DEEPAMOL P.C.
Abstract
Sacred groves are small patches of forest protected by local communities due to religious beliefs and traditional practices. These groves play an important role in conserving biodiversity. The present study focuses on the plant diversity of Neeliyarkottam, a midland sacred grove located in Morazha village of Taliparamba Taluk, Kannur District, Kerala. The plant species composition and diversity were studied by the random sampling method. Plant specimens were collected during flowering and fruiting seasons and pressed into herbarium specimens for proper identification. A total of 81 species were identified. Trees and woody climbers were the dominant groups, with Memecylon randerianum being the most common species. The grove sustains several endemic, threatened, and medicinally important plant species such as Holigarna arnottiana, Santalum album and Melicope lunu-ankenda. The presence of insectivorous plants and ground orchids adds more ecological value to the grove. The study highlights the significance of sacred groves as the natural reservoir of biodiversity and underlines the need for their protection.