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VOL. 9, ISSUE 12 (2024)
Conservation status in miniature sacred groves in theerthagirishwarar temple, theerthamalai, Dharmapuri
Authors
Katharbasha, Dhamodaran Vijaya
Abstract
The status of sacred groves in
Theerthagirishwarar temple, of Theerthamalai, Harur taluk, Dharmapuri was
undertaken. The study confirms sacred groves are environmentalists paradise;
urbanists medicinal plants life garden; botanists wild species laboratory.
Sacred grooves are helpful in checking the phytogeographic history: 107 species
are present altogether in the vegetation; Of these 40 species are Pantropical
elements and 58 species are Asiatic elements which were dominant and
co-dominant, followed by the 12 species endemic to the Western Ghats and
South-Western Ghats as the co-dominant group. Altogether, these groups
comprised almost 54% of the vegetation and reflect that this region has been
bestowed with good natural vegetation for a long time. It can be argued that
the rest of the species are drawn from the neighboring phytogeographical
domains. The remaining elements occupied a low position, compared to the above.
The plants are presented in three layers such as herbs, shrubs, trees in sacred
area. The flora is also rich in epiphytes, lianas, climbers, tendrils etc. In
contrast, in the non-sacred area, more surface area is occupied by herbs,
followed by thorny shrubs, xerophytes, invasive weeds and cultivated crops. The
status of sacred groves is preserved indicated by the presence of rare and
threatened plants in sacred groves. The traditional knowledge about natural
resources and their value was documented. The conservation status of
Theerthagirishwarar temple was better than the adjacent lands.
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Pages:57-63
How to cite this article:
Katharbasha, Dhamodaran Vijaya "Conservation status in miniature sacred groves in theerthagirishwarar temple, theerthamalai, Dharmapuri". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 9, Issue 12, 2024, Pages 57-63
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