Survey and documentaiton of plants from Southern Coimbatore

Abstract

Plants in densely urbanized areas also contribute to environmental protection from several hazards like strong winds, soil and slope erosion, torrential floods, landslides. The floristic documentation was carried out in four regions of Southern Coimbatore. Out of 96, there are 77 are cultivated plants as agricultural crops, ornamental or other consumption purposes and remaining 19 are wild plants around the residing area. This present analysis indicated that documented plant species came under 43 taxonomic families. Highest number of species found in the family Cucurbitaceae (7), Apocynaceae (6) followed by Amaranthaceae, Arecaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae each with 5 species. It is also revealed that the highest number of Herb habits (37.5%) followed by trees (20.83%) than other habits. Among which most of the plants are used for medicine and domestic consumption. Several plants have been cultivated for ornamental purposes as well. In this survey, no rare status plants have been observed in this study area. Hence it is indicating that the area is completely civilized and the land area around the residence has been anthropogenic impacted. The wild species documented in this area are herbaceous weed plants blooming at every rainy season. Hence the cultivation of trees and protection management has to be initiated to increase the green cover of the study area -Southern Coimbatore to regain the misty, moderate climate as it was one of the identity of Coimbatore. It will definitely improve the ecological services like rainfall, pure air and beauty of nature to enjoy.