Fern Journal

Pteridological Research 

MS No.pr020613202 | Download PDF

Ethno medicinal fern and fern-allies used by tribe Malayalis of Kolli Hills, Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu

R.Revathi, R. Muthuraja, Binu Thomas and K. Raju

Abstract

The present study deals with 50- species of ethno-medicinal pteridophytes which are utilized by tribe Malayalis in Kolli hills of Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu. These 50 species spreading over 27 families, 35 genera. The elder generation has sound knowledge about medicinal plants. From this study it is clear that Kolli malayalis possess vast knowledge on the medicinal plant resources in their surroundings and these medicinal plants continue to play a major role in healthcare needs of this tribal community.

Key words: Ethnomedicinal, ferns and fern-allies, Malayalis, Kolli Hills, Eastern Ghats

New records for Adiantum capillus-veneris L. from Tamil Nadu, India

M. Maridass

Adiantum is a large and diverse genus of ferns. About 150 species of Adiantum were found to be world (Tryon et al., 1990) and twenty five species and two varieties of Adiantum have been reported from India (Dixit,1984). The genus name, Adiantum, is from the Greek Adiantos, meaning “unwetted” as the leaves of this plant repel water even though the herb grows in a wet environment. During field work in October 2009 at Sambavarvadakarai, Tenkasi taluk, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, South India, was observed by Adiantum capillus-veneris L. in growing on moist areas of limestone of well wall up to below 1- 3metres level (Fig.1). This species was first time identified in new record for Southern region of South India. Adiantum capillus - veneris is often found growing on limestone cliffs away from direct sunlight and out of the way of drying southwest winds (Petersen,2000).

MS No.pr020613201 | Download PDF

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