Abstract
In this case study, authors reveal very valuable Traditional Knowledge (TK) related to an important, critically endangered medicinal plant species locally known as ‘Amrithapala’, botanically identified as Decalepis arayalpathra (J.Joseph & V.Chandras.) Venter, disclosed by Smt. Lekshmikutty, women tribal healer belonging to Kani tribal community in Kerala. Kani tribe is inhabited in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala. Smt. Lekshmikutty, has been awarded ‘Padma Shri’ this year (2018) for her outstanding contribution in the field of ethnomedical knowledge, tribal healing techniques and other contributions made by her in the conservation of biodiversity. Kani tribes are of mixed racial origin, having features of dravidian, veddoid and negrito. They are the custodians of rich TK related to biodiversity, especially on medicinal and food plants. TK related to cultural expressions presented by Kani tribal community is worth scientific scrutiny. In this communication, the authors highlight the ethnic legend of Kani tribe ritualistic music performed by them known as ‘Chattupattu’, the historical perspective of Agasthyarkoodam the southernmost peak of Western Ghats and the story of ‘Amrithapala’ . Apart from this, summary of scientific investigations so far carried out by various authors are also described.
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