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Floristic diversity and economic importance of the Homegardens of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India

. Ayyathurai Ayun Vinubaa, Bental Daisty Sheejab, Vethamoni Sathia Geethac, Thankappan Sarasabai Shynin Brinthad, Solomon Jeevad*


Abstract

Homegardens are traditional agricultural systems located within homesteads and are found in many countries throughout the world. The present study aims at understanding the floristic diversity of homegardens and utilization of plant species by the rural communities of Allankottai village of Kanyakumari district, Tamilnadu, India. Data on utilization of plant species was collected by interviewing the gardeners. A total of 435 plant species belonging to 306 genera and 94 families were recorded from the homegardens of Allankottai village. Of these, 90 families were angiosperms, 3 families were gymnosperms (Araucariaceae, Cycadaceae, and Cupressaceae) and one belonging to pteridophyte (Nephrolepidaceae). Among the 90 angiospermic families, 20 were Gamopetalae, 40 Polypetalae and 10 were Monochlamydeae. Out of these, 150 species (34%) were medicinal, 141 species (32%) were ornamental, 42 species (10%) were edible and medicinal, 26 species (6%) were edible, Ornamental and Medicinal 20 species (5%) and Fodder plants 14 species (3%) were noticed. Hence the study indicated that the homegardens are contributing considerably to food security and livelihoods of people in the study area.

Key words: Allankottai village, Homegarden, Plant diversity, Tamil Nadu

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