Checklist of geophytes in Tirunelveli corporation area, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Geophytes exhibit great diversity in their growth, morphology and developmental biology, and physiological response to environmental factors. Taxonomic studies and classification of geophytes, of either known or newly introduced species, are important . The studies on ornamental geophytes are greatly expanded. Tirunelveli district has a diverse geophytic flora and these resources not fully explored. Hence present study aimed to document the geophytes in the Tirunelveli Corporation area, Tamil Nadu. During the course of the present study, field trips were carried out to identify, document, and characterize the geophytes grown in the study area. Totally 76 species of geophytes were recorded in the study area. The species belonged to 29 families and 58 genera. Totally 44 ornamental geophytes were grown in home gardens of the study area. Geophytes reported with various growth forms. Of the 76 geophytes, 6 climbers, 1 shrub, 4 trees, and the remaining 65 are herbs. Alocasia sanderiana reported as critically endangered species in t he IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 20 exotic geophytes were recorded in the field study. The present study accounting for the diversity of geophytes in Tirunelveli corporation area and the results may serve to determine conservation strategies for geophytes in the study area.