Ethnomedicinal studies of the woody species of Kalrayan & Shervarayan Hills, Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Some ethnobotanical observations have been made amongst the aboriginals of the Shervarayan & Kalrayan hills of Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. The paper describes ethnomedicinal importance of 60 woody species belonging to 51 genera and 34 families. Data are based on extensive survey, observations and discussions with tribal and rural people of this region. In forests of both Shervarayan & Kalrayan hills, locals have converted a substantial portion of forests into cultivated lands. The importance of recording the usage of plants in this region is imperative because of rapid loss of forest wealth and traditional wisdom. Intensive action plan need to be immediately implemented for sustainable use of forest resources together with the ethnobotanical knowledge base of the forest dwellers. In view of the various resources use, habitat uniqueness and anthropological pressure on the forest resources, the need for conservation is stressed.