International Journal of Advanced Science and Research 21 International Journal of Advanced Science and Research ISSN: 2455-4227, Impact Factor: RJIF 5.12 www.newresearchjournal.com/science Volume 1; Issue 4; April 2016; Page No. 21-24 Floristic diversity and phytosociological studies of the selected sacred grove in Kannur district, Kerala Shilpa Sasidharan V, Anitha T M.Sc. Botany, Nirmala College for Women, Red Fields, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Abstract Sacred groves act as a treasure trove for rare and medicinal plants. Apart from the quantitative analysis quantitative approach to sacred grove gives the potential species and importance of sacred grove, which is the main focuses of this work. The quadrate method of sampling was used for the phytosociological analysis of flora of selected sacred grove. The documentation of red listed species were carried out. The potentiality of each species for its medicinal and economic uses indicates the immediate necessity for the conservation of the sacred grove. Keywords: rare and medicinal plants, Vascular flora of Chama Kavu, Biodiversity 1. Introduction Sacred groves are relic forest patches protected by local communities in reverence of a deity. These are the representative of climax vegetation and exhibit the diversity of species such as trees, climbers, epiphytes and other shade loving herbs. The groves are not only important sites for regional biodiversity but also provide vital ecosystem services to local people. One of the most important traditional uses of sacred groves was it acted as a repository for various Ayurvedic medicines. Sacred groves can be used as indicators for potential natural vegetation (Schaaf, 1998) [8] and are vital for well-being of the society. Sacred groves or sacred trees serve as a home for birds and mammals and hence they indirectly help in the conservation of living organisms (Islam et al., 1998) [5] Social gathering of people take place in the grove on the occasion of ‘Theyyam’. The rituals involve the participation of the entire community (Jayarajan, 2004) [6] . Sacred groves help in soil and water conservation besides preserving biodiversity. The ponds and streams adjoining the groves are perennial water sources and are often the only source for many of the animals and birds that make them their habitat especially during summer. The main objectives of the study includes analysis of the floristic composition, biodiversity induces, various medicinal uses of documented species, listing out of red listed species, and the conservative strategies for the protection of sacred groves. 2. Materials and methods Study area The study area, Chama kavu is concentrated in Kannur district which is located in the Northern part of Kerala. Thekavu lies between 12º09’07.03”N lattitude and 075º12’35. 5” E longitude. The climate is very hot and humid with maximum and minimum temperature ranging from 20 ◦ C to 28 ◦ C. The total annual rain fall is 3438 mm. Earlier the kavu was spread in eight acres of land. Later three acres were given to build a school. Now it has only five acres of land. Figure showing location Map and study area Fig 1: Location map of study area