. Gmelina arborea Roxb. Local names: Kumizhu, Kumbil Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

209. Lantana camara L. var .aculeata (L.) Moldenke Local names: Arippoochedi, Eedamakki, konda, Poochedi, Kongini Habit: Shrub Habitat: Introduced as ornamental plant; now naturalized as a weed Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of Tropical America, widely naturalized in the tropics and subtropics

210. Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Local names: Kattuthippali, Neerthippali Habit: Creeping herb Habitat: Costal areas, stream sides, paddy fields Kerala: KTM, KSD, PLK, TVM, KLM, MPM, KKD, ALP Geographical: tropics and subtropics

211. Tectona grandis L.f. Local name: thekku Habit: large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests also raised in the plantations Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and South East Asia

LAMIACEAE 212. Anisomeles indica (L.) O. Ktze Local names: Chedayan, KArinthumba Habit: Herb Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests and waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

213. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded moist and dry deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Originally from America; now Pantropical

214. Leucas aspera (Willd.) Spreng. Local names: Thumba, Cheruthumba Habit: Herb Habitat: Decidupus forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

215. Ocimum tenuiiflorum L. Local names: Krishna-thulasi, thulasi Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Grown as sacred plant, elsewhere as a escape Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropic

NYCTAGINACEAE 216. Boerhavia diffusa L. Local names: Thavizhama, Thazhuthama Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

AMARANTHACEAE 217. Achyranthes aspera L. Local name: Kadaladi Habit: Herb Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and forest plantations, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: pantropical

218. Aerva lanata (L.) Juss.ex.Schult. Local names: Cherula, Cherupula Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Widespread in the tropics and subtropics

219. Allmania nodiflora (L.) R. Br.ex Wight in Hook. Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and wasrelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Asia

220. Alternanthera tellata Moq.in DC. Habit: Herb Habitat: plantations and wastelands Kerala: KTM, MPM, WRN, ALP, PLK, PAT Geographical: tropics and subtropics

221. Amaranthus spinosus L. Local name: Mullancheera Habit: Erect herb Habitat: fallow lands and waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Originally from America; now found throughout the warmer regions of the world

222. Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume Local names: Chuvannakadaladi, Cherukadaladi Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

223. Gomphrena serrata L. Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded deciduous forests and scrub jungles Kerala: IDK, KTM, KNR Geographical: Native of South America

PHYTOLACACEAE 224. Rivinia humilis L. Habit: Annual herb Habitat: Along roadsides and waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native in Tropical America; Naturalized in Indo-Malaysia

ARISTOLOCHIACEAE 225. Thottea siliquosa (Lam.) Ding Hou Local names: Alpam, Kuttivayana Habit: Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, IDK, PAT, MPM, KTM, PLK, KNR, TVM, KSD, TSR Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

PIPERACEAE 226. Lepianthes umbellate (L.) rafin. Local name: Attanari Habit: Shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, IDK, PAT, MPM, KTM, KLM, PLK, KNR, TVM, TSR Geographical: Paleotropics

227. Peperomia pellucid (L.) Kunth Local names: Mashipacha, Maka-pacha, Kannadipacha Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Degraded forests areas and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Tropical America; now Pantropical

228. Piper argyrophyllum Miq. Habit: climbing shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, IDK, PAT, TSR, PLK Geographical: Sri Lanka and Western Ghats

229. Piper betle L. Local names: Kodinjal, Vettilakkodi Habit: Climber Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: TSR, IDK, KTM, PAT, MPM Geographical: India and Malaysia

230. Piper longum L. Local names: Kattuthippali, Maghadi, Pippili, Thippali Habit: Scandent shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen, evergreen and moist deciduous and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

231. Piper nigrum L. Local names: Kurumulaku, Pepper Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, also cultivates Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, cultivated elsewhere

232. Piper trioicum Roxb. Local name: Kattumulaku Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Evaegreen forests Kerala: KTM, TSR, PLK, TVM, KLM, KNR, KSD Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

LAURACEAE 233. Cinnamomum verum Presl Local names:Ilavargam, Karukapatta, Karuva, Vayana Habit: Small tree Habitat: Evergreen and riparian forests, also cultivated Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, MPM, KNR, TVM, IDK, KKD, ALP Geographical: South West India and Sri Lanka

234. Litsea coriacea (Heyne ex Meisner) Hook.f. Local names: Maravettithali, Pannithali, Vettithali Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen forests and sacred groves Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Peninsular India

PROTEACEAE 235. Grevillea robusta Local name: Silver oak Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Grown as a shade tree in homesteads Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of East Australia; now common in tropics and subtropics

LORANTHACEAE 236. Dendrophthoe falcate (L.f.) Etting. Local names: Itthikkanni, Itthil, Pullunni Habit: Parasitic subshrub Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia to Australia

237. Helicanthes elastic (Desr.) danser Local names: Mavu Iththill Habit: Parasitic subshrub Habitat: Evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Peninsular India

SANTALACEAE 238. Santalum album L. Local names: Chandanam, Sandal Habit: Small tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also grown in the homesteads Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Malaysia Status: Vulnerable (IUCN, 2000)

EUPHORBIACEAE 239. Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: IDK, KTM, PLK, KNR, MPM, KKD, ALP Geographical: Paleotropics

240. Aporosa lindleyana (Wight) Baill. Local names: Aechil, Ponvetti, Vetti Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districrs Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

241. Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell.-Arg.in DC.Baliospermum polyandrum Wight Local names: Danthi, Nagadanthi Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

242. Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston Local names: Ekdania, Mulluvenga, Mulkayini Habit: Shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All distrricts Geographical: Sri Lanka to Indo-China

243. Euphorbia hirta L. Local names: Kuzhinagapala, Nelapalai Habit: Erect Herb Habitat: Degraded forest areas and forest plantations, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of tropical America; now pantropical

244. Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.ex Klotzsch.in Otto & Diert. Habit: Shrub Habitat: Grown in Gardens Kerala: All districts Geographical: native in Mexico and Central America, frequently cultivated in tropical gardens

245. Flueggea virosa (Roxb.ex Willd.) Baill. Local name: Perimklavu Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Africa, Asia and Australia

246. Hevea braziliensis (Willd.ex A.Juss.) Muell.- Arg. Local name: Rubber Habit: tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All ditricts Geographical: Native of Brazil; introduced in the tropics elsewhere

247. Manihot esculenta Crantz. Local names: Maracheeni, Kollikizhangu, Poola, kappa Habit: Shrub Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of Brazil; now common throughout the tropics

248. Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels Local names: Arinelli, Nakshatranelli, Seemanelli Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Probably native of Brazil

249. Phyllanthus airy-shawii Brunel & Roux Local name: Keezharnelli Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded moist deciduous forests and forest plantations, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

250. Phyllanthus emblica L. Local names: Nelli, Gooseberry Habit: Small to medium tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also cultivated in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: throughout the tropics

251. Ricinus communis L. Local names: Aavanakku, Chittavanakku, Erandam Habit: Shrub Habitat: Cultivated also runs wild Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Tropical Africa; now cultivated throughout the tropics

252. Tragia involucrate L. Local names: Choriyanam, Kodithoova, Kodithumba Habit: Herb Habitat: Open areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

URTICACEAE 253. Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis Local names: Chenthotti, Aanachoriyanam Habit: Herb Habitat: evergreen, semi evergreen, Moist deciduous and shols forests, also in waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

MORACEAE 254. Artocarpus heterophyllus lam. Local names: Pilavu, Plavu Habit: Large tree Habitat: evergreen and semi evergreen forests, also widely cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Widely cultivated in the tropics, origin is probably South India

255. Artocarpus hirsutus lam. Local names: Anjili, Ayani Habit: Large tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist decidupus forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats

256. Artocarpus incise L.f. Local names: Kadachakka, kadapilavu, Seemaplavu Habit: Tree Habitat: cultivated for edible fruits Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of New Guinea

257. Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. Local names: Amakanniyan, Kallal, Kallarayal Habit: Small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KSD, KLM, TSR, KTM, TVM, PAT, IDK, PLK, KNR Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

258. Ficus benghalensis L. Local names: Alamaram, Peraal, Vadavriksham Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indian subcontinent; widely grown as avenue tree

259. Ficus callosa Willd. Local names Kadaplavu: Habit: Large tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KSD, KLM, IDK, PAT, PLK, KKD, TVM, KTM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

ORCHIDACEAE 260. Pholidota imbricata Hook. Local names: Pannamaravazha Habit: Epiphytic as well as lithophytic herb Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests and sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

261. Vanilla planifolia Andr. Local name: Vanila Habit: Climber Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of South East Mexico and Central America, widely cultivated in other tropical countries

ZINGIBERACEAE 262. Costus pictus D. Don ex Lindl. Local names: Insulin plant Habit: Herb Habitat: Grown as a medicinal plant and now getting naturalized Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Mexico, introduced and cultivated elsewhere

263. Costus speciosus (Koenig) L.E. Smith Local names: Channakoova, Malavayambu, Narumchanna, Channa Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

264. Cucuma amada Roxb. Local name: Manga inchi Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: semi evergreen forests and also cultivated Kerala: KTM, MPM, PLK, KNR, KKD, WND Geographical: India

265. Cucuma aromatic Salisb. Local names: Kasthurimanjal, Kattumanjal Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Cultivated as well as growing wild in degraded forests and plantations Kerala: WND, TSR, PAT, PLK, KSD, KLM, IDK, TVM, KKD, KTM Geographical: India, Sri Lanka and China

266. Curcuma longa L. Local names: Manjal, Turmeric Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated throughout the tropics

267. Curcuma neilgherrensis Wight Local name: Koova Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Grasslands Kerala: MPM, PLK, KTM, KNR, WND, TVM Endemic to: Western Ghats

268. Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Local names: Elam, Cardamom Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT, PLK, TSR, KNR, TVM, MPM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

269. Kaempferia galangal L. Local names: Kacholam, Kachoori Habit: Cultivated Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KTM, TSR, MPM, KKD, TVM Geographical: Paleotropics

270. Zingiber officinale Rosc. Local names: Andrakam, Inchi, Ginger Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Widely cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated in tropical countries

MARANTACEAE 271. Maranta arundinacea L. Local names: Koova, Arrowroot Habit: Perennial herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KSD, KTM, TVM, MPM, KKD Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

MUSACEAE 272. Musa paradisiaca L. Local names: Kadalivazha, Shethrakadali Habit: Herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated throughout the tropics

BROMELIACEAE 273. Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Local names: Anassappazham, Pineapple, Kaithachakka, Prithichakka Habit: Herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical America, Widely Cultivated in the pantropics

DIOSCORIACEAE 274. Dioscorea alata L. Local names: Kaachil, Kaavuth Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Cultivated, also naturalised Kerala: KLM, KTM, MPM, ALP, WND Geographical: India

275. Dioscorea oppositifolia L. Local names: Kachil, Kanji, Narankizhangu, Kanjira kizhangu, Kavala Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Semi-Evergreen and evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, PAT, KLM, MPM, PLK, KNR, IDK, TSR, TVM, WND Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

SMILACACEAE 276. Smilax zeylanica L. Local names: Kareelanchi, Valiyakanni Habit: Climber Habitat: Mosit deciduous and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

AMARYLLIDACEAE 277. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Local names: Nilappana Habit: herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and grasslands, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

HYPOXIDACEAE 278. Hypoxix aurea Lour. Habit: herb Habitat: Evergreen forests and grasslands Kerala: IDK, KTM, TSR, PLK Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

LILIACEAE 279. Aloe vera (L.) Burm .f. Local name: Kattarvazha Habit: Herb Habitat: Rocky areas, Cultivated Kerala: KLM, KTM, IDK, KKD Geographical: Mediterranean Canary Islands; naturalized in Florida, West Indies, Central America and Asia

280. Protasparagus racemosus (Willd.) Oberm Local names: Sathaveri, Ssathavari Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: All forest types, also in the plains Kerala: All dkistricts Geographical: Paleotropics

COMMELINACEAE 281. Commelina diffusa Burm.f. Habit: Herb Habitat: Wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

ARECACEAE 282. Areca catechu l. Local names: Adakka, kavungu, Pakku Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated from India to the Solomon Islands and less commonly in Africa and Tropical America

283. Borassus flabellifer L. Local names: Karimpana, Palmrapalm Habit: Tree Habitat: In dry areas and along bunds in paddy fields Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of Africa; Introduced and cultivated in Indo-Malaysia and Australia

284. Caryota urens L. Local names: Aanapana, Choondappana, Olattipana, Irampanei, Fish-tail palm Habit: Tree Habitat: Evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

285. Corypha umbraculifera L. Local names: Kodappana, Talippana, Talipot palm Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: TSR, TVM, MPM, KKD, KTM, KLM, PLK Geographical: Widely Cultivated in Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

286. Elaeis guinensis Local names: Ennappana, Oil palm Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: West and Central Africa

ARACEAE 287. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicols. var. campanulatus (Decne) Sivad. Local name: Chena Habit: Tuberous herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia

CYPERACEAE 288. Scleria lithosperma (L.) Sw. Local name: Nakkupullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded forests and hill slopes, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

POACEAE 289. Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) makino Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and grasslands Kerala: KSD, KTM, PLK, IDK, PAT, TVM, WND, KKD Geographical: India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar

290. Centotheca lappacea (L.) Desv. Habit: herb Habitat: Semi evergreen and deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Asia and Africa

291. Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin. Local name: Snehapullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia and Australia

292. Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) Wats. in Atkins. Local names: Chukkunari pullu, Malabar grass, Inchi pullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and grasslands, also in the plains, cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and South East Asia

293. Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss in Vilmorin Local names: Karmmaram, Mula, Kaniyaram, Pattil, Illi Habit: Shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests, also grown in homesteads Kerala: All dostricts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

294. Brachiaria ramose (L.) Stapf in Prain Habit: Herb Habitat: Grasslands and moist deciduous forests, roadsides and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Africa and Tropical Asia

295. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Local names: Karuka, Karukapullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Along banks of backwaters, bunds of paddy fields and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tripical and warm temperate regions of the world

296. Cyrtococcum muricatum (Retz.) Bor Habit: Herb Habitat: Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropics

297. Cyrtococcum patens (L.) A. Camus Habit: Herb Habitat: moist deciduous forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

298. Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, grasslands and in open places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

299. Dimeria ornithopoda Trin. Habit: Herb Habitat: Grasslands, rocky hills and road cuttings Kerala: All districts Endemic to: South India

300. Eleusine Indica (L.) Gaertn. Habit: Herb Habitat: Open plain areas, roadsides and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

301. Garnotia tenella (Arn.ex Miq) Janowsky Habit: Herb Habitat: Wet rocky areas in grasslands, open plaves and forests Kerala: KSD, KLM, IDK, KTM, PAT, MPM, PLK, TSR, TVM, KNR Geographical: South East Asia and India

302. Ochlandra scriptoria (Dennst.) Fischer in Gamble Local names: Eera, Kolanchi, Oodal Habit: Shrub Habitat: Riverbanks and stream sides Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, IDK, KKD, TSR, PLK, KNR, TVM, ERN Endemic to Southern Western Ghats (Kerala)

303. Ochlandra travancorica (Bedd.) Benth. ex Gamble Habit: Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, PLK, IDK, MPM, TSR, KNR, TVM Endemic to: Western Ghats

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION There are 303 species of plants collected and identified from the rubber plantations. They belong to 99 species of trees, 86 species of shrubs, 103 herbs and 15 climbers. There are 259 species of dicotyledons and 44 species of monocotyledons. There are 14 species of grasses, 44 species of legumes and two orchids. Seventeen species of plants are recognized as endemic to Peninsular India. Three species namely Semecarpus travancorica Bedd., Crotilaria grahamina Wight & Arn. and Crotalaria longipes Wight & Arn. are rare (Nayar, 1997). REFERENCES Ahmedullah, M. & M.P. Nayar. 1987. Endemic Plants of the Indian Region. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta Hooker, J.D. 1872-1897. The Flora of British India, Vol. I-VII. Reeve & Co., London. Nayar, M.P. 1980. Endemic Flora of Peninsular India and their significance. Bull. Bot. Surv. Nayar, M.P. & A.R.K. Sastry. 1987, 1988, 1990. Red Data Book of Indian Plants, Vols. I-III. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta. Nayar, M.P. 1997. Biodiversity challenges in Kerala and Science of conservation Biology. In: P. Pushpangadan & K. S. S. Nair (Eds.), Biodiversity of Tropical Forests the Kerala  Scenario. STEC, Kerala, Trivandrum. India 22: 12-13. Nayar, M.P. 1996. Hot Spots of Endemic Plants of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Trivandrum.

Abychan (talk) 03:27, 16 July 2010 (UTC)

Flowering Plant Diversity of Selected Rubber Plantations of Meenachil Taluk, Kerala, India
Submitted to Mahatma Gandhi University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement of the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Botany

By Abychan Kokkattu Alex

PG AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

ST. THOMAS COLLEGE, PALA

2010

INTRODUCTION

Since the plantation era of eighteenth century the landuse became a threat to the pristine biodiversity of Kerala state. The conversion of large areas of pristine forests to single species plantations very especially cash crops had resulted the unrepairable loss of biodiversity of this God’s own land. Actually the loss of biodiversity of any area cannot be equaled to the gain by the utilization of the land for various non forest purposes. The direct and indirect values of our biodiversity is not yet fully documented or estimated. It is incomparable to any gain that men have got by the use of this land. The turn of our agriculture from food crop like paddy, tapioca and other tuber crops to various cash crops like rubber again degraded the area regarding the plant diversity. Rubber plantation, the leading cash crops of the state of Kerala or the economic backbone of central Kerala have changed the concept of the people of this land of Latex to a level of earning money from the land by cultivating anything that grows here. It also urged the people to use any method of agriculture to get the benefit in a shorter time. The support of the Rubber Board at the beginning stages of the rapid expansion of rubber plantations of Kerala to clear off any other plants especially trees from newly started rubber plantations and from replanting areas have increased the loss of plant diversity from the rubber plantations. Rubber trees are deciduous that shed their leaves together in summer seasons. It eventually resulted in the naked appearance of the plantations in the summer season where rubber trees are left without leaves. Recently the rubber board and RRII are in search of any shade giving shrubs that bear leaves in the season when rubber trees are in defoliated condition. Nearly 50% of the State's population depends upon agriculture. A unique feature of the State is the predominance of cash crops. Kerala is a major producer of coconut, rubber, pepper, cardamom, ginger, cocoa, cashew, areca nut, coffee and tea. Tree spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves etc. are also cultivated. Rice and tapioca are important food crops. Coconut production was 5,167 million nuts in 2000 and 2001 The agriculture sector in the State recorded an average growth rate of 3.6% against the target of 2.5%. A review of the long term performance of the crop sector, over the last decade, shows that the total output from the sector has recorded an average annual growth 2.5%. There was, of course, a large scale shift from high volume low value crops like tapioca and rice to low volume, high value crops like pepper and rubber. During the course of time, rubber became the chief cash crop of Kerala. Climatic and tropographic and eaphic factors help rubber to flourish in the state and high quality of rubber makes Kerala’s rubber popular. If we take an account of rubber plantations of Kerela, we could see the best in Meenachil taluk of the state. Once planted, its needs only minimum nursing and yield is continuous for many years, say a 20 or 30 or even more in some cases. Since no other mechanical activities are involved in the cultivation areas, we could see a variety of vegetations flourishing throughout the plantations. The present study is an attempt to know the magnitude of plant diversity left in the rubber plantations of Meenachil taluk where the early rubber plantations in Central Travancore were raised. It also aimed to identify species of plants especially shrubs which can provide a shade or coverage to the rubber plantations in rainless months. The assessment of the plant diversity regarding the medicinal plants and other crop relatives are also included in this study.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY There are four objectives identified in this study. They are: 1.	Assessment of plant diversity (Flowering plants) in the rubber plantations of Meenachil Taluk 2.	Identification of shade giving shrubs which are of evergreen nature in the summer seasons 3.	Identification of medicinal plants that can be grown in the rubber plantations 4.	Assessment of the weeds and exotic plant diversity in the rubber plantations.

METHODOLOGY Three rubber plantations of Meenachil Taluk were selected for the study. Collection trips were conducted to these plantations in each season. Plant specimens were collected in plastic bags and brought to the laboratory of Department of Botany, St. Thomas College, Pala. They were processed to herbarium specimens and they were identified to the species level. Photographs of some of them were taken and are given in the dissertation report. The plants were categorized to various groups like exotic, endemic, rare, threatened etc with the help of related literatures (Nayar, 1997, Sasidharan, 2005). A thorough analysis of the plants specimens was done and rough selections of plants regarding their leafy appearance in summer months were also done.

RESULTS There are 303 species of plants collected and identified from the rubber plantations. They belong to 99 species of trees, 86 species of shrubs, 103 herbs and 15 climbers. They are given below in the classificatory system of G. Bentham and JD. Hooker (Hooker, 1872-1897) with some modifications. In each species the correct valid scientific name, local names if any, habit and original habitat where this plant is expected (it is since the general habitat of the study arewa is always rubber plantation), its distribution in Kerala state, geographical distribution and the conservation status of the plants are given. The conservation status is as per the previous literatures (Ahmedullah, M. & M.P. Nayar. 1987; Nayar, M.P. 1980; Nayar, M.P. & A.R.K. Sastry. 1987, 1988, 1990; Nayar, M.P. 1996; Nayar, M.P. 1997)

RANUNCULACEAE 001. Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC. Local names: Vathakodi, Thalavedanavalli, Kuruppakodi Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Moist decedious forest, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South East Asia

ANNONACEAE 002. Annona muricata L. Local names: Mullan chakka, mullathi Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All distrits Geographical: Native to Central America and West indies, introduced elsewhere

003. Artabotrys hexapetalus (L. f.) Bhandari Local names: Manoranjini, Madanapoo Habit: Shrub Habitat: grow as garden plant or naturalised Kerala: KLM, PAT, KTM, TVM, ALP Geographical: Indo-Malesia

004. Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f & Thomas.Fl.Ind Local names: Langilangi, Kanangamaram Habit: tree Habitat: Grown as ornamental plant or naturalist Kerala: All districts Geographical: Myanmar to Australia and New-Zealand, through Malaysia

005. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonner. Local names: Aranamaram, Cherunna Habit: Tree Habitat: Grown as ornamental tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to Sri Lanka; introduced to many Tropical countries

MENISPERMACEAE 006. Cissampelos pareria L. var. hirsuta( Ham.ex DC Local names: Malathangi Habit: Herbaceous climber Habitat: deciduous forest, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

007. Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thoms. Local names: Padakizhangu, Padathali, Padavalli Habit: Herbaceous climber Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

008. Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers, Local names: Patakilammu, Patavalli Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: evergreen and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, MPM, KLM, KNR, PLK, TVM, KKD, TSR Geographical: Indo-Malaysia & East Asia

009. Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson, ; Fl. Ind. 187 (1855). Local names: Vallikanjiram Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests Kerala: KLM, ALP, PAT, TVM, KKD, TSR, MPM, KTM Geogrephical: India and Sri Lanka

010. Tinospora cordifolia auct. non (DC). Miers: Hook f. & Thoms. in Hook. f. Local names: Amruthu, Chitamruthu Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and shrub jungles, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh

NYMPHAEACEAE 011. Nymphaea nouchali N.L. Burman. Local names: Ambel, Poothali, Vellambel Habit: Ponds and pools in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

012. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Local names: Aravindam, Chenthamara, Thamara Habit: Herb Habitat: Fresh water ponds and lakes, also grown as ornamental plants Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and East Asia to far Eastern Russia and to Australia

CAPPARIDACEAE 013. Cleome indica (Linn.) Hiern Local name: Kattukaduku Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Marshy areas Kerala: MPM, KTM, PLK, KNR, KKD, TSR, ALP Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Africa

014. Cleome viscosa L. Local names: Aadunarivela, Naivela, Ariyavela, Kattukaduku, Naikaduku, Patti-vela, Vele Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and plantations, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

FLACOURTIACEAE 015. Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch.-Ham.) Oken - FLACOURTIACEAE Local names: Koti, Marotti, Neerutti, Niralam, Thamana Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: endemic to Western Ghats

CARYOPHYLLACEAE 016. Drymaria cordata - (L.) Willd. ex Schult. Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist areas like stream edges in rubber plantation’s low lands, paddy fields, also as a weed in tea plantations Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, MPM, KNR, IDK, TVM, PLK, TSR Geographical: Paleotropics

PORTULACACEAE 017. Portulaca oleracea L. Local names: Kozhuppa, Kozhuppacheera, manalcheera Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Wet areas in degraded forests, Open sunny areas along the borders of rubber plantations, also in plains Distribution Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

CLUSIACEAE 018. Garcinia gummi-gutta (l.) Robs. Local names: Gorakkapuli, Meenpuli, Perumpuli, Pinar, Kodampuli, Kudapuli, Marapuli, Pinampuli Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Evergreen forests, along stream banks, also cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: south India and Sri Lanka

019. Garcinia mangostana L. Local names: Mangosta, Mungustan Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Cultivated, at times near or inside plantation nearby housing areas Kerala: All disrticts Geographical: Native to Malaysia, widely cultivated in tropical Asia

TERNSTROEMIACEAE 020. Camellia sinsensis (L.) O. Ktze. Local names: Chaya, Tea, Theyila Habit: Small tree Habitat: Raised in plantations Distribution Kerala: IDK, KTM, KLM, PAT, PLK, TVM, TSR, WND Geographical: cultivated in subtropical and warm temperate zone of South East Asia

DIPTEROCARPACEAE 021. Vateria Indica L. Local names: Payin, Painimaram, vellappayin, Vellakunthirikkam Habit: Large tree Habitat: Evergreen and semievergreen forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Southern Western Ghats

MALVACEAE 022. Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench Local name: Venda Habit: Herb Habitat: Cultivated as a vegitable Kerala: All districts Geographical: cultivated in most tropical countries including India

023. Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet. Local names: Kattooran, Ooran, Thutthi, Velluram Habit: Shrub Habitat: Rubber plantations, Waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropics and subtropics of the world

024. Sida acuta Burm.f. Local names: Malatanni, Malamkurunthotti, Kurunthotti Habit: Erect shrub Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

025. Sida cordata (Burm.f.) Borss. Local name: Vallikurunthotti Habit: Trailing herb Habitat: All types of habitat from sandy sea coasts to deciduous forests Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

026. Sida cordifolia L. Local names: Anakurumthotti, Kurumthotti, Vellooram Habit: erect hurb Habitat: Common along roadsides, sandy sea coasts and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

027. Sida rhombifolia L. Local names: Kurunthotti Habit: Shrub Habitat: Waste lands and also along degraded plantation and forest areas Kerala: MPM, IDK, KTM, PLK, TVM, KLM Geographical: pantropical

028. Sida rhomboidea Roxb.ex Fleming. Local names: Kurunthotti Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Wastelands Kerala: all districts Geographical: Peninsular India

029. Urena lobata L. Local names: Oorppan, Uthiram, Vattooram Habit: Shrub Habitat: degraded forests and also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

BOMBACACEAE 030. Bombax ceiba L. Local names: Elavu, Ilavu, Mullilavu, Poola Habit: Very large tree Habitat: moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Asia and New Guinea

031. Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Local names: Kapok, Panjimaram, Panji elavu Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Throughout the tropics

STERCULIACEAE 032. Helicteress isora L. Local names: Edampiri-valampiri, Iswarmuni, Kaivum, Kayinaru, Kayivilanaru Habit: Small tree Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in plantations and plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Australia

033. Melochia corchorifolia L. Local name: Chocolate weed Habit: Woody herb Habitat: degraded forest areas and waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

034. Sterculia guttata Local names: Kavalam, Kithondi, Peenari, Potta kavalam, Thondi Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

035. Theobroma cacao L. Local name: Coco Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Widely cultivated in the tropics; Native to tropical America

TELIACEAE 036. Grewia nervosa (Lour.) Panigrahi Local names: Cherillotta, Kottakka Habit: Small tree Habitat: Semi-Evergreen forests, sacred groves and shrub jungles Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

037. Grewia tiliifolia Vahl Local names: Chadachi, Dhanauna-vriksham, Unnam Habit: Medium to large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, in plantations without taping Kerala: PLK, IDK, KSD, PAT, MPM, TVM, WND, ERN, KSD, KNR, TSR, KTM Geographical: Tropical Africa, India to Indo-China

ELAEOCARPACEAE

038. Elaeocarpus glandulosus Wall. ex Merr. Local names: Kara, Kattukara Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi-evergreen, evergreen and shoal forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, KNR, PLK, KLM, TSR, TVM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE

039. Tribulus terrestris L. Local names: Njerinjil, Mulluringi Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: degraded areas in dry deciduous forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, PLK Geographical: Tropical and warm temperate regions of the world

OXALIDACEAE

040. Biophytum reinwardtii (Zucc.) Klotzsch. in Peters Reise Mossamb. Local name: Mukkutti Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and plantations, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

041. Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. Local names: Mukkutti, Theendavadi Habit: herb Habitat: Moist shady places Kerala: KLM, KTM, KNR, PLK, TVM, MPM, KSD, WND Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

042. Averrhoa bilimbi L. Local names: Chemmeenpuli, Irumbanpuli, Keerichakka, Bilimbi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to Malaysia, cultivated in other tropical countries

RUTACEAE 043. Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa Local names: Koovalam, Koolakam, Vilvam Habit: Small tree Habitat: Grown in temple premises and homesteads Kerala: KKD, KTM, PLK, MPM, PAT, TVM, IDK WND, ALP, TSR, KLM, EKM, KNR Geographical: India and Sri Lanka; widely cultivated in South East Asia, Malaysia, tropical Africa and United States

044. Citrus aurantifolia (Christm. & Panz.) Swingle. Local name: Cherunarekam Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: IDK, KTM, PLK Geographical: Native of Malaysia; cultivated in India

045. Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. Local names: Cherunarekam, Ilimbichinarekam, Odichukuthinarekam Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to south East Asia; cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries

046. Glycosmis pentaphylla (retz) DC. Local names: Kurumpannal, Panal, Panchi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malesia

047. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Local names: Kallathudali, Karamullu, Mulakutanni Habit: Climber Habitat: Evergreen and shoal forests, also in scrub jungles Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia and Africa

SIMARUBACEAE 048. Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston in Trimen Local names: Matti, Perumaram, Pongilium Habit: Large tree Habitat: Semievergreen forests, also planted in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Australia

049. Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT Geographical: Asia and Australia

050. Quassia indica (Gaertn.) Nooteb. In Steenis. Local names: Njotta, Karinjotta Habit: small tree Habitat: Along back waters and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KLM, KNR, TSR, KTM, MPM, TVM, KKD, ALP Geographical: India, Myanmar and Srilanka

051. Gomphia serrata (gaertn) Kanis. Local names: Chavakambu, Chavetti, Valermani Habit: Small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen forests, occasionally in moist deciduous forests Kerala: KLM, PAT, KTM, TVM, KKD, ALP, WND Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

MELIACEAE 052. Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Local names: Aariyaveppu, Kaippanveppu, Veppu Habit: Small to medium tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also widely palnted Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

053. Cipadessa baccifera (Roth) miq. Local names: Kaipanarangi, Potti, Pulippanchedi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

054. Naregamia alata Wight & Arn. Local names: Nilanarakam, Nilanarai Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India

055. Swietenia macrophylla King in Hook. Local names: Mahogani, Manthagni Habit: Large tree Habitat: cultivated as avenue tree, also raised in plantations Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Central America

056. Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KTM, KSD, TSR, PLK, TVM, KLM Geographical: Native to West Indies and Central America

HIPPOCRATIACEAE 057. Salacia Fruticosa Heyne ex Lawson in Hook. f Local name: Korandi Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, also in the sacred groves and plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Western Ghats

058. Salacia reticulate Wight Local name: Ekanayakam Habit: Scandent shrub Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: Grown in House premises near plantations Geographical: south India and Sri Lanka

RHAMNACEAE 059. Zizypus rugosa Lam Local names: Kottamullu, Kottaipazham, Malantutali, Thodali, Juli Habit: Scandent Shrub Habitat: Grass lands and deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar

VITACEAE 060. Cissus discolor Blume Local name: Njerinjampuli Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, IDK, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, TSR Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

ANACARDIACEAE 061. Anacardium occidentale L. Local names: Kashumavu, Parangimavu Habit: Medium tree Habitat: cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to South America; now widely cultivated in Asia and Africa

062. Buchanania axillaris (Desr.) Ramamoorthy in Saldanha & Nicolson Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Evergreen forests Kerala: KTM Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

063. Semecarpus travancorica Bedd. Local name: Avukkaram Habit: Very large tree Habitat: Semi evergreen forests Kerala: KLM KTM PAT TVM TSR PLK IDK Endemic to: southern Western Ghats Status: Rare (Nayar, 1997)

064. Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz Local names: Ambazham, Mampuli Habit: Large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and semi evergreen forests, also in plains Kerala: All distriscts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia MORINGACEAE 065. Moringa pterygosperma Gaerth. Local name: Muringa Habit: Small tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and also cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: cultivated throughout India and many tropical countries

CONNARACEAE 066. Connarus monocarpus L. Local names: Kuriel, puzhukkadikaya Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

067. Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Merr. Local names: Cheriyamarikinni, Kuriel Habit: Woody climber Habitat: Semi evergreen forests, also in sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Malaysia

FABACEAE 068. Abrus precatoris L. Local names: Chuvannakunni, Kakani, Kunni Habit: Twining shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

069. Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. Local name: Nilaorila Habit: herb Habitat: wastelands and plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

070. Butea monosperma (Lam.) taub. in Engl. & Prantl Local names: Chamatha, Plasu Habit: Small tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also grown in plains Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, PLK, KNR, KKD, ALP, MPM, IDK Geographical: tropical Asia

071. Canavalia africana Dunn. Local names: Kattuvalamara, Kattuvettukathipayar Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Along stream banks in the plains and shoal forests Kerala: MPM, KNR, IDK, KLM, KTM Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Africa and Hawaiian Islands

072. Canavalia gladiate (Jacq.) DC Local names: Valaringha, Valpayar Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests Kerala: KSD KLM KTM PLK KKD Geographical: Pantropical

073. Centrosema pubescens Benth. Local name: Kattupayar Habit: Slender climber Habitat: Forest plantations and deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of America; introduced in India

074. Clitoria ternatea L. Local names: Malayamukki, Sankupushpum, Aaral Habit: Climber Habitat: Grown in the gardens, also runs wild Kerala: All districts Geographical: widely cultivated in the tropics, probably native to South America

075. Crotilaria grahamina Wight & Arn Habit: Shrub Habitat: grasslands Kerala: IDK, KTM, TVM Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats Status: Rare (Ahmedullah & Nayar, 1987)

076. Crotalaria juncea L. Local name: Sunhemp Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also grown as green manure in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of India; now spreads to most tropical countries

077. Crotalaria longipes Wight & Arn. Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Wet regions in deciduous forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT Endemic to Southern Western Ghats Status: Rare (Ahmedullah & Nayar, 1987)

078. Crotalaria multiflora Benth. in Hook.’s London .J. Bot.2:478.1843; FBI 2:69.1876; FPM. Habit: Shrub Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: PAT, KTM, PLK Geographical: peninsular India and Sri Lanka

079. Crotalaria nana Burm.f. Habit: Erect herb Habitat: grasslands and waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

080. Crotalaria oallida Dryand.in Ait. Local names: Kilukkanchedi, Kilukilukki Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forest areas, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

081. Crotalaria peduncularis Graham ex Wight & Arn. Habit: subshrub Habitat: moist deciduous forests and savannahs Kerala: KTM, IDK Endemic to southern Western Ghats Status: Critically endangered

082. Crotalaria retusa L. Local names: Kilukilikki, Thanthalakkotti, Chana Habit: Erect herbaceous sub shrub Habitat: All vegetation types, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

083. Crotalaria verrucosa L. Local names: Kiluliluppa Habit: Subshrub Habitat: deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

084. Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. Local names: Eeti, Kariveeti, Veeti Habit: Largr tree Habitat: dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia Status: vulnerable (IUCN, 2000)

085. Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC Local name: Orila Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Japan

086. Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC Local names: Cherupulladi, Nilamparanda, Nilapilladi Habit: Prostrate herb Habitat: Grasslands and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia and Australia

087. Erythrina stricta Roxb. Local names: Mullumurukku, Murikki Venmurukku Habit: Medium Tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT, MPM, TVM, PLK, TSR Geographical: India, China, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam

088. Erythrina variegate L. in Stickman. Local names: Kalyana, Mulmurukku, Murukku Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, widely grown as pepper stand and for fencing Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Africa

089. Flemingia strobilifera (L.) R.Br.ex Ait.f. Local name: Kumalu Habit: Shrub Habitat: Deciduous and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

090. Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. Local name: Seema-konna Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated in fields and along fences Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to South America; Introduced and now widely grown in India

091. Indigofera hirsute L. Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded moist deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

092. Indigofera spicata Forssk. Local name: Cherupulladi Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded forest area, also in the plains Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, KNR, TVM, IDK Geographical: Sri Lanka, India, Africa and Madagascar

093. Indigofera tintoria L. Local names: Amari, Neelayamari Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: widely cultivated

094. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Local names: Chorivalli, Naikurana Habit: Slender climber Habitat: In secondary forests at low altitudes, also in the plains Kerala: KSD, KTM, MPM, PLK, KNR, TSR, KKD, ALP, PAT Geographical: India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

095. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Local names: Ungu, Ponnam, Pungu Habit: small to medium tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also planted as avenue tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

096. Pseudarthria viscid (L.) Wight & Arn. Local name: Moovila Habit: erect subshrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

097. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Local name: Venga Habit: Large tree Habitat: moist ad deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

098. Uraria rufescens (DC.) Schind. Local name: Moovila Habit: Erect Subshrub Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: IDK, KTM, KSD, KLM, KNR, PLK, PAT, TVM, TSR, MPM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

099. Zornia gibbosa Span. Local names: Kozhuppa, Murikutti Habit: Annual herb Habitat: Common in the plainsas wellas degraded forest areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia to Australia and China

CAESALPINIACEAE 100. Bauhinia acuminataL. Local names: Veluthamandaram, Mantharam Habit: shrub Habitat: Cultivated as ornamental plants Kerala: KTM, KLM, TVM, MPM, KKD, ALP Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

101. Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.)Swartz Local names: Chetimandaram, Rajamalli Habit: shrub Habitat: Cultivated as ornamental plant Kerala: All districts Geographical: Probably native in Tropical America; now widely cultivates

102. Cassia fistula L. Local names: Kanikonna, Konna Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, widely planted as ornamental plant Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

103. Chamaecrista mimosoides (L.) Greene Local name: Cheruthakara Habit: Erect herb Habitat: dry and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KKD, KTM, KSD, KLM, MPM, PAT, TVM, TSR, IDK, PLK Geographical: paleotropics

104. Delonix regia (Boj.ex Hook.) Rafin. Local names: Alasippoomaram, Poomaram, Gulmohar Habit: Tree Habitat: Planted as ornamental tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to Madagascar; now cultivated throughout the tropics

105. Saraa asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde Local name: Ashokam Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: evergreen forests, also grown as ornamental tree Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Madagascar Status: vulnerable (IUCN, 2000)

106. Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Local names: Thakara, Oolanthakara Habit: Shrub Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native to South America

MIMOSACEAE 107. Acacia caecia (L.f.) Wild. Local names: Incha, Palinja, Velutha-incha Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: evergreen and semi evergreen foests Kerala: KSD, KTM, PAT, TVM, PLK, KLM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

108. Albizia lebbeck (L.) Willd. Local names: Vakka, Karivakka Habit: Large tree Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia and South China

109. Mimosa diplotricha C. Wight & Sanvalle Local name: Aanathottavadi Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Weed in degrades forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: native to tropical America; introduced to India

110. Mimosa pudica L. Local names: Theendamani, thottavadi Habit: herb Habitat: Weed in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: native to South America’ Now Pantropical

111. Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) taub. Local names: Irul, Irulpool, Irulmullu, Kadamaram, Pangal Habit: large tree Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

BRYOPHYLLACEAE 112. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) pers. Local names: Elachedi, Elamurunga, Ilamulachi, kalliyilachedi Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Rocky areas in moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KTM, IDK, KLM, KSD PAT MPM KNR TVM KKD ALP Geographical: Originally from Tropical Africa; now Pantropical

COMBRETACEAE 113. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Local names: Thanni, tusham, myrobalan Habit: Large tree Habitat: semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

114. Terminalia cuneata Roth Local names: Attumaruthu, Kulamaruthu, Neermaruthu, Puzhamatthi, Vellamatthi Habit: Large tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests Kerala: KSD, IDK, KTM, PLK, KNR Geographical: Sri Lanka & India

115. Terminalia paniculata Roth Local names: Maruthu, Pullamaruthu, Munjamaruthu Habit: large tree Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KKD, KTM, KSD, KNR, KLM, MPM, PLK, PAT, TVM, TSR Geographical: Peninsular India

MYRTACEAE 116. Pimenta dioica (L.) merr. Local names: All spice, Sarvasugandhi Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KTM, WND, IDK, KNR, TSR Geographical: Native of North America

117. Psidium gujava L. Local names: Koyya, Perakka Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Originally from tropical America; now naturalized in the tropics

118. Syzygium aqueum (Burm.f) Alston Local name: Champa Habit: Tree Habitat: cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Molucanna Islands (Indonesia)

119. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Local names: Njara, Njaval Habit: Large tree Habitat: Evergreen forests, also in the plans Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

LECYTHIDACEAE 120. Careya arborea Roxb. Local names: Aalam, Alasoo, Pezhu Habit: Small tree Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

MELASTOMATACEAE 121. Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forest areas Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, TVM, PLK, KLM Geographical: Native of South America; Naturalised in Paleotropics

122. Melastoma malabathricum L. Local names: Athirani, Kadali, kalampotti, Thodukkara Habit: Shrub Habitat: Stream banks and marshy areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: South East Asia

123. Memecylon umbellatum Burm.f. Local names: Aanakombi, Anjanamaram, kanali, Kayampoomaram, Kasavu Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen, Shola and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

124. Osbeckia aspera (L.) Blume Local name: Athiranipoovu Habit: Erect Shrub Habitat: Evergreen forests and grass lands, also in the plains Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, PLK, TVM, TSR, WND, ALP, IDK Geographical: South India and Sri Lanka

LYTHRACEAE 125. Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. Local names: Manimaruthu, Poomaruthu Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, mostly along banks of streams; also planted as avenue tree Kerala: all districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

126. Lagerstroemia microcarpa Wight Local names: Vellilavu, Venthekku Habit: Large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Western Ghats

PASSIFLORACEAE 127. Passiflora edulis Sims in Curtis Local name: Passion-fruit Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: Cultivated, sometimes running wild Kerala: All distribution Geographical: originally from America; introduced in India

CARICACEAE 128. Carica papaya L. Local names: Pappaya, Karmmathi, Karmmus, Pappali Habit: Giant herb Habitat: Cultivated for edible fruits Kerala: Al districts Geographical: Native of Tropical America; cultivated in the tropics and subtropics

BEGONIACEAE 129. Begonia malabarica Lam. Local names: Janaamkolli, Kayyalapulli Habit: Perennial Herb Habitat: Semi evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, IDK, TVM, TSR, KKD Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

APIACEAE 130. Centella asiatica (L.) urban in Mart. Local names: Kodangal, Kudakan, Mutthil Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Decidious forests, also in wet places in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia and Africa

RUBIACEAE 131. Canthium coromandelicum (Burm.f.) Alston in Trimen Local names: kandakara, karamullu, Kattaramullu Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist and deciduous forests, also in the sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: indo-Malaysia

132. Chassalia carviflora (wall.ex Kurz) Thw.var. ophioxyloides (Wall.) Deb & Krishna Local names: Yamari, Vellakurinji Habit: Shrub Habitat: Common in all types of forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

133. Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsd. Local names: Manjakadambu, Malamkadambu Habit: Large tree Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KTM, KSD, KLM, IDK, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, TVM, TSR Geographical: India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Indo-China

134. Hedyotis auricularia L. Local name: Erachiketti Habit: Herb Habitat: degraded forests and in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

135. Hedyotis diffusa Willd. Habit: Herb Habitat: In the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: indo-malaysia, Philippines and America

136. Hymenodictyon orixense (Roxb.) Mabb. Local names: Chakkathekku, Itthil, Perumtholi Habit: Large tree Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

137. Ixora coccinea L. Local names: Chethi, Thechi, thetti Habit: Shrub Habitat: In the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

138. Ixora leucantha Heyne ex G. Don Habit: Shrub Habitat: In the plains Kerala: KTM PAT MPM Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats

139. Mitragyna tubulosa (Arn.) hav. Local names: Malamthumba, Naikadambu Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi-evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, PAT, PLK, TVM, KLM, MPM, KKD, TSR Endemic to: Peninsular India

140. Ophiorrhiza mungos L. Local names: Avilpori, chembajarinjil, Pera-aratha Habit: Herb Habitat: Semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: KSD, ALP, KTM, KLM, IDK, TVM, PLK, TSR, PAT Geographical: India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

141. Pavetta indica L. Local names: Kamatta, Nochi, Pavetta Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Banks of rivers and rocky laterite slopes Kerala: KSD, KTM, MPM, PLK, KKD, ALP, KLM, PAT Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

142. Richardia scabra L. Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded forest areas, also in the plains Kerala: IDK, KTM, MPM, KNR, TSR, ALP, WND Geographical: Native to tropical America; introduced in Africa and Asia

143. Spermacoce articularis L.f Local names: Kudalchurukki, natthachuri, tharthavel Habit: Herb Habitat: Grasslands and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia and Africa

ASTERACEAE 144. Acanthospermum hispidum DC. Local name: Kattunjerinjil Habit: herb Habitat: A weed of fallow lands, degraded forests, etc. Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

145. Ageratum conyzoides L. Local names: Appa, Kattappa, Kumminnippacha, Murianpacha Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Weed in fallo fields Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

146. Blumea belangeriana DC. Local name: Venepacha Habit: herb Habitat: Shady places along stream beds and forest margins Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

147. Chromolaena odorata (L.) King  & Robins. Local name: Communistpacha Habit: Shrub Habitat: A weed in all terrestrial habitas Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of America; Naturalized in Tropical Asia

148. Eclipta prostrate (L.) L. Local names: kaithonni, Kanjunni, Kayyunni Habit: Herb Habitat: Paddy fields and moist localities Kerala: All districts Geographical: pantropical

149. Elephantopus scaber l. Local names: Aanachuvadi, Aanayadiyan, koonjilikka Habit: Herb Habitat: moist decidupus forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

150. Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. in Wight Local names: Muyalcheviyan, Orichozhian Habit: postrate herb Habitat: dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia

151. Pentanema indicum (L.) Ling Local name: Kammalchedi Habit: herb Habitat: degraded forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, China, Thailand and West Africa

152. Spilanthes ciliate HBK Local names: Kuppamaniyan, Pallu-Vedana-Chedi Habit: Herb Habitat: Wet or marshy areas Distribution Kerala: PAT, KTM, MPM, TSR, ALP Geographical: Neotropics of the world; now naturalized in Western Peninsular India 153. Spilanthes paniculata Wall.ex DC. Local name: Kuppamanjal Habit: Herb Habitat: degraded forests and fallow lands Kerala: KSD, KLM, KTM, PAT, TSR, IDK, KKD, MPM, TVM, PLK Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, America and New Guinea

154. Tridax procumbens L. Local names: Kumminnipacha, Odiyancheera, muriyampachila Habit: Herb Habitat: deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Tropical America; now widespread throughout tropics and subtropics

155. Vernonia cinerea (L.) less. Local names: Poovamkurunthala, Puvankurunal Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: pantropics

156. Wedelia trilobata (L.) A. S. hitchc. Habit: Herb Habitat: Introduced as a garden plant, now runs wild Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of tropical America

CAMPANULACEAE 157. Lobelia alsinoides Lam. Local name: Kakkapoovu Habit: Annual Herb Habitat: Wet areas in grass lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

MYRSINACEAE 158. Maesa indica (Roxb.) DC. Local name: Kireethi Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: evergreen, moist deciduous and shoal forests and grass lands Kerala: KLM, TSR, PAT, MPM, KTM, PLK, KNR, TVM, KKD, IDK Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Pakistan

SAPOTACEAE 169. Chrysophyllum cainito L. Local name: Star apple Habit: tree Habitat: cultivated, also runs wild Kerala: KSD, KTM, MPM, KKD, TSR, ALP Geographical: Native of West Indies

160. Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen Local names: Chikku, Sappota Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of South America; widely cultivated in the tropics

161. Mimusops elengi L. Local names: Bakulam, Elangi, Mukura Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, also grown is homesteads Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

OLEACEAE 162. Jasminum multiflorum (Burm.f.) Andr. Local names: Kasthurimulla, kudamulla, kurukkuthimulla Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

163. Olea dioica Roxb. Local names: Edala, Vayala, Palarana Habit: Small to mediu tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India

APOCYNACEAE 164. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Local names:Ezhilamppala, Mangalappala, Pala, Yekshippala Habit: Large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forest and sacred groves, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and South East Asia to Australia

165. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. Local names: Savanari, Aadam-howa-chedi, Nithyakallyani, Savakottappacha Habit: Perennial herb Habitat: Grown as ornamental plant; also naturalized Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Madagascar; now naturalized in the tropics

166. Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R. Br. in Ait.f. Local names: Palvalli, Parvalli Habit: Climber Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Australia

167. Rauvolfia serpentine (L.) Benth. ex Kurz Local names: Amalpori, Sarpagandhi, Vanduvazha Habit: Herb Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and South East Asia

168. Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall.in Edward’s Bot. Local names: kundalappala, Kunninpala, Kuruttupala, koonam pala Habit: Small tree Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in sacred groves Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats Status: Lower risk: near threatened (IUCN, 2000)

169. Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. Local names: Danthapala, Thondapala, thinnambala Habit: Small tree Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Myanmar and Timor

ASCLEPIADACEAE 170. Asclepias curassavica L. Local name: Kammalchedi Habit: Perennial herb Habitat: Degraded forests and Wastelands in moist localities Kerala: All districts Geographical: originally from tropical America; now naturalized throughout the tropics

171. Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult.in roem. & Schult. Local names: Chakkarakolli, madhunaasini Habit: Climbing Shrub Habitat: moist and dry decidupus forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

172. Holostemma ada-kodien Schult. In Roem & Schult Local names: Adakkodien, Adapathiyan, Thinnambala Habit: Climbing herb Habitat: Scrub jungles, deciduous forests and in the plains Kerala: KTM, KLM, TVM, KKD, PLK, TSR, MPM, IDK Geographical: South Asia

173. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br.in Ait.f. Local names: Nannari, Naruneedi, sarsaparilla Habit: Shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri.Lanka

LOGANIACEAE 174. Strychnos nux-vomicaL. Local names: Kangnalam, Kanjiram Habit: Mediun tree Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

CONVOLVULACEAE 175. Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) bojer Local names: marikkunni, Samudrappacha Habit: Shrub Habitat: Common in plains, often grown as live fence Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia, China and Mauritius

176. Cuscuta reflexa roxb. Local names: Akasagarudakodi, Akasavalli, moodillathali Habit: Climber Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, ALP, KLM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

177. Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. Local names: Krishnakranthi, Sivakranthi, Vishnukranthi Habit: Diffuse herb Habitat: moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

178. Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet Local name: Kolambipoo Habit: Twiner Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

179. Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) g. don Habit: Herb Habitat: Waste lands Kerala: KTM Geographical: Mexico through Central and South America

180. Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. Local names: pulichuvadi, pulichuvatu, naripadam Habit: twiner Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KKD, KTM, MPM, PLK, KLM, KNR, PAT, TVM, TSR, IDK Geographical: Pantropical

181. Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hall.f.in engl Local names: manja-kolambi Habit: Aggressive climber Habitat: Degraded forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-China and China

182. Merremia umbellate (L.) hall.f.in Engl Local names: Kolavaravalli, Vayara Habit: Prostrate or twining herb Habitat: All types of forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

SOLANACEAE 183. Capsicum frutescens L. Local name: Kantharimulaku Habit: herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical America; widely cultivated

184. Datura metel L.	315 Local names: Karucoomatha, ummam, ummathu Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded dry and deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropical

185. Solanum americanum Mill. Local names: Manathakalli, Karimthakalli, Tudavalam Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded moist deciduous forest areas and river sides, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cosmopolitian

186. Solanum capsicoides All. Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forests and waste areas Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT, ALP Geographical: Indigenous to Malaysia; now naturalized in other parts of the tropics

187. Solanum torvum Sw. Local names: Anachunda, Kattuchunta, Parachunda Habit: Shrub Habitat: Degraded forest areas and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Throughout the tropics

188. Solanum violaceum Ortega Local names: Cheruchunda, Cheruvazhuthina, Puthirichunda, Chunda Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Evergreen, Semievergreen and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

SCROPHULARIACEAE 189. Adenosma indianum (Lour.) Merr. Local name: Kasithumba Habit: erect herb Habitat: Grasslands, deciduous and semi evergreen forests Kerala: TVM, KTM, KLM, ALP, PAT, KKD, MPM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

190. Bocopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Local names: Bhrammi, Neerbrahmi Habit: Herb Habitat: Semi aquatic Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

191. Scoparia dulcis L. Local names: Kallurukki, Karakkanjavu, Meenanganni Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of tropical America, Now pantropical

192. Striga asiatica (L.) O. Ktze. Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Grassy areas in deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South East Asia and Africa

193. Torenia bicolor Dalz.in Hook’s J. Bot. Knew Gard Local name: Kakkapoovu Habit: Harb Habitat: Marshy areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: Western Ghats

OROBANCHACEAE 194. Aeginetia indica L. Local name: Keripu Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KTM, IDK, PAT, MPM, PLK, KNR, TSR, TVM, WND, KLM Geographical: Indo-malaysia and japan

BIGNONIACEAE 195. Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth.ex Kurz Local names: Palakapayyani, Payyazhantha, Valpathiri, Aralu Habit: Small to medium tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: South India and Sri Lanka

PEDALIACEAE 196. Pedalium murex L. Local names: Aananjerinjil, Kakkamullu, Anayiruthi mullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Africa, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan

ACANTHACEAE 197. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall.ex Nees in Wall. Local names: Kiriyathu, Nilavepu Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Scrub jungles, also in the plains Kerala: KKD, KTM, MPM, TVM, IDK, AL, P KLM, KNR, PLK Geographical: peninsular India and Sri Lanka

198. Ecbolium viride (Forssk) Alston in Trimen Local names: Koranda, Neelakarinkurunji, Odiyamadantha Habit: Undershrub Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: IDK, KTM, KLM, PLK, PAT, KSD, ALP Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and Africa

199. Hygrophila schulli (Buch.-Ham) M.R. & S.M. Almedia Local names: Neermulli, Vayalchulli Habit: herb Habitat: Moist localities Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Myanmar and Indo-China

200. Justicia diffusa Willd. Local name: Cherupulladi Habit: Herb Habitat: evergreen forests Kerala: TVM, KTM, PAT, KLM, PLK Geographical: South and South East Asia

201. Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. Local name: Vathamkolli Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Distribution Kerala: KKD, KTM, TVM, KLM, PLK, MPM, TSR, IDK, KSD Geographical: Tropical Africa and Asia

202. Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz Local name: Nagamulla Habit: Herb Habitat: Wet areas in moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka, Java and Madagascar

203. Strobilanthes ciliates Nees in Wall. Local names: Karimkurinji, Kurinji Habit: Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, TSR, MPM, IDK, PLK, KNR Endemic to: Peninsular India

204. Thunbergia grandiflora (Roxb.ex.Rottl.) Roxb. Habit: Climber Habitat: In the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Myanmar, China and Singapora

VERBENACEAE 205. Clerodendrum paniculatum L. Local names: Arumasachedi, Krishnakireedam, Hanumankireedam Habit: Shrub Habitat: Grown as ornamental plant; now getting naturalized Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indi-Malaysia

206. Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon Local name: Cheruthekku Habit: Shrub Habitat: moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

207. Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. Local names: Perivelam, vattapparuvalam, Peruku Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: degraded forest areas and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

208. Gmelina arborea Roxb. Local names: Kumizhu, Kumbil Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-malaysia

209. Lantana camara L. var .aculeata (L.) Moldenke Local names: Arippoochedi, Eedamakki, konda, Poochedi, Kongini Habit: Shrub Habitat: Introduced as ornamental plant; now naturalized as a weed Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of Tropical America, widely naturalized in the tropics and subtropics

210. Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Local names: Kattuthippali, Neerthippali Habit: Creeping herb Habitat: Costal areas, stream sides, paddy fields Kerala: KTM, KSD, PLK, TVM, KLM, MPM, KKD, ALP Geographical: tropics and subtropics

211. Tectona grandis L.f. Local name: thekku Habit: large tree Habitat: Moist deciduous forests also raised in the plantations Kerala: All districts Geographical: South and South East Asia

LAMIACEAE 212. Anisomeles indica (L.) O. Ktze Local names: Chedayan, KArinthumba Habit: Herb Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests and waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

213. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Degraded moist and dry deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Originally from America; now Pantropical

214. Leucas aspera (Willd.) Spreng. Local names: Thumba, Cheruthumba Habit: Herb Habitat: Decidupus forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

215. Ocimum tenuiiflorum L. Local names: Krishna-thulasi, thulasi Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Grown as sacred plant, elsewhere as a escape Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropic

NYCTAGINACEAE 216. Boerhavia diffusa L. Local names: Thavizhama, Thazhuthama Habit: Postrate herb Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

AMARANTHACEAE 217. Achyranthes aspera L. Local name: Kadaladi Habit: Herb Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and forest plantations, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: pantropical

218. Aerva lanata (L.) Juss.ex.Schult. Local names: Cherula, Cherupula Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Widespread in the tropics and subtropics

219. Allmania nodiflora (L.) R. Br.ex Wight in Hook. Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and wasrelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Asia

220. Alternanthera tellata Moq.in DC. Habit: Herb Habitat: plantations and wastelands Kerala: KTM, MPM, WRN, ALP, PLK, PAT Geographical: tropics and subtropics

221. Amaranthus spinosus L. Local name: Mullancheera Habit: Erect herb Habitat: fallow lands and waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Originally from America; now found throughout the warmer regions of the world

222. Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume Local names: Chuvannakadaladi, Cherukadaladi Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

223. Gomphrena serrata L. Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded deciduous forests and scrub jungles Kerala: IDK, KTM, KNR Geographical: Native of South America

PHYTOLACACEAE 224. Rivinia humilis L. Habit: Annual herb Habitat: Along roadsides and waste places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native in Tropical America; Naturalized in Indo-Malaysia

ARISTOLOCHIACEAE 225. Thottea siliquosa (Lam.) Ding Hou Local names: Alpam, Kuttivayana Habit: Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, IDK, PAT, MPM, KTM, PLK, KNR, TVM, KSD, TSR Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

PIPERACEAE 226. Lepianthes umbellate (L.) rafin. Local name: Attanari Habit: Shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, IDK, PAT, MPM, KTM, KLM, PLK, KNR, TVM, TSR Geographical: Paleotropics

227. Peperomia pellucid (L.) Kunth Local names: Mashipacha, Maka-pacha, Kannadipacha Habit: Erect herb Habitat: Degraded forests areas and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Tropical America; now Pantropical

228. Piper argyrophyllum Miq. Habit: climbing shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, IDK, PAT, TSR, PLK Geographical: Sri Lanka and Western Ghats

229. Piper betle L. Local names: Kodinjal, Vettilakkodi Habit: Climber Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: TSR, IDK, KTM, PAT, MPM Geographical: India and Malaysia

230. Piper longum L. Local names: Kattuthippali, Maghadi, Pippili, Thippali Habit: Scandent shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen, evergreen and moist deciduous and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

231. Piper nigrum L. Local names: Kurumulaku, Pepper Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, also cultivates Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, cultivated elsewhere

232. Piper trioicum Roxb. Local name: Kattumulaku Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Evaegreen forests Kerala: KTM, TSR, PLK, TVM, KLM, KNR, KSD Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

LAURACEAE 233. Cinnamomum verum Presl Local names:Ilavargam, Karukapatta, Karuva, Vayana Habit: Small tree Habitat: Evergreen and riparian forests, also cultivated Kerala: KSD, KTM, KLM, MPM, KNR, TVM, IDK, KKD, ALP Geographical: South West India and Sri Lanka

234. Litsea coriacea (Heyne ex Meisner) Hook.f. Local names: Maravettithali, Pannithali, Vettithali Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen forests and sacred groves Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Peninsular India

PROTEACEAE 235. Grevillea robusta Local name: Silver oak Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Grown as a shade tree in homesteads Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of East Australia; now common in tropics and subtropics

LORANTHACEAE 236. Dendrophthoe falcate (L.f.) Etting. Local names: Itthikkanni, Itthil, Pullunni Habit: Parasitic subshrub Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia to Australia

237. Helicanthes elastic (Desr.) danser Local names: Mavu Iththill Habit: Parasitic subshrub Habitat: Evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Peninsular India

SANTALACEAE 238. Santalum album L. Local names: Chandanam, Sandal Habit: Small tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also grown in the homesteads Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Malaysia Status: Vulnerable (IUCN, 2000)

EUPHORBIACEAE 239. Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. Habit: Subshrub Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: IDK, KTM, PLK, KNR, MPM, KKD, ALP Geographical: Paleotropics

240. Aporosa lindleyana (Wight) Baill. Local names: Aechil, Ponvetti, Vetti Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districrs Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

241. Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell.-Arg.in DC.Baliospermum polyandrum Wight Local names: Danthi, Nagadanthi Habit: Shrub Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

242. Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston Local names: Ekdania, Mulluvenga, Mulkayini Habit: Shrub Habitat: Semi evergreen and deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All distrricts Geographical: Sri Lanka to Indo-China

243. Euphorbia hirta L. Local names: Kuzhinagapala, Nelapalai Habit: Erect Herb Habitat: Degraded forest areas and forest plantations, also in plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of tropical America; now pantropical

244. Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.ex Klotzsch.in Otto & Diert. Habit: Shrub Habitat: Grown in Gardens Kerala: All districts Geographical: native in Mexico and Central America, frequently cultivated in tropical gardens

245. Flueggea virosa (Roxb.ex Willd.) Baill. Local name: Perimklavu Habit: Shrub to small tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: tropical Africa, Asia and Australia

246. Hevea braziliensis (Willd.ex A.Juss.) Muell.- Arg. Local name: Rubber Habit: tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All ditricts Geographical: Native of Brazil; introduced in the tropics elsewhere

247. Manihot esculenta Crantz. Local names: Maracheeni, Kollikizhangu, Poola, kappa Habit: Shrub Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of Brazil; now common throughout the tropics

248. Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels Local names: Arinelli, Nakshatranelli, Seemanelli Habit: Small tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Probably native of Brazil

249. Phyllanthus airy-shawii Brunel & Roux Local name: Keezharnelli Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded moist deciduous forests and forest plantations, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

250. Phyllanthus emblica L. Local names: Nelli, Gooseberry Habit: Small to medium tree Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also cultivated in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: throughout the tropics

251. Ricinus communis L. Local names: Aavanakku, Chittavanakku, Erandam Habit: Shrub Habitat: Cultivated also runs wild Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Tropical Africa; now cultivated throughout the tropics

252. Tragia involucrate L. Local names: Choriyanam, Kodithoova, Kodithumba Habit: Herb Habitat: Open areas Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

URTICACEAE 253. Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis Local names: Chenthotti, Aanachoriyanam Habit: Herb Habitat: evergreen, semi evergreen, Moist deciduous and shols forests, also in waste lands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

MORACEAE 254. Artocarpus heterophyllus lam. Local names: Pilavu, Plavu Habit: Large tree Habitat: evergreen and semi evergreen forests, also widely cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Widely cultivated in the tropics, origin is probably South India

255. Artocarpus hirsutus lam. Local names: Anjili, Ayani Habit: Large tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist decidupus forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Endemic to: Southern Western Ghats

256. Artocarpus incise L.f. Local names: Kadachakka, kadapilavu, Seemaplavu Habit: Tree Habitat: cultivated for edible fruits Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of New Guinea

257. Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. Local names: Amakanniyan, Kallal, Kallarayal Habit: Small tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests Kerala: KSD, KLM, TSR, KTM, TVM, PAT, IDK, PLK, KNR Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

258. Ficus benghalensis L. Local names: Alamaram, Peraal, Vadavriksham Habit: Medium tree Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indian subcontinent; widely grown as avenue tree

259. Ficus callosa Willd. Local names Kadaplavu: Habit: Large tree Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: KSD, KLM, IDK, PAT, PLK, KKD, TVM, KTM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

ORCHIDACEAE 260. Pholidota imbricata Hook. Local names: Pannamaravazha Habit: Epiphytic as well as lithophytic herb Habitat: Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests and sacred groves Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

261. Vanilla planifolia Andr. Local name: Vanila Habit: Climber Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of South East Mexico and Central America, widely cultivated in other tropical countries

ZINGIBERACEAE 262. Costus pictus D. Don ex Lindl. Local names: Insulin plant Habit: Herb Habitat: Grown as a medicinal plant and now getting naturalized Kerala: All districts Geographical: Native of Mexico, introduced and cultivated elsewhere

263. Costus speciosus (Koenig) L.E. Smith Local names: Channakoova, Malavayambu, Narumchanna, Channa Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

264. Cucuma amada Roxb. Local name: Manga inchi Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: semi evergreen forests and also cultivated Kerala: KTM, MPM, PLK, KNR, KKD, WND Geographical: India

265. Cucuma aromatic Salisb. Local names: Kasthurimanjal, Kattumanjal Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Cultivated as well as growing wild in degraded forests and plantations Kerala: WND, TSR, PAT, PLK, KSD, KLM, IDK, TVM, KKD, KTM Geographical: India, Sri Lanka and China

266. Curcuma longa L. Local names: Manjal, Turmeric Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated throughout the tropics

267. Curcuma neilgherrensis Wight Local name: Koova Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Grasslands Kerala: MPM, PLK, KTM, KNR, WND, TVM Endemic to: Western Ghats

268. Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Local names: Elam, Cardamom Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: IDK, KTM, PAT, PLK, TSR, KNR, TVM, MPM Geographical: Indo-Malaysia and China

269. Kaempferia galangal L. Local names: Kacholam, Kachoori Habit: Cultivated Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KTM, TSR, MPM, KKD, TVM Geographical: Paleotropics

270. Zingiber officinale Rosc. Local names: Andrakam, Inchi, Ginger Habit: Rhizomatous herb Habitat: Widely cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated in tropical countries

MARANTACEAE 271. Maranta arundinacea L. Local names: Koova, Arrowroot Habit: Perennial herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: KSD, KTM, TVM, MPM, KKD Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

MUSACEAE 272. Musa paradisiaca L. Local names: Kadalivazha, Shethrakadali Habit: Herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated throughout the tropics

BROMELIACEAE 273. Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Local names: Anassappazham, Pineapple, Kaithachakka, Prithichakka Habit: Herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical America, Widely Cultivated in the pantropics

DIOSCORIACEAE 274. Dioscorea alata L. Local names: Kaachil, Kaavuth Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Cultivated, also naturalised Kerala: KLM, KTM, MPM, ALP, WND Geographical: India

275. Dioscorea oppositifolia L. Local names: Kachil, Kanji, Narankizhangu, Kanjira kizhangu, Kavala Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: Semi-Evergreen and evergreen forests Kerala: KSD, KTM, PAT, KLM, MPM, PLK, KNR, IDK, TSR, TVM, WND Geographical: Indo- Malaysia

SMILACACEAE 276. Smilax zeylanica L. Local names: Kareelanchi, Valiyakanni Habit: Climber Habitat: Mosit deciduous and semi evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

AMARYLLIDACEAE 277. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Local names: Nilappana Habit: herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and grasslands, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

HYPOXIDACEAE 278. Hypoxix aurea Lour. Habit: herb Habitat: Evergreen forests and grasslands Kerala: IDK, KTM, TSR, PLK Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

LILIACEAE 279. Aloe vera (L.) Burm .f. Local name: Kattarvazha Habit: Herb Habitat: Rocky areas, Cultivated Kerala: KLM, KTM, IDK, KKD Geographical: Mediterranean Canary Islands; naturalized in Florida, West Indies, Central America and Asia

280. Protasparagus racemosus (Willd.) Oberm Local names: Sathaveri, Ssathavari Habit: Climbing shrub Habitat: All forest types, also in the plains Kerala: All dkistricts Geographical: Paleotropics

COMMELINACEAE 281. Commelina diffusa Burm.f. Habit: Herb Habitat: Wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

ARECACEAE 282. Areca catechu l. Local names: Adakka, kavungu, Pakku Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: Cultivated from India to the Solomon Islands and less commonly in Africa and Tropical America

283. Borassus flabellifer L. Local names: Karimpana, Palmrapalm Habit: Tree Habitat: In dry areas and along bunds in paddy fields Kerala: All districts Geographical: native of Africa; Introduced and cultivated in Indo-Malaysia and Australia

284. Caryota urens L. Local names: Aanapana, Choondappana, Olattipana, Irampanei, Fish-tail palm Habit: Tree Habitat: Evergreen forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Indo-Malaysia

285. Corypha umbraculifera L. Local names: Kodappana, Talippana, Talipot palm Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: TSR, TVM, MPM, KKD, KTM, KLM, PLK Geographical: Widely Cultivated in Peninsular India and Sri Lanka

286. Elaeis guinensis Local names: Ennappana, Oil palm Habit: Tree Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: West and Central Africa

ARACEAE 287. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicols. var. campanulatus (Decne) Sivad. Local name: Chena Habit: Tuberous herb Habitat: Cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia

CYPERACEAE 288. Scleria lithosperma (L.) Sw. Local name: Nakkupullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded forests and hill slopes, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

POACEAE 289. Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) makino Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and grasslands Kerala: KSD, KTM, PLK, IDK, PAT, TVM, WND, KKD Geographical: India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar

290. Centotheca lappacea (L.) Desv. Habit: herb Habitat: Semi evergreen and deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Asia and Africa

291. Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin. Local name: Snehapullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Degraded dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia and Australia

292. Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) Wats. in Atkins. Local names: Chukkunari pullu, Malabar grass, Inchi pullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Deciduous forests and grasslands, also in the plains, cultivated Kerala: All districts Geographical: India and South East Asia

293. Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss in Vilmorin Local names: Karmmaram, Mula, Kaniyaram, Pattil, Illi Habit: Shrub Habitat: Deciduous forests, also grown in homesteads Kerala: All dostricts Geographical: India and Sri Lanka

294. Brachiaria ramose (L.) Stapf in Prain Habit: Herb Habitat: Grasslands and moist deciduous forests, roadsides and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Africa and Tropical Asia

295. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Local names: Karuka, Karukapullu Habit: Herb Habitat: Along banks of backwaters, bunds of paddy fields and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tripical and warm temperate regions of the world

296. Cyrtococcum muricatum (Retz.) Bor Habit: Herb Habitat: Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropics

297. Cyrtococcum patens (L.) A. Camus Habit: Herb Habitat: moist deciduous forests and also in the plains Kerala: All districts Geographical: Tropical Asia

298. Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler Habit: Herb Habitat: Moist deciduous forests, grasslands and in open places Kerala: All districts Geographical: Paleotropics

299. Dimeria ornithopoda Trin. Habit: Herb Habitat: Grasslands, rocky hills and road cuttings Kerala: All districts Endemic to: South India

300. Eleusine Indica (L.) Gaertn. Habit: Herb Habitat: Open plain areas, roadsides and wastelands Kerala: All districts Geographical: Pantropical

301. Garnotia tenella (Arn.ex Miq) Janowsky Habit: Herb Habitat: Wet rocky areas in grasslands, open plaves and forests Kerala: KSD, KLM, IDK, KTM, PAT, MPM, PLK, TSR, TVM, KNR Geographical: South East Asia and India

302. Ochlandra scriptoria (Dennst.) Fischer in Gamble Local names: Eera, Kolanchi, Oodal Habit: Shrub Habitat: Riverbanks and stream sides Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, IDK, KKD, TSR, PLK, KNR, TVM, ERN Endemic to Southern Western Ghats (Kerala)

303. Ochlandra travancorica (Bedd.) Benth. ex Gamble Habit: Shrub Habitat: Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen forests Kerala: KLM, KTM, PAT, PLK, IDK, MPM, TSR, KNR, TVM Endemic to: Western Ghats

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION There are 303 species of plants collected and identified from the rubber plantations. They belong to 99 species of trees, 86 species of shrubs, 103 herbs and 15 climbers. There are 259 species of dicotyledons and 44 species of monocotyledons. There are 14 species of grasses, 44 species of legumes and two orchids. Seventeen species of plants are recognized as endemic to Peninsular India. Three species namely Semecarpus travancorica Bedd., Crotilaria grahamina Wight & Arn. and Crotalaria longipes Wight & Arn. are rare (Nayar, 1997). REFERENCES Ahmedullah, M. & M.P. Nayar. 1987. Endemic Plants of the Indian Region. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta Hooker, J.D. 1872-1897. The Flora of British India, Vol. I-VII. Reeve & Co., London. Nayar, M.P. 1980. Endemic Flora of Peninsular India and their significance. Bull. Bot. Surv. Nayar, M.P. & A.R.K. Sastry. 1987, 1988, 1990. Red Data Book of Indian Plants, Vols. I-III. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta. Nayar, M.P. 1997. Biodiversity challenges in Kerala and Science of conservation Biology. In: P. Pushpangadan & K. S. S. Nair (Eds.), Biodiversity of Tropical Forests the Kerala  Scenario. STEC, Kerala, Trivandrum. India 22: 12-13. Nayar, M.P. 1996. Hot Spots of Endemic Plants of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Trivandrum.

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