Taxonomy and Ethnobotany of Sthalavrikshas (Temple Trees) in Palakkad, Kerala, India

摘要

Veneration of solitary trees as Sthalavriksha is reported from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. However, less is known about Sthalavrikshas' of Kerala. The authors report taxonomy and ethnobotany of Sthalavrikshas ia Palghat district, Kerala, India. Preponderance of Sthalavrikshas in two relatively drier Taluks of the study area leads the authors to observe that Sthalavrikshas are condensed form of sacred groves.