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The Journal of Biodiversity. Photon 114 (2014) 364-372
https://sites.google.com/site/photonfoundationorganization/home/the-journal-of-biodiversity
Original Research Article. ISJN: 8359-6193: Impact Index: 3.78
The Journal of Biodiversity Ph ton
Phyto Diversity and Conservation of Venkatagiri Durgam, Easternghats,
SPSR Nellore District, Andhrapradesh, India
S.K.M. Basha, K.V. Rami Reddy, M. John Paul, E. Rajya Lakshmi
NBKR Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Vidyanagar-524413, SPSR Nellore (Dt) A.P., India
Article history:
Received: 11 June, 2014
Accepted: 17 June, 2014
Available online: 04 August, 2014
Corresponding Author:
Basha S.K.M.
Email: drskmbasha@gmail.com
Abstract
Floristic study is one of the important biological,
ecological and edaphic factors of an area. It is essential
for sustaining all animal life of an area and also for
maintaining heritable environment for that life. Adequate
knowledge of flora is necessary for planning sustainable
development of that area. The present study was focused
on flora of Venkatagiri Durgam forests located in
southern side of Nellore district.
A rock Fort about 13 kilometers west of Venkatagiri
Town. It was a defensive arrangement made by Rajah of
Venkatagiri, Venkatagiri Durgam is a peak 50 Km. west
of seshachalm hills. Venkatagiri Fort Built in 1775 A.D.
attracts visitors from all over the state. Front portion.
Fort namely Indira Mahal was built in 1883 A.O.
Venkatagiri is surrounded by a dense forest extending to
the Seshachalam hills. The forest houses many sensual
places of natural beauty like Kona. Malleswar Kona here
one can see water fall failing from 80 Ft. height.
Citation:
Basha S.K.M., Reddy K.V.R., Paul M.J., Lakshmi E.R., 2014.
Phyto Diversity and Conservation of Venkatagiri Durgam,
Easternghats, SPSR Nellore District, Andhrapradesh, India. The
Journal of Biodiversity. Photon 114, 364-372.
All Rights Reserved with Photon.
Photon Ignitor: ISJN
83596193D717104082014
1. Introduction
Andhra Pradesh is endowed with rich forest
resources having variety of flora and fauna the
Estimate of total number of medicinal plants of
Andhra Pradesh is around 1800 species as per the
data base maintained by FRLHT, Bangalore.
Traditionally, the local tribes depend on the
medicinal plants for treatment of common ailments
and the Knowledge is transmitted from generation
to generation through folklore. Due to ever
increasing biotic pressure, over exploitation and
regeneration of timber, pulpwood, fuel wood and
bamboo species, no special attention was paid to
identify, preserve and popularize the medicinal
plants. It is therefore, essential that a fillip be given
preserve the medicinal plants in the natural forest
Accordingly the state propose a number of forest
areas rich in flora and fauna including medicinal
plants as Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas ‘
(MPCA).
Venkatagiri to mention a few are endowed with a
very rich flora and also abound in many medicinal
plants of importance varied micro-climatologically,
undulating topographical and ecological conditions
prevailing at various waterfalls (theerthams)
situated at different heights, provide a very
favorable habit and support the growth of the
medicinal plant species.
Tribals, a distinct ethnic group, usually confined to
definite geographical areas and speak common
dialect, are culturally homogenous and a unifying
social organization. They mostly live in the forest,
hills, plateaus and naturally isolated regions. The
area is inhabited by a large number of tribes like
Yanadis, Nakkalas, Irulas, Yerukulas, Dommara,
Vaddera, Sugalis or Lambadi’s and Chenchus. But
Yanadi community represented approximately 80%
of communities compared to others. Yanadis are
characterized by dark complexion, colour, short
stature, platyrrline nose, long head, prominent chin,
thick lips and scanty hair both on head and body
(Thurston, 1975.). Being in the non-coastal areas,
these tribes depend on Non-Timber Forest Products
mainly for their livelihood. The need for the
integration of local indigenous knowledge for a
sustainable management and conservation of
natural resources receives more and more
recognition (Posey, 1992). Moreover, an increased
emphasis is being placed on possible economic
benefits especially of the medicinal use of tropical
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365
forest products instead of pure timber harvesting
(Pimbert and Pretty, 1995).
A very exhaustive account of hundred years of
Indian forestry was given by Rao (1961). An
illustrated account of flowering trees and shrubs in
India was published by Cowen (1965).
Flora of some parts of Andhra Pradesh is known
right from William Roxburgh (1795-1819).
Floristic data of Andhra Pradesh is available from
“Flora of the Presidency of Madras” by Gamble
(1916-1935). Flora of Nellore District is studied by
Suryanarayana, and Sreenivasa Rao (2002).
Floristic wealth of Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary,
Nellore district is recently studied by Basha et. al.,
(2012). Medicinal Flora of Penusila Narasimha
Sacred Grove is studied and reported 160 plant
species of medicinal importance by Basha et. al.,
(2012). This scenario motivates us to explain the
Flora of Venkatagiri Durgam Fort. After searching
the detailed review, it was found that no authentic
information is available on the flora of Venkatagiri
Durgam Forest. Keeping this in view, floristic
survey was conducted during March, 2012– June,
2013.
Hence, in the present paper an attempt has been
made to document the Phytoresources utilized by
tribes.
2. Study Area
Venkatagiri Durgam trail in still untouched other
than by the local and few adventure groups and is
not yet a regular destination for the trekkers. The
trekking pata is covered with small to medium
sized pebbles. Near Venkatagiri town the
Velugondas can be traced north ward through
Venkatagiri and Rapur rangers up to Somasila
where the river pennar enters Nellore district from
kadapa side through a deep gorge. Among the
Velugondas range of hills the Durgam in
Venkatagiri range and Penchalakona are the most
prominent once, with an elevation of over 1026
meters and 914 meters above mean sea level. The
Venkatagiri durgam used to serve as a fortress in
the historic part in the past we still find the
bunkers, guns in placements and store walls which
served as hydotes for infantry. Though the climes
along the bridle pathil exaction.
3. Materials and Methods
The field trips were undertaken during all the four
seasons of the year – Viz. summer, rainy, autumn
and winter. The Plant specimens were collected,
identified with the help of Flora of Presidency of
Madras (Gamble and Fischer, 1916-1920). During
the field work, the specimens collected for the
preparation of herbarium were processed in
accordance with the methodology adopted by Jain
and Rao (1977). For each species information has
been provided for valid scientific name, followed
by local name, family name and Habit.
4. Results and Discussion
Intensive studies of this unexplored area are
rendering interesting novelties of great botanical
and phytographical importance. Angiospermic flora
includes 185 species which fall under 107 genera
and 70 families with genus-species ratio is 1.3:1.
The presence of 185 species concludes that
Venkatagiri Durgam forests as one of the phyto
diversity rich spot of Nellore District. Dicotyledons
are represented by 170 species belonging to 170
genera of 43 families. Monocotyledons include 15
species belonging to 14 genera of 7 families. The
ratio of dicodtyledons to monocotyledons is 11:1
for species and 12.3:1 for genus.
Based on habit, flora comprises 143 species (50%)
under herbs, followed by 68 shrubs (24%), 54 trees
(19%) and 20 climbers (7%). 50% of flora
comprises herbs. Table .1 shows the number of
genera and species in respect of top ten dominant
families of Venkatagiri Durgam forest. Fabaceae is
the dominant family comprising 33 taxa of 18
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genera followed aceae with 28 taxa of 14 genera.
Table.2 shows the list of top ten dominant genera
of the forest. Cassia is the dominant genus with 9
Figure 1: Showing the Habit Wise Composition
Figure 2: Showing the Habit wise composition (Pie
diagram)
Table 1: Trees
S.No Botanical Name Vernaculam Name Family
1.
Annona reticulate Ramaphalam Annonaceae
2.
Annona squamosa Seethaphalamu Annonaceae
3.
Polyalthia cerasoides Gutti Annonaceae
4.
Crataeva magna Mogalenka Kapparidaceae
5.
Casearia esculenta Konda jangeru Flacourtaceae
6.
Calophyllum inophyllum Ponna Clusiaceae
7.
Shorea tumbuggaia Tamba/Guggilam Dipterocarpaceae
8.
Hibiscus platanifolius Adavi buruga,konda patti Malvaceae
9.
Thespesia populnea Gangi ravi Malvaceae
10.
Bombax ceiba Tella buruga Bombacaceae
11.
Guazuma tomentosa Rudrakshalu Sterculiacea
12.
Helicteres isora Gooba thada Sterculiacea
13.
Pterospermum canescens Lolagu,Neredu Sterculiaceae
14.
Pterospermum xylocarpum Thada Sterculiaceae
15.
Sterculia urens Yerra poniki,Tella poliki Sterculiaceae
16.
Erythroxylum monogynum Devadaru,Devadari Erythroxylaceae
17.
Aegle marmelos Maredu,Bilva Rutaceae
18.
Limonia acidissima Velaga Rutaceae
19.
Murraya paniculata Naramusti Rutaceae
20.
Naringi alata Nallamunukudu,Verri velaga Rutaceae
21.
Naringi crenulata Adavinimma Rutaceae
22.
Pamburus missionis Adavikichili Rutaceae
23.
Boswellia ovalifoliolata Guggilamu Burseraceae
24.
Commiphora caudate Konda ragi Burseraceae
25.
Commiphora caudate Vepa Meliaceae
26.
Soymida febrifuga Somichettu Meliaceae
27.
Walsura trifolia Yerra valudu Meliaceae
28.
Chloroxylon swietenia Billudu Flindersiaceae
29.
Ximenia Americana Vathareni Olacaceae
30.
Cassine glauca Neridi Celastraceae
31.
Pleurostylia oppositifolia Pala teega Celastraceae
32.
Ziziphus mauritiana Regu Rhamnaceae
33.
Sapindus emarginatus Kunkudu Sapindaceae
34.
Lannea coramandelica Gumphena Anacardiaceae
35.
Mangifera indica Mamidi Anacardiaceae
36.
Spondias pinnata Pullamamidi Anacardiaceae
37.
Rhus mysorensis Sundaari Anacardiaceae
38.
Butea monosperma Moduga Fabaceae
39.
Dalbergia paniculata Pachaari Fabaceae
40.
Pongamia pinnata Kanuga Fabaceae
41.
Pterocarpus marsupium Yegisa Fabaceae
42.
Pterocarpus santalinus Yerra chandanamu Fabaceae
43.
Bauhinia recemosa Are Caesalpiniaceae
44.
Cassia fistula Rela Caesalpiniaceae
45.
Hardwickia binata Yepi Caesalpiniaceae
46.
Tamarindus indica Chinta Caesalpiniaceae
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47.
Acasia leucophloea Tellatumma Mimosaceae
48.
Albizia amara Cheekireni Mimosaceae
49.
Dichrostachys cineria Veluthuru chettu Mimosaceae
50.
Anogeissus latifolia Siri mamidi Combretaceae
51.
Terminalia arjuna Venna mudda Combretaceae
52.
Terminalia chebula Karaka Combretaceae
53.
Syzygium cumini Neredu Myrtaceae
54.
Syzygium alternifolim Moyi Myrtaceae
55.
Memecylone edule Alli Melastomataceae
56.
Alangium salvifolium Uduga Alangiaceae
57.
Canthium dicoccum Nakkena Rubiaceae
58.
Gardenia gummifera Bikki Rubiaceae
59.
Haldina cordifolia Adavi manga Rubiaceae
60.
Ixora arborea Koya Rubiaceae
61.
Morinda pubescens Maddi,Thogaru Rubiaceae
62.
Madhuca indica Ippa Sapotaceae
63.
Manilkara hexandra Pala chettu Sapotaceae
64.
Mimusops elengi Pogada Sapotaceae
65.
Diospyros chloroxylon Ullindara Ebenaceae
66.
Holarrhena pubescens Kolamukhi Apocynaceae
67.
Wrightia tinctoria Reppala Apocynaceae
68.
Strychnos nux- vomica Mushti Loganiaceae
69.
Strychnos potatorum Palamusti Loganiaceae
70.
Cordial dichotoma Bankapandlu Kordiaceae
71.
Ehretia pubescens Pallemirapa Kordiaceae
72.
Dolich androne atrovirens Neruddi Vignoniaceae
73.
Premna latifolia Peddanellikura Verbenaceae
74.
Premna tomentosa Namari Verbenaceae
75.
Vitex altissima Nemali adugu Verbenaceae
76.
Vitex leucoxylon Konda vavili Verbenaceae
77.
Santalum album Chandanamu Santalaceae
78.
Gyrocarpus americanus Tanaku Hernandiaceae
79.
Bridelia retusa Poramanu Euphorbiaceae
80.
Croton klotzchianus Naragonji Euphorbiaceae
81.
Givotia rottieriformis Ponica Euphorbiaceae
82.
Phyllanthus emblica Usiri Euphorbiaceae
83.
Holoptelia integrifolia Thavisa Ulmaceae
84.
Phoenix farinifera Chittetha Arecaceae
85.
Litsea glutinosa Pulusu mamidi Lauraceae
Table 2:
Shrubs
S. No Botanical Name Vernaculam Name Family
1.
Polyalthia korinti Naragonji Annonaceae
2.
Capparis sepiaria Nallauppili Capparaceae
3.
Capparis divaricata Uppi Capparaceae
4.
Capparis zeylanica Aridonda Capparaceae
5.
Casearia elliptica Dodduga Flacourtiaceae
6.
Abutilon indicum Tuttura benda Malvaceae
7.
Grewia hirsute Konda thada Tiliaceae
8.
Grewia rhamnifolia Thegalaku Tiliaceae
9.
Triumfetta rhomboidea Tutturi Tiliaceae
10.
Hugonia mystax Kakibira Linaceae
11.
Atalantia monophylla Mnukudu Rutaceae
12.
Toddalia asiatica Mirapagandra Rutaceae
13.
Cipadessa baccifera Pogaveseaku Meliaceae
14.
Scutia myrtina Budida pandlu Rhamnaceae
15.
Ziziphus oenoplia Pariki Rhamnaceae
16.
Cissus vitigenia Nelagummadi Vitaceae
17.
Buchanania axillaris Saara Anacardiaceae
18.
Indigofera cassiodes Kondanili Fabaceae
19.
Rhynchosia suaveolens Adavikanda Fabaceae
20.
Caesalpinia bondac Gachakayachettu Caesalpiniaceae
21.
Prosopis chilensis Karra thumma Mimosaceae
22.
Combretum albidum Yaada Combretaceae
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23.
Benkara malabarica Pedamalle Rubiaceae
24.
Catunaregam spinosa Balusu Rubiaceae
25.
Terenna asiatica
Kommi
Rubiaceae
26.
Diospyros ferrea Otti Ebenaceae
27.
Diospyrosexsculpta Ummitta Ebenaceae
28.
Linociera zeylanic Puniki Oleceae
29.
Jasminum scandens Nagamalli Oleceae
30.
Carissa carandus Kale,Vanakale Apocynaceae
31.
Carissa spinarum Kalive Apocynaceae
32.
Sarcostemma acidum Chedupulla Apocynaceae
33.
Carmona retusa Pichika bira Cordiaceae
34.
Rivea hypocrateriformis Boddi Convolvulaceae
35.
Barieria prionitis Mulla gorinta Acanthaceae
36.
Gmelina asiatica Gummadi Verbenaceae
37.
Anisomeles malabarica Moga beera Lamiaceae
38.
Drypetes sepiaria Bira Euphorbiaceae
39.
Euphorbia tirucalli Kada jemudu Euphorbiaceae
40.
Jatropha curcos Tella dundigama Euphorbiaceae
41.
Jatropha gassypifolia Nepalamu Euphorbiaceae
42.
Securinega leucopyrus Nalla balugudu Euphorbiaceae
43.
Suregada angustifolia Sapranji Euphorbiaceae
44.
Strychnos colubrine Palamushti Loganiaceae
Table 3: Herbs
S.No Botanical Name Vernaculam Name Family
1.
Argemone mexicana Kusuma Papavaraceae
2.
Hybanthus enneaespermu Chandrakantha Violaceae
3.
Pavonia zeylanica Chitta mati Malvaceae
4.
Cissus quadrangularis Nalleru Vitaceae
5.
Indigofera asphelthoides Chinna nelavemu Fabaceae
6.
Rhynchosia minima Adavi chikkudu Fabaceae
7.
Citrullus colocynthus Chitti papara Cucurbitaceae
8.
Centella asiatica Saraswathi aku Apiaceae
9.
Knoxia sumatrensis Nelavemu Rubiaceae
10.
Hedyotis puberula Chiru veru Rubiaceae
11.
Blumea membranaceae Karapaku Asteraceae
12.
Echinops echinatus Brahma donda Asteraceae
13.
Plumbago zeylanica Tella chitramulamu Plumbaginaceae
14.
Caralluma adscendens Kundeti chevulu Asclepiadaceae
15.
Heliotropium indicum Nagadanti Boraginaceae
16.
Physalis minima Buddakakara Solanaceae
17.
Andrographis paniculata Nelavemu Acanthaceae
18.
Asystesia gangetica Mettaku Acanthaceae
19.
Hygrophilla auriculata Neerugolimidi Acanthaceae
20.
Justicia nilgherrensis Addasaramu Acanthaceae
21.
Elytaria acaulis Chepputhottaku Acanthaceae
22.
Aristolochia indica Tella eswari Aristolochiaceae
23.
Pouzolzia zeylanica Uchagadda Urticaceae
24.
Crinum defixum Chembu gadda Amaryllidaceae
25.
Curculigo orchioides Nelathati Hypoxidaceae
26.
Sansvieria roxburghiana Adavitegala Agavaceae
27.
Aristida adscensionis Cheepuru gaddi Poaceae
28.
Vetiveria zizanoides Vattiveru Poaceae
Table 4: Climbers
S.No Botanical Name Vernaculam Name Family
1.
Naravelia zeylanica Korivi kattaku Ranunculaceae
2.
Cissampelos zeylanica Ari donda Capparidaceae
3.
Pachygone ovate Pedda dusari Menispermaceae
4.
Cocculus hirsutus Chinna dusara Menispermaceae
5.
Tinospora cardifolia Tippa teega Menispermaceae
6.
Glycosmis pentaphylla Gonji
Rutaceae
7.
Ventilago denticulate Surupu Rhamnaceae
8.
Abrus precatorius Gurivinda Fabaceae
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9.
Atylosia scarabaeoides Pachabotavadi Fabaceae
10.
Canavalia ensiformis Adavi tamba Fabaceae
11.
Acasia torta Korinteega Mimosaceae
12.
Coccinia grandis Donda Cucurbitaceae
13.
Trichosanthes cucumeria Adavi potla Cucurbitaceae
14.
Ceropigia candelabrum
Eswari
Asclepiedaceae
15.
Gymnema sylvestrae Podapatri Asclepiadaceae
16.
Leptadenia reticulate Mukku palateega Asclepiadaceae
17.
Pentatropis capensis Yedupullateega Asclepiadaceae
18.
Pergularia daemia Dushtapaku Asclepiadaceae
19.
Tylophora indica Mekameyanaku Asclepiadaceae
20.
Wattakaka volubilis Galijeru Asclepiadaceae
21.
Decalpis hamiltonii Maredu kommulu Asclepiadaceae
22.
Hemidesmus indicus Sugandapala Asclepiadaceae
23.
Tragia plukenetii Pedda duradagondi Euphorbiaceae
24.
Dioscoria pentaphylla Injedi gadda Dioscoreaceae
25.
Asparagus recemosus Pilliteegalu Liliaceae
26.
Gloriosa superb Vishanaabhi
Liliaceae
Table 5: List of Endemic species of Venkatagiri Forests
S,No. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Family Habit Status
1 Andrographis ovata (Bedd.) Clarke Nelavemu Acanthaceae Herb endemic*+
2 Atylosia cajanifolia L. Haines Konda kandi Fabaceae Herb Endemic
3 Barleria buxifolia L. Acanthaceae Herb endemic *
4 Begonia malabarica Lam. Begoniaceae Herb Endemic
5 Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex.coleb. Guggilam Burseraceae Tree Endemic
6 Caesulia axillaris Roxb. Asteraceae Herb endemic *
7 Canscora perfoliata Lam. Gentianaceae Herb endemic *
8 Canthium dicoccum Gaertn. Tella nakkena Rubiaceae Tree Endemic
9 Caralluma adscendus (Roxb.) Haw. Kundeti chevulu Asclepediaceae Herb endemic *
10 Cassia angustifolia Vahl. Senna Caesalpinaceae Shrub Endemic
11 Celosia Polygonoides Retz. Amaranthaceae Herb Endemic
12 Crotalaria pulchra
Andro.Bot.Repos. Janumu Fabaceae Shrub endemic *
13 Cyanotis tuberosa (Roxb.) Schultes Commelinaceae Herb endemic *
14 Decalepis hamiltonii Wight &Arn Maredu kommulu Asclepediaceae Shrub endemic *
15 Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Ullinda Ebenaceae Tree endemic *
16 Dolichandrone atrovirens Hevne
ex. Roth Neruddi Begoniaceae Tree endemic *
17 Ehretia pubescens Benth. Pakki Boraginaceae Tree endemic
18 Eragrotis tenella L. Poaceae Herb Endemic
19 Euphorbia hirta L. Nanabala Euphorbiaceae Herb Endemic
20 Evolvulus alsinoides L. Vishnu krantham Convolvulaceae Herb Endemic
21 Ficus microcarpa L.f. konda juvvi Moraceae Tree Emdemic
22 Habenarai hollandiana Sant. Orchidaceae Herb Endemic
23 Habenaria roxburghii Pons. Malliteega gadda Orchidaceae Herb endemic *
24 Hibiscus purpureus Forssk. Malvaceae Herb Endemic
25 Indigofera barberi Gamble. Fabaceae Shrub endemic *+
26 Lepidogathis mitis Datz. Acanthaceae Herb endemic *
27 Penzolzia auriculata Wight. Urticaceae Shrub Endemic
28 Phyllanthus pinnatus (Wight.)
Webster Euphorbiaceae Shrub endemic *
29 Priva cordifolia (L.f.) Druce Acanthaceae Herb Endemic
30 Pterocarpus santalinum L.f. RakthaChandanam Fabaceae Tree endemic *+
31 Pterolobium hexapetalum (Roth.)
Sant Pariki Caesalpinaceae Shrub endemic *+
32 Rhynchosia rothili Benth ex.Ait Fabaceae Herb Endemic
33 Rivea ornata (Roxb.) Choisy Convolvulaceae Shrub endemic *
34 Santalum album L. Chandanam Santalaceae Tree endemic *
35 Sida cordata Burm. F. Malvaceae Herb endemic
36 Sympagis petiolaris (Nees.) Brem Acanthaceae Shrub endemic
37 Vitex altissima Wight. Nemali adugu Acanthaceae Tree endemic
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species followed by Indigofera (7) and Cyperus (5)
respectively. Tall trees and large bushes of the
forest are infested with bshy stem parasites such
Dendrophthoe falcate, Viscum articulatum, V.
orientale. Cassytha filiformis is a gregarious,
leafless twiner found frequently in the margins of
forests. Species of Striga and Santalum are partial
root parasites found commonly in grassy areas. But
invasive exotic species like Cassia occientalis,
Cleome viscose, Croton bonplandianum, Lantana
camera, Parthenium histrophorus, Prosopis
chilensis, Mimosa pudica, may cause threat to the
native flora. Flora of Venkatagiri Durgam forests
show high economic importance either for local use
or for commercial exploitation. A comprehensive
list of plants used for various purposes are given
here.
Venkatagiri Durgam is off shoots of Eastern
ghats is an abode for rich Bio-diversity. Total
number of plants in our study from Venkatagiri
hills is 185 species of 170 genera and 83
families with genus-species ratio is 4.5:3.7:1
.The presence of 185 species concludes that
Venkatagiri Durgam forests as one of the phyto-
diversity rich spot of Nellore district.
Dicotyledons are represented by 180 species
belonging to 170 genera of 35 families.
Monocotyledon’ s include 30 species belonging to
20 genera of 11 families.
The ratio of dicotylidons to monocotylidons is 10:
1. For species and 10.3: 1 for genus Based on habit
flora comprises 121 species (37%) under trees
followed by 76 species shrubs (20%) and 107
species herbs (31%) and 37 species of climbers
(11%) 37% of flora comprises trees, 33% of flora
comprises herbs 21% of flora comprises shrubs and
11% of flora comprises climbers.
1) Timber yielding plants:
Albizia lebbeck,Azadirachta indica, Bauhinia
racemosa, Chloroxylon swietnia, Grewia
tiliaefolia, Hardwickia binata, Lannea
coromandelica, Lepisanthes tetraphylla, Mangifra,
Pterocarpus santalinus, Pongamia pi nnata,
Thespesia populnea, Terminalia species, Vitex
altissima etc.
2) Plants with edible parts:
i) Plants with edible roots:
Coccinia grandis, Dioscorea species,
Ipomoea violacea etc.
II) Plants used as leafy vegetables:
Amaranthus sps, Basella rubra, Boerhavia diffusa,
Murraya koenigii, Tamarindus indica etc.
III) Plants with edible fruits:
Annona squamosa, Buchanania axillaris,
CXanthium parviflorum, Coccinia grandis,
Diospyros species, Mangifera indica, Manilkara
hexandra, Memecylon edule, Pithacalobium dulce,
Solanum nigrum, Spondias pinnata, Ziziphus
species etc.
3) Fiber yielding plants:
Bauhinia racemosa, Corchorus capsularis,
Crotalaria retusa, Derris scandens, Hibiscus
cannabinus, Lannea coromandellica, Sansvieria
roxburghiana, Triumfetta rhomboidea etc.
4) Gums and resins:
Accia leucophloea, Accia nilotica, Azadirachta
indica, Boswellia serrata, Commiphora caudate,
Helicteres isora etc.
5) Dye yielding plants:
Acacia leucophloea, Carthmus tinctorius, Gmelina
asiatica, Lawsonia inermes, Indigofera tinctoria,
Mallotus philippensis, Terminalila species,
Thespesia populnea etc.
6) Tanin yielding plants:
Acacia nilotica, Diospyros melanoxylon,
Terminalis species, Ziziphus mauritiana etc.
7) Plants used for thatching and knitting:
Borassus flabellilfer, Cymbopogon coloratus,
Ipomoea carnea, Oryza satilva, Pennisetum
typhoides, Phoenix species etc.
8) Medicinal plants:
Nearly 70% of flora having pharmacognostic value,
a few prominent medicinal plants are given here.
Aristolochia indica, Asparagus racemosus,
Centella asiatica, Curculigo orchioides, Decalepis
hamiltonii, Dodonaea viscosa, Gloriosa superba,
Gymnema sylvestre, Justicia adathoda, Phyllanthus
amarus, Phyllanthus embllica, Plumbaago
Zeylanica, Sida cordifolia, Terminallia bellerica,
Tinospora cordifolila, Tylophora indica, Vernonia
anthelmentica, Vitex negundo etc.
Endemism
The species restricted to a given region and occur
nowhere else are known as endemic species.
Pterocarpus and Decalepis are endemic to Eastern
Ghats. Out of six endemic genera of Nellore
district, three genera namely Caesulila
Roxb.,Decalepis Wight&Arn. And Sympagis
(Nees) are identified in Veligonda forests.
Atylosia cajanifolia Haines (Adavikandi) of
Fabaceae family is found in Hilly areas of East
Godavari, Srikakulam and Visakapatnam of
Andhra Pradesh by Sudhakar Reddy et.all. (2006).
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Now it is also observed in the forests of
Venkatagiri Durgam of Nellore district. Most of the
endemic species are herbs (19), shrubs and trees are
of 9 each.
Research Highlights
A good number of plants seem to be endemic in
Venkatagiri Durgam of Eastern Ghat region. One
of the major tasks in the conservation process is to
prepare an inventory of RET plants to assess their
conservation. Similar documentation is not
available from Venkatagiri Durgam of Eastern
Ghat region. This paper attempts to fill this lacuna
by documentation of certain RET medicinal plant
species of Venkatagiri Durgam. The present work
highlights the Pterocarpus santalinus, it is an
intresting species in this area and has edaphic
preference at higher elevations Shorea tumbuggaia
is rare but identified in this area only, found
associated with Red sanders at high elevation.
Croton scabiasis is another associate of Red
sanders in Venkatagiri Durgam, Seshachalam hills,
Eastern Ghats, Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
Limitations of the Research
Present research is mainly concentrating on the
identification and documentation of RET plants
species of the study area. Population studies
including species richness, species diversity,
conservation priority index have to be calculated.
Distribution analysis of Ret plant species in
different parts of study area also planned but not
able to studied due to the shortage of time and so
many other factors.
Research Potential
There is lot of research potential regarding to RET
plants. Genetic mapping of RET plants has to be
done for comparative analysis, molecular markers
have to be prepared which are useful in the
identification of RET plants of different regions of
Eastern Ghats, It also allows the opportunity for the
establishment of tissue, embryo and somatic cell
banks of RET species. Studies of Seed Biology
helps to propose holistic and multidisciplinary
efforts for the conservation of RET plants species.
Justification of the Research
Conservation of phytodiversity and medicinal
plants in its bicultural perspective not only implies
conservation of biodiversity but also places an
equal emphasis on conservation of cultural
diversity. It is especially desirable in case of
species where wild populations have dwindled to
critical levels. Database will be useful to
researchers, foresters, policy makers, all those who
are involved in conservation programmes. It
provides the scope for the study of reproduction
biology of the RET plants which is helpful in their
cultivation and conservation programmes.
Recommendations
Representatives of all groups of plants contribute to
the health of global ecosystem and to human
welfare. As such, any loss of phytodivenity has the
potential to negatively impact the future of the
human population. Among the top priorities for
effort in plant diversity research are training of
amateur and professional experts in the taxonomy.
Taxonomy especially in the identification of
medicinal plants is very much essential. There is an
urgent need to conserve in situ all forms of life
along with its support system. The main threat to
the ecosystem in the area is felling and smuggling
of red sanders which is endemic to the area and due
to its international market. It is noted that about
10% of all plant species are endangered indicating
wide spread degradation of ecosystem and
therefore the urgent need for strategic conservation
action.
Acknowledgment
The authors are thankful to the tribal people of
Venkatagiri Durgam for their help in the
transmission of traditional knowledge.
Conclusion
Venkatagiri Durgam is one of the richest gene
banks of Phytoresources in Andhra Pradesh. Tribes
of Venkatagiri have very good knowledge on the
usage of phytoresources for various purposes
including medicines for various ailments.
According to state government of Andhra Pradesh
propose number of forest areas rich in flora and
fauna including medicinal plants as medicinal plant
conservation areas (MPCA) one such MPCA has
been Established at Venkatagiri. But this traditional
knowledge is restricted to older people only
because of the effect of modernization among
youngsters. Therefore it is necessary to record and
protect that traditional knowledge for future
generations.
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