Biological Diversity of Kerala: A Survey of Kalliasseri Panchayat, Kannur District

Biological Diversity of Kerala: A survey of
Kalliasseri panchayat, Kannur district
T.P. Sreedharan
Discussion Paper No. 62
Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development

Centre for Development Studies
Thiruvananthapuram
T.P. Sreedharan
English
Discussion Paper
Rights reserved
First published 2004
Editorial Board: Prof. P. R. Gopinathan Nair, H. Shaji
Printed at:
Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development
Published by:
Dr K. N. Nair, Programme Co-ordinator,
Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development,
Centre for Development Studies,
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Thiruvananthapuram
Cover Design: Defacto Creations
ISBN No: 81-87621-65-6
Price: Rs 40
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KRPLLD 2004 0500 ENG
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Contents
Page No.
1 Introduction 4
2 Objectives and method 16
3 Studies on biodiversity in India: an overview 19
4 Socio-economic profile of study area 25
5 Plant diversity 34
6 Fauna 53
7 Cultural heritage and lifestyle 66
8 Summary and conclusions 85
9 Suggestions 87
APPENDIX
Appendix I Convention on biological diversity 90
References 176
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T.P. Sreedharan
1. Introduction
Biodiversity
Effective utilisation of biodiversity determines prosperity. This is so because of the limitless

potential for application of biodiversity for human welfare. Biodiversity is the most significant
of the resources available to man (Pushpangadan, 1999).
Biodiversity encompasses the limitless array of organisms from microbes to large life forms.
We owe our achievements for the past 500 years to biodiversity. Tropical regions where
light and water are available in plenty are the abodes of biodiversity. India and Latin America
are important examples. Sixty-five thousand species of flowering plants have been recorded
from Latin American countries. Fifteen thousand species of flowering plants have been
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: It was Dr M. P. Parameswaran who encouraged me to take up research on

Biodiversity of Kalliassery and introduced me to Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development
(KRPLLD). I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dr Parameswaran. Let me also express my gratefulness to Dr
K N. Nair for sanctioning a project under KRPLLD, which provided the funds for carrying out this study.
I have received generous support from all the panchayat members of Kalliasseri, especially from its
president Smt. Janaki teacher. She granted me freedom to make use of the documents and the infrastructural
facilities of the Panchayat Office. The Panchayat Development Committee rendered the study all help and
support. I express my sincere thanks to all of them. The services rendered by more than 20 volunteers as
facilitators and by Sri. K. V. Babu, Sri. P. P. Sasi, Sri. P.V. Prabhakaran, Sri. Jerry Thomas and Sri. Manoj
Nambiar who served in the project for varying periods as Research Assistants and Field Investigators, are
gratefully acknowledged. My gratitude goes also to Sri K. Radhakrishnan, Assistant Director, Zoological
Survey of India, Hyderabad, Sri E. Unnikrishnan, Sri. V.C. Balakrishnan, Sri. Dineshan Cheruvat and
Prof. M. Bhaskaran, who rendered yeomen service in the identification of species from the specimens
collected. Dr Vineetha Menon helped by translating some texts in Malayalam into English. Prof. M. K.
Prasad was kind enough to go through an earlier draft of the report and offer valuable suggestions. Sri. T.
Gangadharan gave a few suggestions some of which have been incorporated in this report. Dr. Khaleel
Chovva corrected the manuscript on plant diversity. The Scientists at the Centre for Environment and
Development, especially Sri. Renjan Mathew Varghese and Dr Babu Ambat, Director, Centre for Environment
Development, helped me with suggestions for improvement of the report. My gratitude goes to all of them.
Veterans like Sri. M. P. Narayanan Nambiar spent many hours with us nostalgically digging up the past
from memory. Several schoolteachers and their students, farmers, artisans and vaidyas came forward with
help at various stages of the project. Documentation by photography and video recording was done by Sri.
C. Unnikrishnan. Had it not been for the sincere co-operation rendered by the people of Kalliasseri, this
work would not have been completed. There are so many of them that I do not venture to mention them all
by name. I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to them all. Let me conclude with the
disclaimer: all the errors that remain in the report are all entirely my own.
T.P. Sreedharan is Former Head, Department of Zoology, Payyannur College, Payyannur.
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recorded from India (Agarwal, 1999). Among the biodiversity-rich nations, India is unique
being the only country with the largest sub-specific diversity. Sixteen thousand and five
hundred varieties of rice are cultivated in India. Six hundred varieties of rice are cultivated
in Kerala alone. There are 300 varieties of lemongrass and 1000 varieties of mango in India.
There exist numerous examples to prove India’s richness of biodiversity. In the case of
microbes also India is rich. Several new species of fungi, algae and bacteria are being
reported from India almost by the day.
Our forests are fast degrading due to anthropogenic factors. Among the twenty-five
biodiversity hotspots recorded all over the world, two are in India. These are the Western
Ghats and Sub-Himalayas (Indo-Burma). The biodiversity of Western Ghats has been well
known for millennia. It is considered to be the centre of origin of important commercial
spices like pepper, cardamom and ginger (Nair, 1997). India’s forests and their biodiversity
were the significant source of income for the colonialists since 1750. Forests resources
had been severely exploited. Teak and Rosewood were extracted in large scale for shipbuilding.
Biodiversity of the colonies and western technology made the western countries the leading
economic powers of the world. The present-day developed countries do not possess such
diverse life forms.
Developing countries are also the storehouse of information on various unique applications
of biodiversity. Tribesfolk of such countries have utilized 30 percent of the biodiversity of
their environments for various purposes. It is a pity that indigenous information on biodiversity
has not been properly documented.
The past two decades have seen tremendous progress in the field of biotechnology.
Biotechnological processes make use of their life forms or derivatives to make or modify
products or processes for specific uses. Under General Agreement on Trade and Tariff
(GATT) principles such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), micro-organisms, plants and
animals may be patented to make them exclusive private property. Developed countries
have always used Third World germplasm freely or modified them. Such modified materials
have been used for commercial applications. Huge profits thus earned have not been shared
with Third World countries that are the legal owners of the resources. There are many
examples of our indigenous knowledge or resources being patented in other countries.
Neem, Turmeric, Jamun, Carela, Brinjal, Jute and Basmati rice were patented in the United
States. If we were to take counter-measures to prevent such eventualities, we will have
first to understand fully our bio-resources. We will also have to document the unique
properties and applications of each species and obtain patency for such applications. A
shining example of such possibility is that of Arogyapacha (Trychopus zeylanichus), which
has been patented by Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI).
Biodiversity - definition
Biodiversity represents the variety and abundance of life expressed at the genetic, population,
species and ecosystem levels, both cultivated and natural, terrestrial and marine. Biodiversity
provides the goods and services essential for the survival of human beings and other species
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on the earth. Thus biodiversity may be roughly defined as the total number of species in a
particular area. Conservation of biodiversity is therefore important to ensure sustainable
human development. A bacterium, the domestic cow, rice, the resplendent tiger are all part
of biodiversity. Biodiversity knows no limits, and no distinction between wild and
domesticated, microbial and terrestrial. In short biodiversity is the diversity among all-
living forms in this universe’.
The term encompasses all species of plants, animals and the ecosystems of which they are
part – many of which have developed over several millennia of evolutionary history. Several
indices are used to calculate biodiversity. Summative measures, which count the number of
species in an area, have proved to be a poor measure of the structure of a community.
Weightier indices, attempt however, to describe the structure of a community as well as its
richness by reflecting the functional importance of species within that community.
It is estimated that there are about 1.4 to 1.7 million species in the world. This is almost
certainly an underestimate as it is based largely on those species that live on the land. Many
biologists estimate that there may be between 5 and 100 million species, most of which
remain yet to be described. Ecosystems that are particularly rich in biodiversity, supporting
thousands of species, include tropical rain forests, tropical dry deciduous forests and
mangrove swamps. Such areas are seen in Third World countries including India. About 75
percent of biodiversity exists in these realms.
Thousands of species worldwide are under threat from overuse, loss of habitat and
environmental pollution. Because species in ecosystems are interdependent, the loss of one
species may lead to the disappearance of many others. Domestic animals and crop species
are also under threat. Local breeds and crops are fast disappearing as they get replaced by
the small number of animal varieties and seeds developed for modern intensive farming.
The value of maintaining biodiversity is being increasingly realised by scientists all over the
world and steps are being taken to conserve species and ecosystems. Global biodiversity
monitoring is providing information on the number and distribution of species, enabling
governments to protect areas with high levels of biodiversity and containing rare and threatened
species.
Biodiversity - Quantification
Counting the number of species found in a community gives little indication of the structure
of that community. For eg., an ecosystem containing 20 species may be dominated by
three extremely common species and 17 very rare species. It has been argued that measures
of biodiversity should try to reflect this balance found in the eco-systems concerned.
Some measures of biodiversity also try to reflect the importance of particular species in
ecosystems. For eg., Starfish is thought to be the key species in coastal ecosystems
because it provides food for several organisms and prey on many others.
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Biodiversity – World Scenario
The world’s biodiversity is made up of millions of microbial, plant and animal species.
Within each species, there are a variety of populations that have naturally evolved specific
characteristics over millennia. Each species have become specially adapted to a particular
environment; some of them flourish in regions of the earth in which other species including
humans would immediately perish. Genetic variations within species are immeasurably
large; it is the greatest among micro-organisms, which have had far longer existence on the
earth than others, to diverge.
The human race depends upon microbial plant and animal species for food and for raw
materials for a wide range of products, from medicines to building materials. The world’s
forests and vegetative cover maintain the fertility of land and the quality of water resources
and influence climate. Clearly, no species can survive in isolation; all species depend on one
another - directly or indirectly - for that survival. Interdependent communities of species
and their physical environment form ecosystems, which may be an area as small as a single
field or thousands of square kilometres as in the case of tropical rain forests.
Biodiversity represents the very foundation of human existence. Yet by heedless actions
mankind is eroding this biological capital at an alarming rate. Even today, despite the wanton
destruction inflicted by him on the environment and its natural bounty, man takes Nature’s
resilience for granted. But the more we come to understand Nature, the clearer it becomes
that there is a limit to the disruption that environment can endure.
Besides profound ethical and aesthetic implications, loss of biodiversity has serious economic
and social costs. Genes, species, ecosystems and human knowledge, represent a living
library of options available for adapting to local and global change. Biodiversity is part of
our daily lives and livelihood and constitutes the resources upon which families, communities,
nations and future generations depend.
Global biodiversity is usually divided into three fundamental categories: genetic diversity,
species diversity and eco-system diversity.
Genetic diversity
The genetic material of micro-organisms, plants and animals contains information that
determines the characteristics of all species and individuals that make up the diversity of the
living world. The number of possible combinations of genes and of the molecules making
up genes is immense - much larger than the number of individuals making up a species.
Genetic diversity refers to the differences in genetic make-up between distinct species and
to genetic variations within a single species. Individuals belonging to a particular species
share, by definition, certain characteristics, but genetic variation determines the particular
characteristics of individuals within the species. The genetic make-up of an individual species
is not static. It changes as a result of both internal and external factors.
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Species diversity
As was mentioned earlier, 1.7 million species have been described worldwide till now and
estimates of the total number of species on Earth range from 5 to 100 million
Species diversity is measured in relation to a given area - from a small field to the entire
planet. It is assessed in terms of the number of species or the range of different types of
species an area contains. A region harbouring many different plant and animal species has
a greater diversity of species than a region in which a few types of species predominate. An
island with two species of bird and one species of lizard has, for instance, greater diversity
than an island with three species of bird and no lizard.
Ecosystem diversity
The enormous range of terrestrial and aquatic environments on Earth has been classified
into a number of ecosystems. The major habitat types include tropical rain forests, grasslands,
wetlands, coral reefs and mangroves. Species contained within a given ecosystem also
vary over time. Regions containing a great variety of ecosystems are rich in biodiversity.
Biodiversity – Indian scenario
India is rich ecologically, biologically and culturally; in biodiversity it is one of the richest in
the world being one among the twelve major countries abounding in biodiversity. So far
1,26,188 species have been noted from India. Table 1.5(a) provides a summary idea of its
biological diversity.
Among different taxa Arthropods exhibit the maximum diversity in terms of species richness;
they constitute 40 percent of all recorded species from India. Then come fungi accounting
for 18.23 percent and angiosperms coming to 13.5 percent.
India has a great wealth of biological diversity in its forests, wetlands and maritime areas.
Table 1.1(b) shows the species richness of India in comparison with that of the world as a
whole.
India is rich in almost all categories of biodiversity and contributes almost 6 percent to the
total species richness of the world. And hundreds of species remain in the ecosystems in
India, which are yet to be identified.
Genetic Diversity In India
The different forms in a species constitute its genetic diversity. The life forms seen in India
are extremely diverse. In the same species of plants, diversification occurs in their qualities.
The compounds contained in them also show immense differences. These characteristics
helped India to be considered one among the Vavilovian centres of crop diversification.
India is the home of about 167 crop plants. Our country is also the ‘land of origin’ of a few
domestic animals at primary and the secondary levels. In addition to the richness of
biological diversity there is cultural diversity and diverse systems of traditional knowledge.
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Table 1.1 (a) Biodiversity in India
No Category No of species %
1 Bacteria 850 0. 67
2 Algae 2500 2. 00
3 Fungi 23000 18.23
4 Lichens 1600 1.30
5 Bryophytes 2700 2.14
6 Pteridophytes 1022 0. 80
7 Gymnosperms 64 0.5
8 Angiosperms 17000 13.50
9 Protozoans 2577 2.04
10 Molluscans 5042 4.00
11 Crustaceans 2970 2.35
12 Insects 50717 40.00
13 Invertebrates including hemichordates 11252 9.00
14 Protochordates 116 0.10
15 Pisces 2546 2.02
16 Amphibians 204 0.16
17 Reptiles 428 0.34
18 Aves 1228 1.00
19 Mammals 372 0.30
Total 1,26,288 100.00
Source: Jaivavaividhyam (Malayalam), 1996, TBGRI.
Table 1.1(b) Comparison between number of species in India and the World
Group No. of species No. of species (SW) SI/SW(%)

in India (SI) in the World
Mammals 372 4629 7.6
Birds 1228 9702 12.6
Reptiles 428 6550 6.2
Amphibians 204 4522 4.4
Fishes 2546 21730 11.7
Flowering plants 17000 2,50,000 6.0
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Multi-faceted bio-uses are prevalent among the traditional communities and tribal groups of
the country. High rates of population growth, indiscreet human interventions and greed
have done much havoc to the country’s biodiversity, as has been the case in other tropical
regions too. As a result, the natural ecosystems, which had existed in many countries, have
become degraded or destroyed irrecoverably, thus seriously affecting the genetic diversity
of the world.
About 7000 endemic species are found in India; they do not occur anywhere else in the
world. Of these, the Himalayas and the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya account for about 3000
species, and the Deccan Peninsula for about 2000 species. The area of maximum diversity
in India is the north-eastern region, which happens to be also the most threatened. The
second major area of genetic diversity is the lower region of the Western Ghats around the
Nilgiris.
Around 600 species of vascular plants are facing the threat of extinction; the fate of the
animal world is not much different either. About 150 species of animals are on the verge of
extinction, which include 81 mammals, 47 birds, 15 other animals including 3 species of
amphibians and butterflies and moths and beetles of different kinds.
Biodiversity hot spots in India
Certain tropical forest areas rich in diverse endemic species, on the verge of destruction are
called ‘Hot Spots’. The conservation of these areas is indispensable for the survival of
mankind.
About 18 ‘Hot Spots’ (of tropical forests) are identified around the world. Among them
two are in India - one in the Western Ghats and the other in the eastern Himalayan region.
These two ‘Hot Spots’ together have about 5330 endemic species including flowering
plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.
In India, forest area is fast depleting and wildlife is fast disappearing. Much of the wild life
once widely distributed is now confined to certain pockets. Many innovative schemes and
projects have been launched to salvage the Indian wild life from extinction. The Project
Tiger was started in 1973. As tiger stands at the apex of the biological pyramid, ensuring its
survival implies conservation of the entire biota. The Crocodile Project (1975) and the
Project Elephant (1991) followed. Now, efforts are being made to establish elephant
corridors, linking the various forest areas so as to ensure continuity of forest habitats.
The Man and Biosphere Programme was formulated in 1986. Eco-development programmes
are currently designed to involve people living in and around the protected areas, in
conservation efforts with a view to improving their living conditions and thereby reducing
their dependence on forest resources.
India has a large number of scientific institutions and university departments carrying out
research on various aspects of biodiversity. Several scientists and technicians are engaged
in inventory research and monitoring. The general state of knowledge about the distribution
and richness of the country’s biological resources is therefore fairly good.
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Table 1.2 ‘Threatened’ Category of Animals in India
1994 IUCN Red List Threat Category
Group Endangered Vulnerable Rare Indeterminate Insufficiently

Known
Mammals 13 20 2 5 13
Birds 6 20 25 13 5
Reptiles 6 6 4 5 2
Amphibians - - - 3 -
Fishes - - 2 - -
Invertebrates 1 3 12 2 4
TOTAL 26 49 45 28 24
Biodiversity: Kerala scenario
The biodiversity of the Western Ghats is the main component of the biodiversity of Kerala.
The entire State is blessed with year-round greenery. Evergreen forests are its main biological
treasure house. Favourable climate and soil conditions and other affable physical factors
are responsible for the biological richness. In Kerala humidity is very high at an average of
70 percent.
Structurally, Kerala has different geo-physical areas such as forests, marshes, mangroves,
ponds, seashores and deltas.
Indiscriminate utilisation of the land surface (for cultivation, grazing or other purposes) has
adversely affected vegetation and its composition as well as its regeneration capacity.
Intensively cultivated areas have lost all natural vegetation except a few weeds. In areas
subjected to shifting cultivation, natural fauna and flora face local extinction. Environmental
damage triggered by deforestation, dam building, road construction etc. has eroded valuable
biological resources including wild varieties of even domesticated crop plants, trees and
animals.
The Western Ghats which form the mountain ranges of south-western India have been
considered a ‘Hot spot’ due to their wide range of endemic forms of biodiversity of genera,
species and races, which include nearly 2000 species of higher plants, 84 species of fishes,
87 species of amphibians, 89 species of reptiles, 15 species of birds and 12 species of
mammals – all endemic to the Western Ghats. The number of endemic species existing
amongst the lower animals (with the exception of butterflies), lower plants and micro-
organisms remains unknown.
According to the Forest Policy two-thirds of the area under forest cover in the hills and the
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mountainous regions is to be maintained in tact in order to prevent erosion and land
degradation and to ensure the stability of the fragile eco-system. Against this two-thirds
dictum, the actual area under forest/tree cover comes to less than one-fourth. The gaps in
the desirable forest / tree cover are numerous; in the prevailing socio-political set up, it
would be well-nigh next to impossible to plan for annexing any area for adding on to the
existing forest.
Of the 0.75 million km2 of total forest area of the country, 0.22 million km2 (30 percent)
constitute tropical moist deciduous forests and 0.064 million km2 (8.5 percent) accounts
for tropical wet-semi evergreen forests. A major part of the forests in the Western Ghats
constitutes moist forest, i.e.; tropical wet / semi evergreen tropical moist deciduous. Of the
total 9400 km2 of natural forests in Kerala, nearly 7500 km2 fall under this category, the
plantation accounting for nearly 1500 km2.
Forest resources of Kerala:
The forests of Kerala accounts for 1.26 percent of the total forest area of India and 24
percent of the land area of the State. They are distributed in three distinct altitudinal zones:
low, intermediate and high. The low zone is an undulating narrow belt extending up to about
300m MSL and comprising most of the bamboo and tropical moist deciduous forests. The
intermediate zone reaches up to 1500m and consists of steep hills and sharp falls. This is the
zone of tropical semi-evergreen and tropical wet-evergreen forests. This zone culminates in
the upland plateau, which is the high altitude zone comprising sub-climax Savannah of high
ranges. Most of the non-refractory areas of these grasslands have been planted with
Eucalyptus, Wattles and tropical pines.
The Kerala forests have bewildering diversity of floristic composition. More than one thousand
arborescent species make Kerala’s forests rich and varied. There are also herbaceous
cardamom, bamboo, the giant grass-, calamus rotang-, the longest of the phanerogams-,
piper nigrum- the black gold-, and sweet scented vetiveria.
In terms of animal diversity also Kerala holds a leading position. Elephant, tiger, wild boars,
tahrs, spotted deer, leopard are among the numerous different wild animals seen. Some
endemic forms constituting endangered species, also exist. Lion-tailed monkeys, Nilgiri langur,
Malabar civet and Giant squirrels are a few examples.
Table 1.3 Forest Types of Kerala
No Category Area in km2

1 Tropical wet evergreen and semi evergreen forests 3470
2 Tropical moist deciduous forests 4100
3 Tropical dry deciduous forests 100
4 Montane subtropical and temperate forests (sholas) 70
5 Grass lands 130
6 Forest plantations 1530
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About 51 percent (4835 Km2) of the forestland has been set apart as “protected” forests.
Another 2,035 Km2 (22 percent) of natural forests including grasslands form wild life
sanctuaries and national parks. The protected forests and the natural forests in the sanctuaries
and national parks are the upper catchments and the sources of rivers. They are on steep
slopes and form a fragile and rare ecosystem. No forestry operations aimed at generation of
revenue are being carried out in these areas.
The areas of gentle slopes, foot hills etc., are classified under ‘production’ forests. It is in
such areas that normal forestry operations are carried out. Some parts of ‘production’
areas with gentle slopes and deep soils; have been converted into commercial plantations of
teak, Eucalyptus, match-wood, fuel wood etc., for meeting specific industrial requirements.
Nearly, 1531 Km2 of such forests have been converted into plantations, till now.
Degradation of forests
Owing to various pressures and continuous onslaught, the area of forests dwindled during
the 19th and the 20th centuries. Some forest areas in the districts of Kannur and Kozhikode
were clear-felled for raising rubber, coffee and tea-plantations. Some virgin forests were
clear-felled for hydro-electric and irrigation projects. A few of these projects brought new
people to the construction sites who, in course of time, spread out into adjoining forest areas
causing irreparable damage to them. The Grow More Food Campaign of the early years of
independence resulted in several inroads into the virgin forests and created in pockets of
occupation within the forests. In consequence, the total forest cover of Kerala, which had
been 28 percent of the land area during the first quarter of the 20th century, has declined to
24 percent.
Mangroves of Kerala
The mangrove patches of Kerala are highly localised. They are confined, to the upper
reaches of lagoons or backwaters and creeks, as seen in Veli, Kollam, Kumarakom,
Kannamali, Chettuva, Nadakkavu, Edakkad, Valapattanam, Pappinisseri, Muzhappilangad,
Koduvalli, Kunjimangalam, Chittari, Payangadi, Kotti, Kavvay, Thalassery, Ezhimala,
Vypin, Mahe, Badagara, Kallai, Tirur, Edappalli, Panangad, and Aroor. Kerala Mangroves
are distributed in eight coastal districts of which Kannur has the largest area followed
by Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. The total area comes to about 17
Km 2 (1671 ha). The district-wise distribution is shown in Appendix II Table I. Out of
this 2 Km 2 are government and public land and the rest private land. Only an area of
1.50 Km 2 area has typical undamaged mangroves. The total area under mangroves in
Kerala in the remote past had been reportedly about 700 Km 2 (Chand Basha, 1992).
The vegetation cover of the coastal region of Kerala (590 km) has played a dominant
role in shaping various faunal compositions. This niche attracted numerous types of
marine birds and nursed a variety of brackish water fishes. The entry of tidal waters
regularly from the sea and the existence of 30 estuaries and back waters of varying
sizes with fresh water flowing regularly into them from the 41 rivers that originate in
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the Western Ghats, create a peculiar ecological environment favourable to the
development of a unique mangrove vegetation on the fringes of the backwaters; estuaries
and creeks. The important species met with are Acanthus ilicifolius, Acrostichum aureum,
Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, B.
parviflora, Ceriops tagal, Derris trifoliate, Excoecaria agallacha, E. indica, Kandelia
candel, Lumnitzera racemosa, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata and Sonneratia
caseolaris. Many species of mangrove associates also occur, the more important among
them being Barringtonia racemosa, Calophyllum ixnophyllum, Cerbera odollam, Haitian
littoralis, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Pandanus fascicularis, Premna serratifolia, Samadera
indica, and Thespesia populne.
This unique flora with their specialised ecological characteristic cerate a suitable habitat
for a set of peculiar fauna - both the flora and the fauna - living in their own highly
specialised ecosystem. Man in his rage for supremacy over nature, failed to understand
the intimate ‘ecological niche’ of mangroves. In order to meet his fancies, man started
replacing the natural vegetation with his pet ideas in the name of agricultural and industrial
development, a process that has led to a total annihilation of vast extents of mangrove
vegetation in the Kerala coasts.
There are clear indications to show that very rich mangrove vegetation had existed
along the coastal tracts of Kerala. According to one estimate, Kerala once supported
about 700 Km 2 of mangroves along its coast (Ramachandran, et al, 1986). What we see
now are only relies of this glorious past. As one travels along the coastal belt from
Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod, one realises that the lands reclaimed from the inland
waters have still not lost their inherent tendency of regeneration into mangrove
vegetation. The tufts of mangroves lying scattered along the coast inside coconut gardens
or paddy fields and struggling to survive, tell the tale of the potential of these areas to
support the growth and spread of mangroves. The major factors that led to the
destruction of mangroves include the following:
(1) Development of Agriculture and Horticulture: - High demographic pressure

along the coastal tract made it necessary to bring in as much land as possible
under agriculture and horticulture. Additional land was procured by clearing
mangrove forests. Construction of bunds and regulators in many parts of the
State (Thottapally, Thaneermukkom, Andhakaranazhy, Enammavu,
Kuttankottavalavu) for preventing the entry of saline water from the sea into the
back waters in order to facilitate cultivation, has also changed the ecological
conditions required for the healthy growth of mangroves.
(2) Development of Industries: -The establishment of industries such as tiles and

textiles and plywood and other softwood as well as the opening of extensive
timber-stacking yards along river-banks and backwaters (eg., Valapatanam and
Kuppam) the development of ports and the construction of Cochin Shipyard,
have led to the destruction of rich mangrove vegetation. The existence of the
Keeryard Island in Valapatanam River and the small islands near Neendakara
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supporting pure mangroves, speak of the rich mangrove forests of the localities,
which had once existed.
(3) Development of transport and communication facilities: -The development

of road and rail transport (by opening National and State Highways and district
and village roads as well as railway lines passing through mangrove-rich areas)
was achieved through wanton destruction of mangrove vegetations. These roads
and railway lines act as barriers to the inflow and outflow of brackish water in
the area thereby altering the ecological condition suitable to grow and flourish.
(4) Other activities: -Digging ponds of brackish water for fish and prawn culture
in the pure mangrove areas an enterprise practiced by private land-owners in
Kasargod, Kannur and Kollam districts has destroyed a few mangrove lands.
Research in brackish-water-fish culture without causing destruction to existing
mangroves is carried out in the 1.01 Km2 of mangrove area at Puthuvypeen, the
largest single piece of mangrove land in the whole of Kerala.
Creation of grounds for retting husk for coir fibre used in hand-operated coir-spinning
and weaving machines and removal of impediments to easy movement of country boats
through backwaters also have led to the destruction of mangroves. The cutting of
roots and stems and even uprooting of mangrove vegetation for making corks, floats
for local fish-nets, and fuel-wood are the other, though minor causes of mangrove
destruction.
The biodiversity richness of Kerala lies also in its wealth of vascular plants; see Table
1.4
Vascular plants of Kerala
Table 1.4 Diversity of Vascular Plants in Kerala
No Plants No.s
1 Ornamental plants 1000
2 Medicinal plants 900
3 Wild food plants 450
4 Gum, latex, colouring materials producing plants 175
5 Economically useful plants 165
6 Aromatic plants 150
7 Bamboo 14
15
2. Objectives and Method
There exists widespread illiteracy among people on matters related to eco-systems and
biodiversity.
In India, various schemes for conservation are already in operation. An area of about 2300
km2 is identified as protected areas for in situ conservation – which include 12 Wildlife
Sanctuaries and 2 National Parks. Facilities exist also for ex situ conservation of rare and
endangered species in the botanical parks, zoological gardens and captive breeding centres
such as safari parks, snake parks and deer parks.
Traditional forest management efforts began in India in 1860. Conservation of biodiversity

and its sustainable utilization are the challenges before the resource managers and the
stakeholders. A harmonious relationship between the two groups is taking shape in the
country.
The government of Kerala has constituted a State Biodiversity Committee to look into matters
relating to bio-diversity conservation and utilization. A National legislation on biodiversity is
also on the anvil.
A significant attempt in documenting biodiversity was made in Ernakulam District under the
People’s Planning Campaign in 1999. The project envisaged the preparation of Biodiversity
Register in 86 Grama Panchayats of Ernakulam district. The committee included experts
from Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Taxonomy and Social Sciences. At District,
Block and Panchayat levels, resource persons were appointed. About 8600 volunteers were
involved in this project. The strategy was to identify at the ward level, with the help of
elected representatives, knowledgeable elderly persons and to collect information from them
on plants, animals and indigenous knowledge about them.
The pioneer in participatory studies on bio-diversity is Pattuvam panchayat (Taliparambu

block, Kannur district). The study was conducted in 1995; it could not, however, be followed
up.
Kannur district in the Malabar region of Kerala is rich in flora and fauna (Logan, 1887).
Recent times have witnessed, however, rapid decline of its forest area and wild life. Farmlands
and wastelands have also been disappearing. It is highly essential to document the remaining
biodiversity of the area for conservation for the benefit of generations to come.
The present study on the Kalliasseri panchayat of Kannur district is aimed at the preparation
of a Biodiversity Inventory of the area.
Objectives
Panchayat Resource Mapping with people’s participation was done at Kalliasseri during the
1991-93 period. This was done to find out the present status of land and water resources
16
and also to assess the impact of developmental activities of the past on these resources. The
purpose was to formulate developmental activities on the basis of data made available through
resource mapping. The data collected by volunteers and scientists have been used for the
preparation of seven thematic maps – on type of landscape, type of soil, water availability,
soil strata, patterns of land utilisation, man made developments and environment assessment.
It is widely accepted that an integrated watershed development activity with people’s
participation alone would be sustainable. The main requirements for undertaking such a
developmental activity are:
(1) A systematic approach to find out the complex inter- relation between man on
one the side and the land and water ecosystems on the other side; and
(2) A programme aimed at revitalisation of soil, water, flora, fauna and biodiversity.
The aim of the present project was to identify the floristic and faunistic diversity of Kalliasseri
Panchayat so that it will help to formulate developmental strategies without endangering the
environment in the long run.
An important component of the programme was documentation of the knowledge of the

local communities as to the changes that have taken place in the landscape and the biological
resources and prepare a Community Biodiversity Register. In the process, opinions of the
local population on how they would like to intervene in the process of landscape transformation
and biodiversity destruction were also gathered. These proposals could be of use as inputs
to the decentralised process of management of natural resources at the Grama Panchayat
level.
A number of major electrical and industrial projects are scheduled to come up in Kalliasseri
Panchayat in the near future. To study the ecological impacts of these projects, it is essential
that the present ecological status should be established.
The following have been the main objectives of the study:
1. Preparation of an inventory on the flora and fauna of Kalliasseri Panchayat,

with particular emphasis on medicinal plants, WRCP and economically
important plants;
2. Preparation of the changes undergone in the landscape elements during the 50
years preceding the study, of indigenous knowledge and practices and of ongoing
changes in biodiversity, the causative factors and reaction to such changes
from the part of the local community.
Method
1) The Panchayat with an area of 15.7 Sq. km was selected for biodiversity studies.
The study sites include human impacted ecosystems.
2) The project was done on a participatory manner. There has been constant interaction
with Grama Panchayat governing committee members and panchayat and ward
level development committees.
3) Thirty members including four women were selected from various wards of the
17
panchayat and were given training at IRTC, Palakkad for a period of 3 days.
These volunteers assist the research assistants in carrying out field studies.
4) A one-day workshop was conducted on indigenous knowledge in which farmers,
masons, blacksmiths, carpenters and weavers participated.
5) Meetings of the traditional health practitioners were held to elicit information
regarding uses of medicinal plants and other species.
6) The study sites are investigated as a landscape composed of different individual
elements like coconut plantations and paddy fields. The maps prepared for
landscape elements, cultivations etc by the Resource Mapping Programme was
made use of.
7) Landscape ecological approach was adopted for survey; vegetation studies were
conducted in all landscape elements (LSE). For vegetation studies, Multiple Stage
sampling method was adopted with quadrates of different sizes for different plant
classes. The study area comprises of areas with different degrees of disturbances.
In all these areas separate transects were laid and sampling done along this
transects. Emphasis was given for medicinal plants and wild relatives of cultivated
plants (WRCP).
8) For information regarding agriculture, Padasekhara Samithy members were
interviewed.
9) The following taxa were selected for animal sampling.
(a)Smaller mammals (b) Birds (c) Reptiles (d) Amphibians (e) Fishes
(f) Butterflies (g) Crabs
10) Apart from quadrate study, animals were sampled opportunistically in their preferred
habitats. Among plants survey of Angiosperms, Gymnosperms and Ferns was
done.
11) Ward development committee members helped in interviewing fishermen, experts
in folk arts etc.
12) Local people were interviewed to document their knowledge of occurrence and
uses of various plants and animal species. Emphasis was given to the status of
once highly utilised plant species and also to the causes for their destruction (as
expressed by the old generation).
13) Elder people were interviewed to document the change that has undergone in the
landscape elements during the past 50 years consequent to the changes in the
pattern of land holdings and also due to the developmental activities.
14) Study of sacred groves in the Panchayat was done and an inventory of the plants
and animals occurring there was made.
15) School children were involved in collecting information regarding food habits,
games and health practices of yester years.
16) This information was compiled to obtain a picture of the ongoing changes in
biodiversity, the forces responsible for such changes and also the reaction of the
local communities to these changes.
17) The floristic and faunistic surveys and documentation of indigenous knowledge
and other aspects of the project were carried out in a participatory manner.
18
3. Studies on Biodiversity in India: An overview
India
Florae
A large number of studies on the status of biodiversity in India exist. The report of the
Ministry of Environment (1994) estimates the number of plant species in the country to be
about 45,000 representing about 7 percent of the world’s flora. Among the cultivated plants
are 51 species of cereals and millets, 104 species of fruits, 27 species of spices and
condiments, 55 species of vegetables and pulses, 24 species of fibre crops, 12 species of
oil seeds and various wild strains of tea, coffee, tobacco and sugarcane. The report gives
also a detailed account of India’s faunal wealth, comprising about 81,000 species representing
6.4 percent of the total fauna of the world.
Fauna
The faunal wealth includes nearly 57,000 insects, 2546 fishes, 204 amphibians, 428 reptiles,
1228 birds and 372 mammals. According to this report, India has 26 breeds of cattle, 44
breeds of sheep, 20 breeds of goats, breeds of camels, 6 breeds of horses, 2 breeds of
donkeys and breeds of poultry (see also Khoshoo, 1995). Nayar (1996) has stated that eco-
system wise, India has 42 vegetation types, 16 forest types, 10 bio-geographic zones and
25 hotspots of endemic centres. He has identified three of the hotspots in Kerala. Daniel
(1994) carried out an elaborate survey on Tropical Wild Life with special reference to the
Indian subcontinent. Holloway (1974) studied the bio-geography of Indian butterflies. A
general survey of the rare and threatened flowering plants of south India was carried out by
Henry, et al. (1979).
Separate studies exist on bio-diversity in India in respect of fishes, reptiles, birds, and
mammals as well as on medicinal plants, fungi and mangroves.
The study on Indian reptiles by Daniel (1983), on snakes of India by Murthy (1986, 1994,
1995), on herpatofauna of South India by Groombridge (1990), on lizards of India by
Tokader and Sharma (1992) and on lizards, snakes and cheloniah by Mukherjee (1994) and
Naseer (1996) are well-known. About birds the unquestioned authority in India is Salim Ali
(1969), who identified 1200 species of which 900 are residents and 300 water migrants.
Jayson (1994) carried out detailed studies on synecological and behavioural characteristics
of certain species of forest birds. Vijayan’s surveys (1986) were on birds of Indian wetlands.
Vijayan and Balakrishnan (1977) in their work on ‘Impact of Hydro-electric projects on
Wildlife studies the factors affecting bird populations especially of the Great Indian Hornbill.
‘The book on Indian mammals’ by Prater gives a general idea about the animal population
of India. The report by the Zoological Survey of India (1991) on ‘Animal Resources in
India – protozoa to mammalia’ gives a general view of the animal population in India and
their individual estimates.
19
Das (1995) made a study on the turtles of India.
An extensive study on Diversity and Conservation of Carnivore Mammals in India was

made by John Singh (1986). Studies on other faunal forms include the elaborate enquiry
into two species of earthworms including their habitat and feeding behaviour patterns by
Julka and Chandra (1986). The study by Rensch (1995) on the land snails of Mysore and
the Nilgiri plateau also deserve mention.
Some special studies have gone into the indigenous medicinal systems and medicinal plants
of India. The report entitled ‘A Manual of Entho-botany prepared by Jain (1995) lists
among the traditional medicinal systems of India, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Kothari’s
India’s Biodiversity: a status reprot’ gives elaborate descriptions of the medicinal plants
used in the traditional systems of medicine since ancient times.
Arora and Nayar (1983) did elaborate studies on the medicinal plants of India. Umashankar
(1996) analysed the regenerative capacity medicinal plants in the country. Chopra et al
(1956) documented the medicinal plants of India. They later (1958) carried out a study on
the indigenous drugs of the country.
Studies on sacred groves on India were conducted by Gadgil and Vaartak (1975) and Pascal
(1988). The extent of sacred groves, their locations, religious practices associated with
them and their ecological and other cultural values were analysed.
CSE Report of 1985 has brought out interesting information on the rice genes discovered in
India in relation to Oryza nivara for prevention of the spreading of the grassy stunt virus.
The microbial diversity has been the topic of enquiry of Bhat and Deshbandhu (1994) and
Jagtap (1993). Bhat and Deshabandhu identified about 850 species of bacteria and 125,000
species of fungi.
Studies on the biodiversity of Indian wetlands have identified 318 species of birds, 150
species of amphibians and a large number of fish species. The India government published
a detailed directory of the wetlands in India; a similar publication was made by WWFI in
1993. Ram’s studies on the wetlands of India with particular reference to Chilka lake of
Orissa are also famous (Ram, 1994). Frame, et al, (1953) brought out a report on ‘Biodiversity
Conservation: Forests, Wetlands and Deserts’, which give a general view of ecosystems.
‘The Mangroves and Us – a synthesis of insights’ written by Vennuccil (1989) states that
mangroves and their products had a significant place in the overseas trade between
Mediterranean countries and India. The present mangrove ecosystems are only vestiges
(Blasco, 1925).
Forests in India have remained a subject of study by government agencies and individual
researchers. The Government of India published in 1993 the State of Forest Report in
which the area under forests and the details of forest bio-diversity were categorized. The
Forest Research Institute had published in two volumes One Hundred Years of Forestry in
the year 1961.
20
Tribespeople and their agricultural practices were the topic of study by Perriera (1992). He
found that agricultural practices varied with water and soil conditions. The study conducted
by MOFE in 1994 contains information about eight breeds of buffalos in India, which
represent the entire range of genetic diversity in the world.
Kerala
Studies on the general aspects of biodiversity of Kerala as well as on specific species and
special aspects exist in large numbers. On the general aspects, the major studies include the
following:
Biodiversity Wealth and Its Conservation by Manoharan, et al (1986)

Floristic Diversity of the Western Ghats and Its Conservation Measures by Nair and
Daniel (1986)
Economic Botany of Kerala by Nair (1984)
Studies on Southern Western Ghats by Satish Chandran Nair (1991)
Animal Resources of Kerala – prospects of resource utilization and employment
opportunities by Balakrishnan and Xavier (1995)
Ecological values of Biodiversity by Lal (1992)
Hora who had earlier studies about the advances in fish geography in India, prepared
in 1992 a comprehensive list of fishes of the Nilgiri and Wayanad hills. The study by
Lawrence (1992) was on the fishes of the high hills of the Western Ghats. The study
by Nair on the endemic fishes of the Western Ghats is also worth mentioning (Nair,
1991). The Kerala segment of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve and the stream fishes in
that region formed the topic enquiry by Easa and Chand Basha (1995).
An exercise in identification of lizards and snakes in the Chimmony Wild life Sanctuary
(WLS) was made by Naseer (1996). He identified 15 species of lizards and 25 species
of snakes in the sanctuary. Specific studies on the reptilian fauna of Parambikulam
was carried out by Radhakrishnan in 1996.
In 1876, Hume published his work entitled ‘A first list of the birds of Travancore Hills. Ali
and Whistler in their publication the ‘Birds of Kerala’ (1935-1937) documented extensively
the birds of Kerala. The Malayalam version of the publication has appeared recently.
Elamon Suresh, 1994 has documented the Butterflies of Periyar Reserve while Goankar
Harish, 1996 has studied in general the Butterflies of the Western Ghats.
Kurup, (1991) recorded 11 species of shore birds from paddy fields of north Kerala in his
book on ‘Ecology of birds of Malabar Coast and Lakshadweep’. Nair, et al, (1993) conducted
a survey on the distribution of mammals and birds in Chinnar WLS. ‘NEST’ has published
several reports on the bird population in the various parts of Kerala such as ‘Birds of
Peechi-Vazhani WLS: A Survey Report’ in 1991,’ ‘Birds of Kole Wetlands: A Survey Report’
in 1993 and ‘Birds of Vembanad Lake: A Survey Report’ in 1993. Neelakantan, 1993
conducted studies on the birds of Kerala and identified 476 species.
21
Mammals
Studies regarding the distribution, threats and status of mammals in Kerala were conducted
by Balakrishnan, (1986), Balakrishnan and Easa, (1986) and Daniel, (1994). They have
identified around 39 species of large and medium sized mammals from Kerala. Davidar,
(1998) conducted elaborate studies on the population of Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National
Park regarding their feeding habits, habitat, and domesticability. Easa (1995) carried out a
general survey on the mammalian biodiversity of Eravikulam NP and has identified 16
species from the area. Nair (1991) identified 48 genera of mammals, 275 genera of birds
and 60 genera of reptiles from the Western Ghats. Jayakumar, (1996) carried out survey
on the sea turtles along Kerala coast and identified five species visiting the coasts with two
species having their nesting grounds there. Zacharias and Bharadwaj (1996) has identified
8 endemic species of amphibia from Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Wildlife
Kerala Forest Department and Kerala Forest Research Institute have jointly brought out a
publication on ‘Wildlife Census – Kerala, 1993’ which gives estimates of the wildlife
population of the State.
Medicinal Plants
The first comprehensive printed book on the natural plant resources of the Indian subcontinent
is the ‘Hortus Indicus Malabaricus’ by Van Rheede tot Draakenstein. It furnished an extensive
directory of the plants and trees of the Malabar Coast.
Nambiar, (1985) has conducted a vast study on the medicinal plants of Kerala in which he
has found that out of the 3200 species of vascular flora in Kerala, 900 are known to
possess immense medicinal properties. Out of these 540 species have been identified from
forest ecosystems. Nambiar, et al, (1989) documented the medicinal plants in Kerala forests.
Manilal, 1981 did research work on the ‘Ethnobotany of Rices of Malabar’. Ethnomedical
and Ethnobotanical Investigations among some Scheduled Caste Communities of Travancore
were conducted by Pushpangadhan, (1986). He has also carried out investigations regarding
‘Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus) the ‘ginseng’ of Kani Tribes of Agasthyar Hills for
Evergreen Health and Vitality’ and ‘Amrithapala (Janakia arayalpathra) – A New drug
from Kani Tribe of Kerala’. Ramachandran and Nair (1981) carried out ‘Ethnobotanical
studies in Cannanore District of Kerala’.
Fungal Diversity
Hosagoudar V.B. and Goos R.D. (1990) have inventoried the Meliolaceous Fungi of the
State of Kerala.
Wetlands
Envis (1987) published a report on the ‘Wetlands: Status and Management: An Overview’
22
in which they have given the extent of Wetland Ecosystem in the State and the characteristics
of individual wetlands.
Gopalan (1991) has carried out an elaborate work on ‘Backwaters: Our Valuable Resources’
with special reference to Kerala.
Mangroves
Thankaimoni (1987) in ‘Mangrove Palynology’ has conducted in-depth research on ‘Spores

and Pollen Grains of Mangroves reported from Quarternary deposits of Kerala’.
Ramachandran and Mohanan, (1990) has conducted vast surveys on the extent of mangrove
ecosystem in Kerala in their book entitled ‘The Mangrove Ecosystem of Kerala’. ‘Studies
on Flora of Quilon District, Kerala’ by Mohanan (1984) give details of the mangrove
ecosystem in Quilon. Azis and Nair (1987) in ‘The Estuarine Scenario of Kerala with Special
Reference to Status of Aquaculture Development’ highlighted the present condition of the
estuaries in Kerala. He has estimated the estuarine ecosystem at 2400 sq.km, which is rich
in nutrients and high in productivity.
Studies on ‘Sacred Groves of Kerala with particular reference to Conservation of Rare,

Endemic, Endangered and Threatened Plants of the Western Ghats, Kerala’ were carried
out by Ramachandran, et al, in 1991.
Mohanan and Nair (1981) has also studied the Sacred Groves of Kerala. They have identified
a new leguminous climber called Kunstleria keralensis. Unnikrishnan (1995) has published
a book in Malayalam on sacred groves entitled ‘Keralathile Vishudha Vanangal’.
Forests
Many researchers have carried out Forest studies in Kerala since Kerala has rich forest
wealth. Karunakaran (1985) has published a Malayalam book titled ‘Keralathile Vanangal
Noottandukaliloode’. ‘The Fauna and Flora of Malabar’ was studied by Rhodes Morgan as
early as 1887. Ward and Conner (1827) had published ‘Memoir of the survey of the
Travancore and Cochin States’. Bourdillon, 1893 has published reports on ‘Forests of
Travancore’. Krishna Iyer (1947) published the ‘Travancore Forests Manual – Part II’.
‘British Indian Forestry’ was published by Kunhikrishnan in 1987.
Nair, (1985) conducted general studies on the forest resources of the State. He also carried
out specific studies on the shola forests of Kerala. He has stated that the major cause for
deforestation in the State is clear felling for eucalyptus plantation. Tewari (1995) has stated
that forest fires are the cause for loss of the regenerative power of 75 percent of natural
forests. Das, (1995) has studied the Evergreen forests of Southern Western Ghats.
Chandrasekharan (1962) carried out general studies on the forest types of Kerala State.
Menon, (1986) has estimated the extent of forest area in India.
Nair, et al, (1995) published Kerala Forests and Forestry Handbook that gives a general
picture of the forest extent in Kerala and the different forest types.
23
Studies regarding the forest vegetation of Kerala has been conducted by several researchers
like Chandrasekharan, (1962), Champion and Seth, (1968), Nayar and Daniel, (1986), and
Gadgil and Mehre Homji, (1986). Nayar, (1995) and Uniyal and Easa, (1990) also conducted
studies on the forest vegetation of Kerala. Uniyal (1987) carried out a detailed study on the
general flora and fauna of the forest ecosystem of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mohandas, (1986) has carried out a general study on the population growth and its adverse
effect on growth of forests in the Wayanad Plateau.
Silent Valley
Radhakrishnan and Gopi (1995) has conducted an extensive study of Silent Valley National
Park covering around 315 animals. Das, (1986) identified 6 species of bats from the area.
Pillai (1986) identified 19 species of amphibians. The detailed study regarding the fishes of
the Silent Valley was carried out by Devi Rema and Indira (1986). Mathew George and
Rahamathullah conducted studies on the Butterflies of Silent Valley National Park. Murthy
(1986) carried out elaborate studies on the Reptiles of Silent Valley.
Cultivated Plants: Their Uses and Conservation
Nayar (1996) carried out research on ‘Conservation of Rice Germplasm and its Utilization
in breeding: Recent Advances in Rice Improvement’. A general study has been carried out
by him in 1997 on ‘Biodiversity Challenges in Kerala and Science of Conservation Biology’.
Some basic concepts and the economic and political importance of genetic resources of
cultivated crops have been described by Daniel Querol in his book – ‘Genetic Resources –
Our Forgotten Treasure’.
Navdanya (1993) carried out a study on the domesticated biodiversity of India. He has
identified almost 150 different varieties of rice in the Western Ghats alone, each often from
a different ecosystem or ecozone.
Folk Knowledge
The book Krishimalayalam by Sujith Kumar deals with the indigenous knowledge of farmers
with regard to various agricultural practices.
24
4. Socio-Economic Profile of Study Area
The settlement map of 1928 gives a picture of the traditional agrarian system that existed in
Kalliasseri. Land ownership was confined to a very narrow section of the society. The Janmam
right to land was the monopoly of large Nair families and Devaswoms. The 374 Nair pattadars
owned 43.46 percent of the cultivated area in the village. 59.2 percent of the total land was
owned by 6.3 percent of pattadars (Thomas Isaac, Gangadharan, et al, 1995). The community-
wise distribution of landholdings in Kalliasseri (1928) is shown in Table II of Appendix.
The Jenmis leased the land to cultivators under various tenures. The majority of the tenants
suffered from insecurity of tenancy, rack-renting and arbitrary levies by Jenmies. The Jenmies
were mostly of the upper castes. Nairs, a community that constituted only around 15 percent
of the total population, directly controlled 43.46 percent of the land in the village. The Thiyyas
and other backward classes, which consisted of 60 percent of the population, owned only 6.5
percent of the landed area. The proportion of agriculture labourers in the general population
was only around 5 percent. The traditional caste-hierarchical community was maintained by
a series of patron-client relationships, shared rituals and festivals.
By the end of the 1920s, the prices of pepper and coconut soared. The spread of commercial
crops and the rise in prices during First World War led to the enrichment of a narrow stratum
of tenants.
The national upsurge in the early 1930s, organising peasants in the latter half of 1930s and the
peasant struggles waged after the Second World War contributed to the enlightenment of the
peasants. During the 1950s mass movements for agrarian reforms began. The series of mass
actions starting from the 1930s resulted in the Land Reforms Act, which changed the agrarian
relations not only in Kalliasseri but also in the whole of Kerala. The agitation for land reforms
continued and it resulted in the Land Reforms Act of 1971. It conferred fixity of tenure on
tenants, fixed fair rents, and conferred right of purchase for the cultivating tenants and greater
security to the ‘kudikidappukars’.
The land reforms conferred ownership on tenants on payment of a nominal compensation to

landlords. Ownership right to hutment land was also conferred. As a result only a small
number of Kalliasseri peasants are landless. The number of households that own more than 5
acres has declined to 13; they control only a meagre 6 percent of the total land area of the
panchayat. According to 1951 census, out of 3340 cultivators in Kalliasseri only 152 had
owned land. Th agricultural labourers were 1040 in number. Rentiers who constituted 4
percent of the households controlled more than 80 percent of the land. At present there is
neither a rentier class nor landless tenants. Even agricultural labourers have their hutments
(Isaac, T. Gangadharan, et al, 1995). The details of the distribution of holdings by land size
are given in Table III of Appendix.
With the removal of landlordship, the cultivator, who had to surrender the major part of the
produce, retains the entire produce with him. Land reforms have led to improvement of the
economic status of the cultivators. The traditional pattern of distribution of land ownership
based on caste has undergone a sea of change. The domination of upper castes over land
has come to an end.
25
Remittances made by emigrants to the Gulf region have raised the economic status of
several households. Owing to the growth of small-scale industry around Kalliasseri,
employment opportunities have expanded substantially and reduced the work force dependent
upon agriculture.
Study area
Kalliasseri Panchayat, one among the 81 panchayats of Kannur district, has an area of 15.7
Sq.km. The panchayat with its infrastructural facilities, is shown in Map I. Kalliasseri is a
typical coastal village of the northern agro-climatic zone of Kerala within which the district
of Kannur falls. A major portion of the panchayat lies in the coastal plain, but it also contains
a hilly terrain, and a valley in its northeastern part, features akin to the midland region of
Kerala. As is the case with most of the panchayats in Kerala, Kalliasseri is more of an
administrative unit than a geographical or ecological entity. The micro watersheds in the
panchayat extend to the neighbouring villages. A small portion of the panchayat in the
southwestern corner adjoining the Valapatnam River is tidal marshy land. Thus, prima facie,
the Panchayat contains a variety of land terrains, underlining the importance of considering
locational specificity of natural resources in development planning (Kalliasseri Experiment,
1995).
Map 1 Landforms in Kalliasseri Panchayat
26
Demographic charactersitics
According to the 1991 census, the total population of Kalliasseri panchayat was 25,003
(12,015 males and 12,988 females). The population of the area has been rising at a rate
more rapid than the average for the state. Between 1971 and 1981, the population increased
by 25 percent. The growth rate slightly decelerated during the eighties to 22 percent. A
census conducted in June 2000, in connection with the preparation of voters’ list has
shown that the number of houses in the panchayat is 5698 and the population 34,687, the
average household size being 6.12.
Table 4.1 Population in Kalliasseri, 1971, 1981 and 1991
Year House Male Female Total Average Growth in

hold size of population
house
hold
1971 2479 7945 8452 16397 6.61 -

1981 3160 8872 10625 20497 6.48 25.00
1991 3988 12015 12988 25003 6.27 22.96
Source: Kalliasseri Experiment in Local Level Planning (1995), KRPLLD
The average size of household has come down from 6.6 in 1971 to 6.1 in 2000. The
relationship of the average household size to the size of land holding follows the normal
positive relationship. Age distribution shows that nearly 9 percent of the population consists
of children below the age of six years. And 20 percent is in the school going age of 6-15
years. The old, above 60 years constitute about 7 percent. 8 people in the age group of 16-
59 years come to 64 percent. The details of the distribution of households and population
by major caste groups are shown in Table IV of Appendix.
The role of caste and religion in the social life of the village has considerably declined during
the last one century. A significant proportion of the population does not practise of any
religion. Going by birth, 83 percent of the households are Hindus and 16.3 percent Muslims.
The percentage of Christians is negligible. Ezhavas are numerically the largest caste group,
accounting for 43 percent of the households. The forward castes are a minority with only
a share of 15 percent of the households. The proportion of scheduled caste population is
also relatively small, lower than the state average.
Income from agriculture does not constitute the dominant source of income for any of the
land size groups. On an average it contributes to only 11 percent of the household income.
27
Map 2 Environmental Resources of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Table 4.2 Productivity of Major Crops

Crop Productivity
Kalliasseri State Average
Rice 1666 kg/ha 1958 kg/ha

Coconut 3095 nuts/ha 5377 nuts/ha
Pepper 250 kg/ha 282 kg/ha
Cashew 5 kg/tree
Pulses 300 kg/ha 706 kg/ha
The vast majority of wage labourers engaged in non-agricultural activities are employed either
in small-scale units or in co-operatives. Even though traditional and small-scale industries
dominate, the self-employed workers constitute only 13 percent of the work force. Nearly 83
percent of the work force is employed in traditional industries as wage earners. Of the industrial
workers, while around 600 persons are employed in factories, nearly 1500 work in the non-
factory sector. Manufacturing is the dominant sector employing 35.5 percent of the work
force. The salaried employees are concentrated in service sector jobs. Trade is the major
source of self-employment.
28
Land Resources
The land resources of Kalliasseri panchayat may be divided into five main categories based
on landforms: top surface, side slope, bottom surface or valley/plain, coastal plain and
marshy land. Land productivity varies according to landform. The extent of control of
sediment, soil and water movement also varies with the category of the land resource.
The top surface covering around 12 percent of the total area is composed of laterite soil.
This area usually stands at 20-40m above mean sea level. It is characterised by moderate to
high runoff. In areas having higher soil cover, infiltration is more than in other laterite
outcrops; these areas are suitable for various types of crops like coconut, arecanut, and
jackfruit, other fruit trees.
The side slopes are seen below the top surface. Sediment and water from the top surface
comes down along these slopes. The slope of the area varies from 10 – 25 metres. Areas
having higher slope have higher rate of soil erosion. Here the soil is mostly laterite gravelly
loam with about 27 percent clay content. Soil is moderate to well-drained and deep. It is
well vegetated with garden crops and forms the most intensively used land area with
settlements and trees in them.
Valley floors are sinking zones of water and sediments coming down the side slopes. Here
the soil is extremely rich due to continuous recharging of nutrients and therefore highly
productive. Sand deposits in these areas are high and the soil has a sandy clay texture.
Valley floors are located usually below 40m and above 20m. Variable soil composition and
differential gradient results in non-uniform drainage and water-logging. As a result of fresh
silt deposit and high water availability, these areas have been found to be most suitable for
rice cultivation, even up to three crops a year. As sand and silt content is high, pulses and
vegetables are also grown in some plots.
The bottom-most surface receives sediment and water from all the other overlying areas. It
lies at about 3-4 m above MSL. The major soil type is coastal alluvium most suitable for rice
cultivation. In some parts of this coastal land, coconut and a variety of other crops are
grown. In some parts sacred groves are also seen. Increase in the proportion of sand in the
soil results in excessive drainage and loss of organic matter, rendering the soil poor infertility.
The tidal marshy land covers only about 4 percent of the total area. Intrusion of saline
water into the non-saline water of this area results in tidal marshes, which are zones of
intense biological activity. These are natural sites of mangrove vegetation. During high tide
these areas are inundated and receive regular tide deposits. Soil is clayey. This area is the
most suited for pisciculture.
Coconut is the major crop accounting for cultivation about 54 percent of the area. Coconut
cultivation is more in the coastal plains. Pepper and arecanut are the important slope crops.
Cashew is grown in the terrace areas. Rice cultivation is seen only in about 21 percent of
the area. Pulses and vegetables are grown in nearly 10 percent the area utilised for rice
29
Map 3 Relief Map of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Table 4.3 Classification of Land Resource in the area
Sl.No Type of land Area % of total

(‘00 km2 )
1. Mesa/Laterite plateau 17819 11.59
2. Slopes 27011 17.57
3. Valley floor 16821 10.94
4. Coastal plain 85351 55.50
5. Tidal marsh 6771 4.40
Total 153773 100.0
cultivation, as a third crop, mostly in the coastal plains. The remaining areas have ‘mixed
crops’ and ‘mixed trees’. The land use pattern of Kalliasseri Panchayat is shown in Table V
of Appendix.
Water resources
Kalliasseri panchayat receives good rainfall of about 320 cm, mostly from the southwest
monsoon. Heavy downpour during the monsoon is concentrated within a span of 6-7 days.
30
High variations in the intensity of rainfall have led in recent years to a decline in the net
sown area of rice by about 30 percent. The conversion of paddy lands for coconut cultivation
had begun from the late fifties and gained momentum from the early’ seventies. The major
factors that were responsible for this change in the cropping pattern are discussed below.
In fact, coastal plain is more suitable for coconut than for rice. Therefore what is surprising
is that the coastal plain remained under rain-fed rice crops till the ’seventies. ‘Vadakkan’
variety of rice that had been usually cultivated in the coastal plain gave only six-fold yield
and was not therefore highly profitable. The main reason for rice cultivation to be in vogues
seems to have been the tenurial conditions in the village. A significant proportion of the
paddy land had been largely owned by ‘Devaswoms’, which leased out their land only on
‘Varam’ tenancy, a system that did not permit the tenant to plant any perennial crop on the
leased in land. Even the private ‘jenmis’ permitted Kuzhikkanam tenancy, which permitted
planting of trees and permanent improvement to land only on the sand ridges in the coastal
plain. The paddy fields in the coastal plain also played an important role in the bovine
economy of the village. After the single crop was harvested the paddy fields remained as
virtual common property for grazing animals. The security of tenure granted by the tenancy
legislation at the end of the 1950s gave the first fillip for conversion of paddy lands. The
process accelerated with the passing of Land Reforms Act of 1971. The relatively rapid
increase in coconut prices also proved to be a major incentive for conversion. The net
return from coconut was, on the average, more than double that from rice for a unit area.
Yet another reason was the spread of education and the resultant withdrawal of labour in
agriculture, particularly of the younger generation in the farming community. The proportion
of the agricultural labour class became very low in the area and the farmers themselves had
to carryout the various operations in cultivation. Even the younger generation that remained
in the agricultural sector shied away from arduous labour in rice cultivation to less labour-
intensive crops such as coconut.
The spread of coconut cultivation is unlikely to have caused serious ecological problems
of its own in the coastal plain. As we have noted, ecologically this region is more suited for
coconut, but the cropping pattern shift in the valley is a matter of serious concern. Already
about one-eighth of the valley is under coconut. Violations of the Land Utilization Order
restricting the conversion of valley are evident in many places. If the expansion of coconut
cultivation in the valley land is not checked it would seriously disrupt the valley ecology and
rice cultivation in the near future.
Traditionally, a part of the marshland also used to be under rice cultivation. Marshland rice
cultivation disappeared nearly a decade ago. The main reason had been the increase in
salinity of the Valapattanam river water during the non-monsoon months due to decline of
discharge in the river.
An unexpected side effect of the spread of coconut plantations in the coastal plain has been
the aggravation of the salinity problem. Salinity in the Valapattanam River increases drastically
during the non-monsoon period. The intrusion of saline water into the panchayat through
the Kandanchira thodu became a major problem for rice cultivation in the neighbouring
areas. In order to restrain salt-water intrusion during summer, a regulator popularly known
31
as Irinavu dam was built in 1957. It was expected that the dam would benefit a large area
of rice cultivation. For various administrative reasons the dam was not commissioned and
it has remained merely as a transportation link across Irinavu thodu. The problem of saline
water intrusion has been aggravated by the pumping out of ground water for irrigating
coconut. Unlike the rain-fed rice crop, coconut requires irrigation during the summer months,
a need that is being met mainly through well- irrigation.
A disturbing trend in the changes in cultivation practices has been the decline in homestead
farms. Typical homestead farms in the hill slope or hill terrace used to have large numbers
of trees like coconut, arecanut, jack, mango, and cashew nut vegetables, tapioca, banana,
and other crops such as pepper. The trend has been towards cultivation of coconut mono
crop. As the number of houses increases by partition of ancestral homesteads, the axe first
falls on jack, mango and tamarind trees. Being an ideal tree for timber for door and window
frames and furniture, there is great demand for the Jack wood. Indigenous varieties of
mangoes are also on the way out. The mango tree also serves as timber for a variety of
purposes. Poor people use it as wood for rafters and reapers and even for door and windows
frames in house construction. As per the Hindu custom, the cremation of the dead is done
with firewood from mango trees. When there is crunch for domestic fuel wood, mango
trees, cashew trees and young wild trees that grow on the margin of the homesteads are
cut. The number of trees in homesteads has come down drastically. Vegetable cultivation
has sharply declined. At present only about 7 percent of the paddy fields are used for
cultivation of pulses and vegetables during the post-harvest months.
Decline in rice cultivation has also contributed to depletion of cattle stock in the village.
After the harvest of the single crop, by tradition, the coastal paddy lands were virtually a
common property resource where cattle grazed. Cow dung was the important traditional
biofertiliser. As rice cultivation in the coastal plain declined, the traditional grazing system
also rapidly declined; it totally disappeared by the early ’seventies. The declining organic
content of the sandy soil is today a visible problem in the reclaimed paddy fields.
Kalliasseri and Chandroth Kannan
The ballad about Chandroth Kannan of Kalliasseri gives an idea about the large extent
of paddy fields that had existed in the ancient past.
“ Aringoda kovvalum kovvachalum
Anjooru pothippadu chenna kandam
Mangattuvayalile punja kandam
Mangattupalam muthalulla
Kandamchirappalam Athirayittu”
The Ballad depicts the heroism of Chandroth Kannan in helping Chirakkal Kovilakam
to release the cow and calf abducted by soldiers of Arakkal Raja. The Chirakkal Raja
in appreciation, gifts out a large area of paddy fields to Chandroth Kannan whereby
he becomes rich and known. This creates eye sore to Erambala Tharavadu. Making
advantage of the matrimonial relationship of the latter with Chirakkal Raja, Chandroth
Kannan is killed by the Raja. Woven around the story is a graphic depiction of Kalliasseri
of yester years.
32
Decline in livestock
The livestock economy of Kalliasseri panchayat has undergone dramatic change during the
past three decades. Traditionally the livestock consisted of cattle, which was the main
source of draught power and milk. Cattle were an important component of the homestead
farms. The total bovine population in the panchayat declined by around 30 percent between
1966 and 1992. The decline is applicable to all categories of livestock. Even poultry population
declined by around 15 percent. The composition of livestock also underwent a change
along with changes in the cultivation and transport practices; the bullock population has
virtually disappeared. Similarly, there has been a sharp decline in the number of buffaloes
and goats. At present more than half the cattle stock population is of hybrid varieties;
Kalliasseri has shared the remarkable success of modernisation of animal husbandry in
Kerala. In poultry also there has been a decline in the ‘desi’ (indigenous) breeds. In 1966,
98 percent of the poultry in the Kalliasseri were of ‘desi’ breeds. The details of the distribution
of livestock ward-wise are shown in Appendix Table VI.
Livestock populations are being homogenised and their diversity is being irrecoverably lost.
The carefully evolved pure breeds of cattle are on their way to extinction. Today crossbreeds
are systematically substituting them.
With animals disappearing as an essential component of primary systems, and their

contribution of organic fertility being substituted by chemical fertilizers, soil flora and fauna
have also become extinct. The local-specific nitrogen fixing bacteria, fungi that facilitate
nutrient intake through mycorrhizal association, predators of pests, pollinators and seed
dispersers, and other species that co-evolved over centuries to provide environmental services
to traditional agrosystems, have become extinct or have had their genetic base dramatically
narrowed. Deprived of the flora with which they co-evolved, soil microbes also disappear.
This is a serious fall out of the White Revolution. Cowdung, ash and leaf manure were the
only fertilizers available to crops, about 50 years ago. The introduction of chemical fertilizers
and the aggressive propaganda by the Agriculture Department to popularise them have
deteriorated the productivity of the soil. It is not the use of chemical fertilizers, but its
misuse and lack of supplementation by biofertilizers that has caused the ruin.
33
5. Plant diversity
‘The Treasure of Malabar’ or Hortus Malabaricus published in twelve volumes from 1678
to 1693 contains valuable information on local medicinal, aromatic, timber, food and
ornamental plants of Malabar. It describes and illustrates 793 plants (693 species) of the
17th century Malabar covering the coastal areas ranging from the littoral to the low land and
from hills to mountains and covering approximately 12,000 km (Manilal, 1980). There are
about 675 Angiosperms of which 550 species belong to Dicots and 107 species to Monocots,
2 to Gymnosperms, 13 to Pteridophytes and 1 to Bryophyte. Of these, 23 species are on
the list of endangered species. The study by C. R. Suresh (1986) shows that about 660
species are present in the original localities as mentioned by Hendrik Van Rheede, the author
of Hortus Malabaricus.
Table 5.1 Red-Listed Plants Documented more than 300 Years ago
Sl. No. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Status

1. Acorus calamus Vayambu VU (R)
2. Adenia hondala Modekka VU (R)
3. Aegle marmelos Koovalam VU (R)
4. Amorphophallus paeonifolius Chena VU (R)
5. Ampelocissus indica Chembra valli EN (R)
6. Andrographis paniculata LR-LC(R)
7. Artemisia nilagirica LR-LC(G)
8. Cycas circinalis Eendu CR (R)
9. Drosera indica Pullazhaku, Sisirapatram LR-NT(R)
10. Embelia ribes Poovalli LR-NT(R)
11. Gloriosa superba Mendoni LR-NT(R)
12. Holostemma ada-kodien VU (R)
13. Kaempferia galanga Kachooram CR (R)
14. Michelia champaca Pon chempakam VU (R)
15. Myristica malabarica EN (G)
16. Oroxylum indicum Payyana VU (R)
17. Piper longum L Thippali LR-NT
18. Piper nigrum L Molaku kodi VU (G)
19. Rauwolfia serpentina Sarpagandhi EN
20. Saraca asoca Ashokam EN
21. Symplocos cochincinensis Pachotti LR-NT(R)
22. Tinospora sinensis Pee amridu VU (R)
23. Vateria indica Painavu LR-NT (G)
34
CR – Critically Endangered NT – Near Threatened
EN (R) – Endangered – Regional LR – Low Risk
EN (G) – Endangered – Global LC – Least Concern
This is the rich heritage of our villages. But, human population that grew by leaps and
bounds during the past three centuries had its disastrous effect on plant diversity. Man’s
interaction with land and water has undergone radical changes. The relationship has
transformed from a harmonious one to that of blatant exploitation. In spite of such
tremendous onslaught on nature, because of the plentiful sun and rain with which the
West Coast is gifted, the diversity that exists in these human-habited ecosystems is still
enormous.
Kalliasseri panchayat is such a human-habited area. Plant diversity in this panchayat is

considerable. It includes medicinal plants, trees, cereals, climbers and creepers, tuber
crops, vegetables, fruit crops & mangroves. Some of the rare and threatened plants are
noticed here. The folk knowledge about the plants of the panchayat is very rich; all the
knowledge is centred, however, on the old people of the panchayat. One of the saddest
things is that the youngsters of the area are not aware of any folk knowledge.
Trees
Kalliasseri panchayat has rich tree-species diversity. This includes some of the rare and
threatened plants such as Santalum album (Chandanam), Thespesia populnea Cav
(Poovarasu), Sapindus emarginatus Vahl (Soppinkayamaram), Saraca indica L (Ashokam),
Spondias mangifera L (Ambazham), and Holigarna arnottiana Hk.f (Cheru maram).
The number of the tree species is getting depleted because trees are cut for a variety of
purposes such as fuel and construction material. In the case of Mangifera indica, now
local varieties are rare and the cultivation of graft varieties is on the increase. Local
varieties of Mangifera indica like Kovakka mavu, Panchara mavu, Puliyan, Kadukkachi,
Bappakay, Elamavu, Kannapuram mavu, Mysore mavu, Olar mavu, Nambiar mavu, and
Kuttiattoor are present in some areas of the panchayat. The people of the area use the
fruits of these local varieties as common property. But the graft variety fruits are considered
private property. Cultivation of coconut and cashew nut trees has reduced the area for
cultivation of other trees. The density of houses in the panchayat has increased
tremendously. The trees are being cut down for creating area for construction of houses
and as raw material for the construction.
Trees are cut in general for construction works and use as fuel wood. About one-half of
the energy sources for cooking and one-fourth of the energy source for water heating is
firewood. A higher level of usage of biomass energy sources may reduce dependence on
the degree of firewood consumption. There are eleven wood-based industries in the
panchayat. These industries have been the major cause for the depletion of softwood
from the area. There is acute scarcity for timber of all kinds.
The details of the trees identified including their botanical name, family, vernacular name,
useful parts and their uses and present status are shown in Appendix Table VII.
35
Shrubs
Shrubs are bushy plants that do not grow tall. These plants branch from the very bottom of
their stem, which is mostly woody, but in some cases fleshy too. Sixty-nine species of
shrubs have been identified from Kalliasseri, the details of which are shown in Appendix
Table VIII.
Medicinal plants
Many medicinal plants were in use in the past as home remedies. But now home remedies
are nearly non-existent. Several medicinal plants are used by ayurvedic practitioners to
prepare medicines that are commercially important. This survey has revealed that only very
few persons in the panchayat are involved in medicinal plant collection. There used to be in
the not-too-distant past, many persons engaged in this kind of work as professional plant
collectors. Now, most herbal raw materials for ayurvedic preparations come form outside
the panchayat. Local collection is minimal. People are not interested in making use of the
local knowledge of home remedies; there is difficulty in preparing the medicines too.
Modern medicine came to Kalliasseri in the early years of the 20th century. But even thereafter,
it was the traditional system, which was widely sought after. The climatic conditions favoured
the growth of numerous plants and trees of great medicinal value and learned Ayurvedic
practitioners of the area (Vaidyas) used them in their medicinal preparations. Many who
practiced medicine were not officially recognized professionals, but who inherited knowledge
of illnesses, medicines and treatment from their ancestors. Thus, in each village there used
to be experts in the treatment of Orthopaedic cases; some were well versed in treatment of
hepatitis and so on.
Today people widely use Allopathy, Homeopathy and Ayurveda. The present generation in
the locality has only negligible knowledge about medicinal plants. Medicinal plants like
Naravelia zeylanica (Vathacody), Calophyllum inophyllum (Punna), Cissus quadrangularis
(Changalamparanda), Cardiospermum halicacabun (Uzhinja), Kaempferia galanga
(Kacholam), and Acorus calamus (Vayamb) have become very rare in the area. Since some
medicinal plants are easily available but others are not, several medicinal preparations of
Ayurveda, which are compound drugs, are difficult to be made. The scarcity could be
overcome if medicinal plants are cultivated in homesteads.
In the panchayat, 162 species of medicinal plants were identified. Discussion with elderly
Vaidyans and other traditional health practitioners in the locality revealed a fund of knowledge
regarding the use of plants commonly seen in Kalliasseri.
The details of the medicinal plants including their botanical name, family, vernacular name,
uses and preparation of medicine are given in Appendix Table IX.
36
Ornamental plants
From the Kalliasseri panchayat area, 103 species of ornamental plants have been identified;
their attractive parts have also been identified, the details of which are given in Appendix
Table X.
Flora
Dalits of 397 species of flora and their families, identified from the Kalliasseri panchayat.
are given in Appendix Table XI.
Vegetables
Twenty-nine species of vegetables have been identified in the area. The pulses and the
cucurbitaceae members are cultivated widely. Tuber crops are also cultivated. In case of
commercial cultivation, use of fertilizers and insecticides is on the increase.
The seed-keeping technology of the people is appreciable. Their traditional technology to

preserve seeds is highly efficient. They mix the seeds with cow-dung, make cakes of cow-
dung and paste them on the walls of the kitchen. These seeds are not destroyed by insects
because of the smoke and high temperature of the kitchen. This practice has virtually
disappeared. Now people buy seeds from agricultural offices and other agencies. Hence,
cultivation has become of hybrid varieties.
There was a rich tradition of cultivation of vegetables, especially Cucumis sativus (Vellari)
in the coastal plains during summer. Kolath vayal was famous for vellari cultivation. Large
tracts of fields used to be taken on lease from landlords for vegetable cultivation. The
manure used was cow-dung and ash. No pesticide was sprayed. Small water-holes would
be dug and both men and women would be engaged in irrigating the base of the plants by
using earthen pots called pani. When the fruits began to mature, the youth and children
used to keep vigil day and night, against theft. It was during nights that local amature teams
performed drama in open fields. When the fruits were plucked and the fields became empty,
plays will be enacted. These crude dramas performed by the unititiated youth were called
Vellari Nadakam.
Fruits available in plenty were sold either in the fields themselves or taken to the nearby
market at Chirakkal.
People stored some fruits such as Cucumis sativus (Vellari), and Cucurbita moschata (Mathan)
wrapped in the sheath of the areca leaves (pala) and hung in the ceiling. Fruits kept thus
lasted undamaged for six to eight months. But now storage is possible only for 2-3 months,
because of low quality fruits grown under heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Some of the vegetables have high medicinal value. Benincasa hispida and Momordica
charantia are valuable in diabetic treatments. Moringa oleifera and Amaranthus are useful
against night blindness. Carica papaya is highly helpful to reduce worm infestation.
37
Table 5.2 Vegetables
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Useful

No. name part
1. Amaranthus gangeticus L. Amaranthaceae Cheera Leaf
2 Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae Mullan cheera Leaf
3 Amaranthus viridis L. Amaranthaceae Cheru cheera Leaf
4 Amorphophallus
companulatus Bl. Araceae Chena Corm
5 Averrhoa bilimbi L. Oxalidaceae Bilbi Fruit
6 Benincasa cerifera Savi. Cucurbitaceae Kumbalanga/ Fruit
Elavan
7 Cajanus cajan Fabaceae Thuvara Fruit& seeds
8 Canavalia ensiformis Fabaceae Avara/Mathivalu Tender fruit
(L)DC.
9 Capsicum anum L. Solanaceae Mulak Fruit
10 Capsicum fruitescens L. Solanaceae Mulak Fruit
11 Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Papaya / Tender fruit
Kapalanga
12 Citrus medica L.var.acida. Rutaceae Cherunaragam Fruit
13 Coccinia indica W&A. Cucurbitaceae Kovayka Tender fruit
14 Colocasia antiquorum Araceae Chempu Corm
Schott.
15 Cucumis melo L. Cucurbitaceae Kakkiri Fruit
16 Cucumis sativus L. Cucurbitaceae Vellari Fruit
17 Cucurbita moschata L. Cucurbitaceae Mathan Fruit
18 Dioscorea alata L. Dioscoreaceae Kachil Tuber
19 Dolichos biflorus L. Fabaceae Muthira Seeds
20 Dolichos lablab L. Fabaceae Avara/Kotapayar Tender fruits
& seeds
21 Hibiscus esculentus L. Malvaceae Venda Fruit
22 Lagenaria vulgaris Ser. Cucurbitaceae Churacka Tender fruit
23 Luffa acutangula Roxb. Cucurbitaceae Peechinga Tender
fruit
24 Lycopersicon esculentum Solanaceae Thackali Fruit
Mill.
38
25 Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae Kaypakka/Paval Tender fruit
26 Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae Muringa Leaf/Flower/
Fruit
27 Murraya koenigii Spreng. Rutaceae Kariveppu Leaf
28 Pisum sativum L. Fabaceae Payar Fruit&
dry seeds
29 Raphanus sativus L. Cruciferae Mullangi Tuberous
stem
30 Solanum melongena L. Solanaceae Vazhuthina Tender fruit
31 Trichosanthus anguina L. Cucurbitaceae Padavalam Fruit
Fruit crops
Kalliasseri panchayat has 20 species of fruit crops (Table 5.3). Some of them are not local
but collected by the people from other parts and cultivated here. Examples of such imported
crops are Carissa carandas, Terminalia catappa (Badam), Averrhoea bilimbi, and Annona
squamosa. Artocarpus integrifolia (Plavu) has two major varieties, Pazham and Varicka.
Several varieties of Musa paradisiaca are present here: Mysore poovan, Nenthran, Kadali,
Rakthapoovan, Koombilla poovan, Neypoovan, Adacka poovan, Mannan, Sodhari and
Robusta. Now hybrid and tissue culture varieties are also cultivated.
Most of the home gardens have more than one mango tree. Nine local varieties of Mangier
indica are present in the panchayat.
1. Puliyan: This type is sour in taste when not ripe. There are different types of Puliyan.
One is Kadukkachi. According to K. P. Balan Master of Ward VII there are four
varieties of Kadukkachi.
(a) Small seed, thick epicarp and fleshy mesocarp.
(b) Big seed, plenty of sweet juice.
(c) Flesh scanty, but sweet juice.
(d) Plenty of fibrous mesocarp.
All these varieties are most suited to prepare pickles. When unripe they are sour; but when
ripe are extremely sweet. In Ward VII, this variety of mango trees is common.
2. Bappakkay: The epicarp is not sour even in unripe fruits. When ripe, sweet.
3. Elamavu: Big fruits, seed small, sweet when ripe.
4. Kannapuram mavu (Chuvappan): Big fruits, fleshy, very sweet. When ripe fruit is
red in colour.
5. Chakkaramavu: Fruit of average size; near the base, the colout of the fruit is red.
When unripe moderately sweet; when ripe; extremely sweet.
6. Gomavu: Small seed; fruits very sweet when ripe.
7. Mysore mavu: Fruit as big as coconut; seed small; plenty of flesh; very sweet.
8. Olor mavu: Fruit small, sweet and fleshy.
9. Nambiar mavu: Big size; fibrous in one variety and fleshy in another. In one variety
fruits come in large branches.
39
Psidium guajava (Pera): two varieties are found in the panchayat: one with white flesh and
the other with red flesh.
Spondias pinnata (Ambazham), Syzygium cumini (Njaval), Phyllanthus emblica (Nelli) are
also in the Panchayat, but only rarely.
In the case of mangifera indica, newly cultivated seedlings are grafted with specoal varieties
and thus hybrid varieties are produced. Tissue culture - seedlings of Musa paradisiaca are
also to cultivate hybrid varieties. This is one of the major causes for decline of local varieties.
Artocarpus integrifolia (Plavu), Mangier indica (Mavu), Artocarpus hirsuita (Ayaniplavu)
etc are cut down for use as timber for furniture-making and house construction and they
are fast disappearing too.
Table 5.3 Fruit Crops
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Availability

No. name
1 Achras sapota L. Sapotaceae Sapota Occasional
2 Ananas cosmosus Merr. Bromeliaceae Kaithachakka Common
3 Annona squamosa L. Anonaceae Aathachacka Occasional
4 Artocarpus heterophyllus
Lam. Moraceae Pilavu Common
5 Artocarpus hirsuta Lam. Moraceae Ayaniplavu Occasional
6 Averrhoa bilimbi L. Oxalidaceae Bilimbi Occasional
7 Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Kappalam/
Pappaya Common
8 Chrysophyllum cainito L. Sapotaceae Rosapple/
Starapple Rare
9 Citrus medica L.var.acida. Rutaceae Cherunarakam Occasional
10 Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. Cucurbitaceae Vathacka Occasional
11 Jambosa vulgaris DC. Myrtaceae Chamba Occasional
12 Mangier indica L.. Anacardiaceae Mavu Common
13 Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae Vazha Common
14 Passiflora edulis Sims. Passifloraceae Passion fruit Occassional
15 Phyllanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae Nelli Rare
16 Prunus avium L.. Rosaceae Cheri Rare
17 Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae Pera Common
18 Spondias pinnata Kurz. Anacardiaceae Ambazham Rare
19 Syzygium cumini (L)Skeels. Myrtaceae Njaval Rare
20 Terminalia catappa L. Combretaceae Badam Occasional
40
Cereals
The major cereal cultivated in the panchayat is rice (B.N.Oryza sativa L). In about 7 percent
of the area rice cultivation is alternated with cultivation of vegetables and pulses. Rice is
cultivated only once in a year in most of the paddy lands.
Different varieties of rice seeds are used for cultivation of the first and the second crops.
Earlier biocontrol methods for controlling pests had been in use. Bio-control methods have
been ineffective since farmers now use high-yielding hybrid varieties. In consequence, the
use of chemical fertilizers, and chemical pesticides and insecticides has become the practice.
More than 30 varieties of rice used to be cultivated in the area in the earlier times. But now
only very few local varieties are used for rice cultivation; hybrid and high yielding varieties
are largely in use. The spread of intensive agriculture based on much fewer varieties than in
the past, has had an adverse impact on genetic diversity of crops and livestock. Decline in
indigenous breeds and varieties and their replacement by a few selected varieties is a relatively
recent phenomenon in developing countries. The change has gathered great momentum in
recent decades. For example, in India where 50,000 local varieties of rice had existed till
recently, only a small number exist now. In Kalliasseri also 90 percent of the traditional rice
varieties are lost. The seed bank of the Kalliasseri Biodiversity Project has only seeds of 11
local varieties.
Kalliasseri biodiversity project ‘seed bank’ contains seeds of 11 local varieties. Their
vernacular variety names are given below:
1) Kunjinellu 2) Chitteni 3) Varocky

4) Navarapuncha 5) Punchavith 6) Arickaray
7) Thavalakkannan 8) Mundakan 9) Vadackan
10) Oarkkayama 11) Jeeraka sala
It is, however, hybrid varieties of rice such as IR-8, IR-36, Massori, Aathira, Aayirampara,
Jyothi, Thriveni, and Neeraja that dominate now in the area.
A wild variety of rice called varinellu, consumed by the poor, sometimes appear in the
peripheries of uncultivated fields and on the periphery of the fields.
The local names of rice varieties available in the panchayat are given below.
Arickaray: Second crop, cultivated on marshy land; Duration 110-120 days; yield up to 15
times the seed grains narrow and long with brown colour; grows to a height of 1.6-1.8
metres.
Aryan: - Cultivated in low land areas, plant height 1.25 to 1.5 metres, growth period is 170
to 180 days, grows in waterlogged areas.
41
Oarkkazhama: Cultivation as first crop in salt-water-locked areas. Growth period 170-180
days; grains are gold coloured; high yield (20 times) and high disease resistant; during the
time of grain-ripening plants, are commonly lodged.
Oarthidiyan: Cultivated in salt-water-locked areas. 110-120 days of growth; ripened grains

drop down from the plant.
Vadakkan (Veluppu): Cultivated as First crop; 120-135 days of growth; grains are long and
whitish; 20-25 times yield; 1.3 – 2.5 metres in height.
Kayama (Thrissur): Plant height about 0.7-1 metre; grows in low-water and high water
areas.
Thavakkayama: Cultivated as first crop; de-husked rice whitish; 150-170 days of growth;
cultivated in waterlogged areas.
Kuthiru: High yield; 110-120 days of growth, horned, big, white-coloured grains; does not
lodge; inflorescence looks like sorghum.
Kurukkazhama: Cultivated as first crop, 120-130 days of growth, white grains; 25 times
yield; plants grow up to an average height of 1.7 metres.
Kunjinellu: Cultivated as first crop; 120 days of growth; rice fragrant and delicious; paddy
does not have horn. White and red coloured grains exist.
Oaka kunjinellu: a horned variety of kunjinellu.
Koyivalan: Cultivated as first crop; 180 days of growth; white grains; plant grows to 1.7 to
1.8 metres in height; low yield (10-15 times); resistant to flood; known also as
Parambavattan.
Chitteni: Cultivated as second crop; 140-150 days of growth; grows to a height of 1.3 to
1.7 metres in height.
Chennellu: 160 days of growth, whitish grains; plant about 1.7 metres in height; 12-15
times yield; high pest-resistant; has some medicinal value.
Thynar:160 days of growth; plant grows to 1.3 to 1.7 metres in height; 18-23 times yield.
Kuroorayi: Leaf sheath is bluish. Reddish rice. Not resistant to flood; known also as Varocky.
Punchanellu: Cultivated as second crop, Tasty; plant grows to a height of about 1.3-1.7
metres; irrigation necessary. 100-110 days of growth. Small grains.
Jeerakasala: Fragrant, lengthy small and white grains; 150-180 days of growth; 1.7-1.8
metres of height for the plant; suitable for preparation of ghee rice, and biriyani. Low yield.
42
Mundakan: 230 days of growth; flood-resistant; leaves are pruned during the rainy season.
Navara: 60 days of growth; cultivated at all crop seasons; yield low – only 4 to 6 times the
seed; white, broad grains.
Navarapuncha: 90 days of growth. cultivated during all crop seasons; plant grows to about
0.7 to 1 metre height; Used as medicine in Ayurveda. Up to 15 times yield; white, narrow
grain.
Poothada: Cultivated as first crop; rain-dependent cultivation.
Palliyaran: Horned grain; cultivated in salt-water areas; low yield;
Karinchan: Cultivated as first crop; black grains; 160-180 days of growth, 15-20 times
yield.
Vadakkan puncha: Grains have white and brown colour combination; up to 10 times yield.
Malachan: 150-160 days of growth; black grains; upper portion of the leaf sheath have a
chain like (mala) design; highly disease resistant.
Varinellu: It occurs as a weed in paddy fields; horned type grain; ripened grains drop off;
grain suited for preparing beaten rice (aval); rice consumed by the poor people of the area.
Conclusion: Nowadays only a few of these local varieties are cultivated in the area. Others
are also endemic to this area. The local varieties present here are the following;
1. Oarkkayama 2. Arikkaray 3. Kayama (Veluppu) 4. Kuthiru
5. Kurukkarama 6. Kunjinellu 7. Chitteni 8. Chennellu
9. Navarapuncha 10. Mundakan 11. Vadakkan 12. Varocky
Tuber crops
The widely cultivated tuber crops of the area are the Manihot utilissima (Tapioca),
Amorphophallus companulatus, Dioscorea alata, and Ipomaea batatas. Of Dioscorea two
local varieties are cultivated (one having red tuber and the other having white tuber). Of
Colocasia, two local varieties are present-‘Eaya chempu’ and ‘Thalu’. Dioscorea esculenta
Bark is now rare to the area. Previously the people of the area widely used this as food. But
now it is rarely available in the wild. Of Tapioca many local varieties are available.
The cultivation of tuber crops is highly reduced because of the cultivation of perennial
crops and also because tuber crop cultivation is less profitable. The details of the tubers are
given in Table XII of Appendix.
43
Aromatic plants of Kalliasseri panchayat
Table 5.4 Aromatic Plants
Sl.no Botanical name Family Vernacular

name
1. Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. Poaceae Inchippullu
2. Eucalyptus citriodera Hook. Myrtaceae Eucalyptus
3. Veteveria zizanoides (L) Nash. Poaceae Ramacham
Plants for fumigation and chewing
The cultivation of the plants whose barks or nuts for fumigation and chewing has steeply
declined. Betel leaf consumption and therefore cultivation of betel vines have come down.
Now-a-days people use chewing items, which come in packets. Plants like Leucas, Osimum,
and Vitex had in been in use in this area for fumigation purposes for keeping away mosquitoes;
now people use mosquito coils and mats for that purpose. The number of these plants has
also fallen.
The details of the plants identified along with their botanical and vernacular names and the
preparation methods are given in Appendix Table XIII.
Climbers and creepers
The panchayat is rich in climbers and creepers of various species. Most of these plants
have high medicinal value; Asparagus racemosus (Sathavari), Hydrocotyle asiatica (Kudangal),
and Merremia umbellata, Naravelia zeylanica (Vathakody) etc are a few examples. Asparagus
racemosus and Naravelia zeylanica have become very rare now in the panchayat. The list
of the climbers and creepers of Kalliasseri panchayat is given in the Appendix Table XIV
(This list does not include creepers and climbers included in the list of tuber crops). People
consider these plants weeds and therefore destroy them for preparing ground for cultivation.
Mangroves
Marsh lands cover about 68 hectares (4.4 percent) of the total panchayat area. They are
located mainly in the southwestern part of the panchayat adjoining Valapattanam River.
There is also a small area of marshy land in the northeastern part of the panchayat beside
the Irinave thodu. The entire marshy area is under private ownership of about 60 families.
A part of the marshland was under kaipadu cultivation (of rice) until a decade ago. The
main reason for the disappearance of kaipadu cultivation here is due to the increase in
salinity of the Valapattanam River water during the non-monsoon months. And the reason
44
for this, is town, is the decline of discharge in the river (CDS Report, 1995). These marshy
areas are the sites of mangrove vegetation.
According to UNESCO, ‘Mangrove ecosystem consists of the inter-tidal flora and fauna in
the tropics and sub-tropics and is dominated by evergreen sclerophyllous broad-leaved
trees with stilt roots or pneumatophorous and viviparous seedlings’ (1973). According to
FAO, ‘Mangroves are the characteristic littoral plant formations of tropical and sub-tropical
sheltered coastlines’. They have been variously described as ‘coastal woodlands’, ‘tidal
forest’ and ‘mangrove forest’. Their root systems are immersed regularly in saline water.
Mangroves are plant communities comprising predominantly of salt tolerant species of
herbs, shrubs, vines, trees and associated fauna which colonise the protected sedimentary
shores especially tidal lagoons, embankments, creeks and estuaries (Water Resources of
Northern Kerala, SEEK, 1999).
Mangrove biodiversity
Mangroves play an important role in brackish water environment. They are essential for
survival of many fishes and shrimp species. Wetland vegetation harbours several air-breathing
snails such as Pila, Lymnaea species, Indoplanorbis species, and Bellamya species. Over
2500 species of fishes have been identified and recorded by Zoological Survey of India.
More than 100 species of birds are recorded from wetlands.
The flora of mangroves falls under two categories – true mangroves and mangrove associates.
True mangroves are called ‘eumangroves’. They have high degree of salinity tolerance and
habitat specificity (they grow only in inter-tidal environment). Mangrove associates are, on
the other hand, land plants, which can tolerate salinity only to a lower degree.
Sonneratia and Lumnitzera racemosa are relatively new in the area. Except for Acanthus
ilicifolius, Aegeceras corniculatum, Lumnitzera and Brugiera, all other are trees. Some are
quite widespread; they include Acanthus, Avicennia (used for fodder, fuel wood and manure),
Excoecaria (the roots of which are used for cork) and Rhizophora (used as fodder for
goats). Less abundant Lumnitzera, Sonneratia, Barringtonia; Avicennia officianalis dominate
leaving a single layer of undergrowth of Excoecaria and Aegiceras.
The details of the true and the associated mangrove species of Kalliasseri Panchayat are
given in Table XV and XV (a) of Appendix.
Mangrove fauna
Birds, fishes, mammals (like Indian Jackal), Otter, bats and crabs play an important role in
the food chain of the mangrove ecosystem. The mangrove litter is broken up into minute
particles by crabs. These are then decomposed by a miscellany of bacterial population. The
nutrients released there from become available for plankton. Crabs dig deep burrows in the
mud and thereby help soil aeration.
Fishes: Indian Longfin Eel (Anguilla bengalensis) called Aaral is a freshwater fish but breeds
45
in estuary. Giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium sp.) called Attu Konju breeds in estuary
and migrates upstream. Letes Calcariter (Narimeen) found in brackish waters of the estuary.
Estuarine fishes include Liza parsia, Liza tade, Etroplus maculatus, Etroplus suratensis and
Sillago sihama.
Prawns: The prawn species found in mangroves include Pinnaeus monodon, Pinnaeus
indicus, Metapenaeus dobsoni, Metapenaeus coffinis, Metapenaeus merghensis and
Metapenaeus monoceros.
Bi-valves: The bi-valves that are usually seen in the mudflats of mangroves are Meretrix
meretrix, Meretrix casta, Perna indica, Perna viridis, Cassastrea maderassensis, Cassastrea
malabarica, Cassastrea cuclulata, Plough shell (Bullia sp.), Horn shell (Telescopium sp.),
Balanus.
Protection of Mangrove Ecosystem
Considering the ecological and economic importance of mangrove areas, measures to

conserve and protect this ecosystem have to be implemented urgently. More areas have
to be brought under mangrove vegetation.
For efficient utilisation of mangrove resource, they should be conserved on a sustainable

basis. Poor management decisions and practices have severe social, economic and
ecological impacts. The failure of national governments to adequately regulate the shrimp
industry, and the headlong rush of multilateral lending agencies to fund aquaculture
development without meeting their own stated ecological and social criteria, have
contributed to the deterioration.
The global community has begun realising in recent years the need for protecting
mangroves and other wetland resources. Preservation of mangrove areas has been
implemented in at least eighteen countries. However, in most of these countries, the
individual areas brought under preservation do not exceed 10 Km2. A major global
initiative in this direction has begun in right earnest, known as Ramsar Initiative.
Commercial crops
The major commercial crops of the panchayat are coconut, arecanut, pepper, and cashewnut.
Productivity of coconut and pepper in these areas is lower than the State average.
Table 5.5 Commercial Crops
Crop Productivity of Kalliasseri Productivity of State

Coconut 3095 nuts/ha 5377 nuts/ha
Pepper 250 kg/ha 282 kg/ha
Cashew nut 5 kg/tree
46
Local varieties of coconuts cultivated here are Mattool thy, Anthoor thy, Nadan, Chenthengu,
and Kuttiyadi. Hybrid varieties are also cultivated.
Local varieties of pepper are Valankotta, Uthiran, Poonjaran, and Karimunda. Valankotta
and Uthiran are suitable to be cultivated even using shade trees as support. Hybrid varieties
such as Panniyoor – 1 are also cultivated. The area under pepper cultivation has been declining
progressively.
Table 5.6 Local Varieties of Commercial Plants
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Useful parts

name
1. Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae Kashumavu Nut
2. Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Kamungu Nut
3. Cocos nucifera L. Arecaceae Thengu Kernel
4. Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae Kurumolaku Fruit
Endangered plants
The endangered plants of the panchayat include the following:
Memecylon lawsonii -Wild -Rare

Leucas aspera -Wild -Common
Bacopa monnieri -Wild -Common
Hedyotis sps -Wild -Common
Aegle marmelos -Cultivated -Rare
Andrographis paniculata -Wild -Rare
Cycas circinalis -Wild -Rare
Gloriosa superba -Wild -Common
Kaempferia galanga -Cultivated -Rare
Rare plants
The following plants are identified as rare species in Kalliasseri Panchayat
1) Naravelia zeylanica
2) Calophyllum inophyllum
3) Sida rhombifolia
4) Cissus quadrangularis
5) Cardiospermum halicacabum
6) Brugiera gymnorhiza
7) Terminalia coreacea
47
8) Barringtonia acutangula
9) Memecylon lawsonii *
10) Melothria madaras patana
11) Nyctanthus arbor-tristis L.
12) Solanum nigrum
13) Aeginetia indica (Endemic)
14) Hydrophylla sps
15) Ocimum anisatum
16) Kaempferia galanga *
17) Asparagus racemosus
18) Acorus calamus *
19) Hydrolea zeylanica
20) Vateria indica
(* They are considered a rare variety in the IUCN category also)
Besides this, most of the medicinal plants identified in this panchayat are of rare occurrence.
Most of them are cultivated by the traditional ayurvedic physicians and by one or two
schools. The Kalliasseri South UP School has planted at least 80 species of medicinal
plants.
Home gardens
Among the most diverse of agricultural systems known are the home gardens in the humid
tropics, the result of long historical development of technology designed to meet the needs
of local communities (Gadgil). The typical home garden is an assemblage of trees, shrubs,
climbers, herbs and creeping plants that are used for fruit, vegetables, spices, ornamentals,
medicine, fodder, fuel, etc.
To assess the quantum of diversity that exists in home gardens the following study was
conducted. Homesteads were selected at random in each of the 3 ecological zones - the
laterite mesa, the slopes and the coastal plain. From each ecological zone plots below 15
cents, between 15 and 25 cents and above 25 cents were selected. These plots were subjected
to a preliminary survey on plant diversity. Only trees, shrubs and herbs – both cultivated
and wild – were considered.
The study has revealed that in spite of severe anthropogenic pressures, there still exists
considerable biological diversity in the home gardens of the Panchayat. Extreme variations
are observed between rainy and summer seasons. In this respect, not much difference is
observed among the three ecozones – Coastal Plain, Mesa lands and the Slopes. But within
a single plot itself, large diversity is seen around boundaries, particularly in large plots.
However, the number of fruit trees like Jack and Mango have fallen. The presence of wild
trees also is significantly much lower than earlier. [Appendix Tables XVI (a) – XVI (c) and
Tables XVII (a) – Table XVII (c)].
48
Biodiversity of sacred grove (Kaavus)
A Sacred grove is a patch of forest, which contains a shrine and a deity kept inviolate by
human action, for fear of wrath of the forest deity. It formed an integral part of the traditional
community life in the State till a few decades ago and served as successful models of forest
conservation. But inroads by organized religious interests and half-baked government policies
are now posing a serious threat to the survival of sacred groves.
‘Kaav’ is a Dravidian term which means sacred grove. Sacred groves have existed, however,
in many parts of the world, India, Ghana, Nigeria, Syria and Turkey. In India, they are
known in various names: Deorans in Maharashtra, Orans in Rajasthan, Sidhravanam in
Karnataka and Kavu in Malayalam and Tamil. The deity is Naaga Devata – snake god.
These forest patches used to be conserved in the name of religion, but now they make for
good business. Most of them are in the hands of wily tantriks, who permit the owners to
change the use pattern of these forest patches; even to destroy them, without any
compunction.
According to land records, there were more than 10,000 sacred groves in Kerala; recent
studies indicate, however, that not more than 900 remain. Increasing scarcity of land due to
growing population and development needs has played havoc with the forests of this state.
Kerala with less than 2 percent of the country’s land mass, harbours more than 3 percent of
the country’s population. The pressure is being reflected on the destruction of sacred
groves and their conversion to other land uses. Sacred groves were an essential part of the
undivided Hindu households of Kerala in the past. But with the disappearance of the joint
family system and consequent partitions of family property household holdings have become
fragmented. In the process sacred groves also were divided, reducing their size and number.
According to traditional belief, the groves are the abode of the serpent god and therefore
sacrosanct; therefore they have to be left undisturbed. In fact, removing leaf litter from the
groves or harvesting of trees in them is taboo. But the lure of lucre is too powerful to
disregard.
Apart from their religious associations, sacred groves play an important ecological role
also. They perform a complex array of interactions that influence the flora and fauna of the
region in addition to influencing the local microclimate. Sacred groves are distinct and
unique in their biodiversity. Some of them are mere relics of erstwhile gregarious vegetation.
Compared to soil of nearby areas, the soil of sacred groves is highly porous, a condition
which ensures optimum aeration of the soil and helps nutrient assimilation. The thick litter
cover and channels created by the micro fauna or organisms inhabiting the soil layers,
increase the capacity of the soil to retain water, and facilitate healthy development of plant
roots, gaseous exchange and conduction of heat through plants and soil systems. Groves
also serve as natural conservers of various endemic ecosystems and huge variety of medicinal
plants, as well as rare endemic and endangered plants. Several important and semi-evergreen
trees are found in these sacred groves. They house a large variety of insects, birds, reptiles
and several small and large animals; in sum, they are treasure houses of biodiversity and
represent a mini ecosystem with diverse biotic and abiotic components.
49
There are a large number of sacred groves in Northern Kerala, which are famous for
their elaborate ritualistic ceremonies and festivals. In some districts heavy concentration
of groves is observed. Kasargod with 71, Kannur with 60, Alappuzha with 49, Kollam
with 44, Thiruvananthapuram with 43, Pathanamthitta with 33, and Kozhikode with 23.
(Unnikrishnan, 995).
There exist several cultural practices that have contributed to conservation and enhancement
of biodiversity. But establishing the connection between practices and conservation separately
for each practice is difficult. The declared purpose of a practice may not be conservation,
but the effect would be. Thus, in South Asia conservation of sacred ponds have helped
conservation of the indigenous fish fauna. People protect ponds out of devotion to some
deities, not to conserve fish diversity (Gadgil).
Among the large number of sacred groves in Kalliasseri panchayat two are worth special
mention. The presence of these groves is not mentioned in the Development Report of the
Panchayat or in any other document. These two areas are found to be rich in biodiversity.
About 67 plant species have been identified from these groves, most of the species being
those not found anywhere else in the panchayat. The more famous of them, Erampala is on
the verge of destruction.
Some conspicuous features of these two groves are mentioned below.
Map 4 Mangroves and Sacred Groves of Kalliasseri Panchayat
50
(1) Erampala Tharavattu kavu
It has an area of 30 cents and is privately owned by the Erampala family. There are many
religious beliefs associated with this grove. To avoid the fury of the snake god
(Sarppapappam), gold coins and ornaments are kept buried in urns in the four corners of
the grove. At present no idol is found there. Nobody is allowed to trespass on the sacred
grove and if by any chance someone enters, then purificatory rituals (called Suddhikalasam)
are be carried out. The only class of people allowed to enter the kaavu are the Kosavans
who perform the purificatory functions. They collect dry twigs and branches of trees from
inside the kaavu, which they use for performing the rituals. Use of footwear is not allowed
in and around the premises of the shrine. Women, during their monthly periods and days
immediately following childbirth are not allowed entry in this area.
(2) Cheriyath Naagakkavu
It has an area of about 50 cents and has thick vegetation growth. The deity here is called
Cheriyath Nagam. The pooja and other rituals are carried out on the Dhanu-Ayilyam days.
Here also the class of people Kosavans alone are allowed to enter the kaavu. They enter the
kaavu only for certain specific purpose like clearing the pathway to the shrine or collecting
the dry twigs and branches for use in the burning rituals in the temple shrine. Entry into the
premises of the shrine is restricted to the members of the Tharavadu. The expenditure for
carrying out the rites and rituals is met by the Tharavadu members.
The names of the other sacred groves in the panchayat are given below. Most of them are
of small areas and have much fewer vegetation. Many of them are highly degraded too.
Name of the sacred grove Plot Survey no.
1. Irinavu Kottam kaavu S.no. 111

2. Illippuram kaavu S.no.122
3. Irinavu vadakke kaavu S.no.9
4. Kalliasseri – Kannapuram S.no.18
5. Payyattom kaavu S.no.52
6. Kooroth Illam Ayyappan kaavu S.no. 237
7. Kakkoth kaavu S.no.251
8. Anchampeedika Asarikottam Kavu S.no.254
9. Parakkoth kaavu S.no.302
10. Ozhakrom Padinjare kaavu S.no.314
11. Manakkulangara Cheriyakaavu S.no.314
12. Cheriyath Nagam kaavu S.no.317
13. Erambala Nagam kaavu S.no.321
14. Eranjikeel Nagam kaavu S.no.393
15. Kakkam Kovil Nagam kaavu S.no.418
The details of the 62 plant species identified from the sacred groves of Kalliasseri Panchayat
are given in Appendix Table XVIII.
51
Hill top flora
Kalapram Motta has the highest altitude in this Panchayat, followed by Mangad. The important
plants seen in these are the following:
1) Hugonia mystax
2) Cuginta reflex
3) Ochna heyneana
4) Cassia kleinii
5) Gloriosa superba
6) Eusteralis quadrifolia
7) Polycarpae corymbosa
8) Paspalum scroliculatum
9) Apocopis mangalorense etc
The abundant species of this region is Hugonis mystax, Polycarpaea corymbosa, paspalum
scorbiculatum.
Fern flora
Ferns found in this Panchayat are the following:
1) Adiantum
2) Azolla
3) Selaginella spp
4) Pteris spp
5) Pteris quadricurita
6) Drynaria spp
7) Ceratopteris
8) Acrostichum aureum
Exotic species / elements

Some of the common examples of the tropical Asiatic elements in this Panchayat are species
of Knoxia, Myristica, Hedyotis, Saraca, and Uvaria.
Examples for the tropical Africans and Madagascrean elements found in this area are
Catharanthus sp, Geissaspis cristata, Kalamchoe pinnata, Pseudarthria viscida and Ricinus
communis.
American elements are represented by cultivated sp of Anacardium, Anona, Capsicum, and

Manihot. Examples for the very common migrants are Acanthospermum hispidium, Ageratum
conizoides, Cassia occidentalis, Cassia tora, Catharanthus roseus, Croton bomplandianus,
Eichhornia crassipes, Gliricidia sepia, Lantana camera, Mimosa pudica, Passiflora foetida,
Pepeoromia pellucida, Scoparia dulcis, Cynedrella nodiflora, Tridax procumbens, Turnera
ulmifolia etc.
52
These exotic species have not spread to such a large extent as to have any deleterious effect
on the cultivated crops and the people of the area. Probably, it is the frequent weeding and
digging practices that keep the exotic varieties under control.
Fauna
The different types of habitats in Kalliasseri Panchayat possess rich fauna. The microfauna
of this area is not included in the study.
The animals surveyed included butterflies, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Insects
This class includes a vast variety of organisms like the ants, cockroaches, bugs, flies
including houseflies, butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps and honey bees. A few aquatic
forms also exist.
Butterflies
There are about 1500 species of butterflies in India. They vary greatly in colour, habits and
size. (Gay, 1992).
Butterflies are the indicators of ecological health of an area. A butterfly seen in an area also
indicates its larval food plant in that area. The detailed study of complex organic linkages of
butterflies and plants in a given area can provide enough information for conservation of
the life supporting system of that area. Butterflies help in the cross pollination of plants.
Use of pesticides is the major limiting factor for growth of the butterfly population. Besides,
the clearing of wild plants and their replacement by exotic varieties have also led to the
decline of the butterfly population in the Panchayat.
Fifty-seven species of butterflies were identified from the study area, the details of which
are given in Appendix Table XIX. The largest butterfly in India, the Southern bird wing
(Troides helena) and the second largest the Blue mormon (Papilio polymnestor) are seen in
Kalliasseri Panchayat.
Common Lasscar (Neptis hardonia) and Spot Sword-tail (Pathya nomius) are the rare
butterflies recorded from Kalliasseri.
For systematic arrangement, the Wynter Blyth Classification (1957) has been followed in
preparing the list given in Appendix Table XIX.
Fishes
India is endowed with rich inland water resources that include rivers, rivulets, reservoirs,
53
ponds, fresh and brackish water lakes, estuaries and backwaters. It has a coastline of
6,100 km and the annual yield of marine fishes is 39.7 lakh tonnes. (Kerala Fisheries - Facts
and Figures, 1990, Govt. of Kerala, 1991). The fisheries sector of the country contributes
more than 3 percent of its annual export earnings and provides employment opportunities
to more than 1.7 million persons. It also helps to meet a major portion of the protein
requirements of the people.
The inland fisheries have great economic potential in Kerala. Its inland water resources
remain under-exploited. The total area of inland water resources in the State is 3,60,535
hectares (Table 6.1).
Table 6.1 Inland Water Resources of Kerala
Type of inland waterbody Area (in hectares) Percent

Rivers 85,000 23.58
Tanks and Ponds 3,300 0.92
Reservoirs 29,635 8.22
Brackish water lakes,
backwaters and estuaries 2,42,600 67.29
Total 3,60,535 100.00
Source: Govt. of Kerala, Department of Fisheries - Facts and Figures, 1990
Kerala occupies 4.65 percent percent of the total inland water resources in India, but during
the past decade the share of the state in inland fish production of the country was only 2.45
percent.
During the period 1981 – 90, the inland fish production in the country registered an increase
from 9.9 lakh tonnes to 14.83 lakh tonnes at an annual growth rate of 5.12 percent whereas
in Kerala the corresponding rate of increase was only 2.49 percent; from 0.26 lakh tonnes
to 0.33 lakh tonnes. Between 1991 and 1999 production increased from 36342 metric
tonnes to 65855 metric tonnes.
A wide variety of inland fishes like Cat fishes (Vaala, Muzhu, Kaari), Mullet (Kanambu),
Murrel (Bral). Milk fish (Poomeen), Perches (Narimeen, Chempally), Pearl spot (Karimeen),
Chromid (Pallathy), Sole (Manthal), Jew fish (Kora) and Barbus (Poovali) are the
commercially exploited fishes of the inland waters of Kerala. The major varieties of culture
fishes raised are Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigala (Cirrhinus mrigala)
and Tilapia (Tilapia moggambica).
In addition to the above said fin fishes, shell fishes and arthropods such as Macrobrachium
(Attu Konju) and prawns (Chemmeen) are exploited on a large scale and their output
contributes significantly to the economy of the State.
54
Kannur District has six rivers – Perumba, Ramapuram, Kuppam, Valapattanam, Anjarakkandy,
Eranjoli and Mahe, all emptying into the Arabian Sea. The total length of the rivers is 392
km and the area of the waterbodies is 3223 sq.km. There are about 2000 tanks and ponds.
Total area of these water bodies is 112 hectares. About 70 percent of the ponds are below
10 cents in area and only 5 percent are above 50 cents, 75 percent of the tanks and ponds
are privately owned (District Plan, Kannur, 2000). The only reservoir in Kannur District is
the Pazhassi Reservoir with an area of 648 hectares. The inland fish production of Kannur
District for the year 1998 – 99 is 1895 metric tonnes.
Kalliasseri panchayat is part of Valapattanam and Kuppam river basins. Like other panchayats
of Kerala, this panchayat is also well endowed with rainfall. The annual average precipitation
is around 320 cm (Table 6.2).
Table 6.2 Monthly Rainfall Data (in mm) at Taliparambu for the period of 1961-1991
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
1961 --- --- 11.4 210 411 900 495 266 113 7.9 6.7 2421
1971 --- --- 7.2 64 389 1219 1104 660 321 162 --- 28 3954
1981 --- --- 23 114 1426 770 768 422 213 88 9.7 3833
1991 --- --- --- --- 118 890 1296 746 62 173 122 --- 3407
Hydrological regime
In the case of surface water, three hydrological regimes are observed: (1) drainage system
of the laterite area (2) drainage system in the coastal plain and (3) Valapattan river system.
Two tributaries, Kandanchira Thodu traversing the middle of the valley and Vayalkara thodu
along the southern border of the panchayat join together to form Parakkadavuthodu, the
main stream in the panchayat. The two rivulets are seasonal because they originate at very
low altitudes and have small catchment areas. Immediately after monsoon, they flood the
banks and carry all the water to the Irinavu thodu. Even in the case of the rivulet that
originates from the pond in the valley head (Vayalkara thodu originates from Kunhi kulam
of nearby Andur village), water is available only for limited irrigation purposes during the
lean period. Two very small drains, the Karikadu thodu and Chirakutti thodu also join the
Parakkadav thodu as it turns northwards and joins the tidal Irinavu thodu at Odipram.
The drainage system in the coastal plain is intricate because the plain is drained in all directions.
While the area lying to the east of the railway line drains through Parakkadav thodu, the
western half is drained in all directions. Owing to low gradient, shallowness and sandy soil,
most of the channels have deteriorated. In some cases, drainage channels have been
encroached upon for construction purposes resulting in waterlogging and other associated
problems. Free flow of rain is almost restricted.
55
The Valapattanam river system has a significant impact on the water regime of the panchayat.
The western part of the panchayat is encircled by a tidal waterbody (Irinavu thodu), which
is connected to the Valapattanam river system. Along this western border, a zone of saline
water intrusion exists. Salinity of this area is controlled by the flow through the Valapattanam
river system. The hydrology of this part is thus linked with a larger system.
The Valapattanam River - having a catchment area of 1867 sq.km and originating from the
Wayanad plateau - discharges 4092 million cubic metres of water per year into the sea.
During monsoon salinity in the rivers of this panchayat falls to extremely low levels. While
the impact of the Pazhassi irrigation project on salinity levels in Valapattanam river is yet to
be studied, it is reported that 20 percent of the coastal plain is salinity infested. The Irinavu
salt-water barrier was installed to check saline water intrusion. However, it has not been
operating efficiently as its diversion channels remain interlinked and more than one panchayat
is involved in its operation.
Apart from rivers, another important surface water resource is ponds and tanks. In fact,
these have multiple uses like minor irrigation, fish farming, and domestic water use. Thirty-
seven ponds are recorded in the panchayat. The largest pond has an area of 896 sq.mt.
There are 4 ponds with more than 500 sq.mt each in area and another 13 ponds of more
than 100 sq.mt each. The names of 30 ponds in the Panchayat are as given below:
1. Kattampally Chira 2. Parakkadav Kulam

3. Keecheri Thava Kulam 4. Arayala Kshethra Kulam
5. Maryangalam Kulam 6. Ozhakrome Kulam
7. Madayilchal Kulam 8. Manakulangara Kavu Kulam I
9. Sree Kurumba Kavu Kulam 10. Illipuram Kulam
11. Payyattom Kulam I & II 12. Odipram Kulam
13. Chirakutti Kavu Kulam I & II 14. Kappoth Kavu Kulam
15. Mundayat Kulam 16. Kandanchira Kulam
17. Kandanthally Kshethra Kulam 18. Parakkoth Kshethra Kulam
19. Puthiyandeel Kulam 20. Edathile Kulam
21. Unden Kulam 22. Chandroth Kulam
23. Manakulangara Kavu Kulam II 24. Kizhakkan Vayal Kulam
25. Sree Krishna Matom Kulam 26. Erumbala Kulam
27. Kakkam Kovil Kulam 28. Mangat Kulam
29. Erinhikeel Kulam I & II 30. Kalliasseri Alinkeezh Kulam
31. Irinave Thava
About 12 species of Freshwater fishes and 47 species of Brackishwater fishes have been
identified from the various water-bodies of Kalliasseri Panchayat. The details of the fishes
are given in Appendix Tables XX and XXI.
Etroplus maculatus (Chuttachi) is common in paddy fields. It used to be given to women in

curry after childbirth. During heavy rains in June, the rivers and the low-lying fields get
flooded when plenty of Labeo sps. Silurus appear with the first rains and disappears into
rivers and fields.
56
Unscientific fishing methods, water pollution, fish diseases, and man made barriers in rivers
are affecting the fish population, which is progressively on the decline. Channa sp, Arius
sp, Etroplus maculatus, Pondy fish are cases in point. Grey and red mullet, Red snapper,
Parava, Thalayan, Pomfret, Ayakoora are also facing danger.
Fishing methods
Cast Net (Veesu Vala): In Kalliassery, it is most commonly used in ponds and rivers. The
net when cast into water, spreads out like an umbrella and sinks to the bottom. A rope tied
to the base is held in the hand. As the perimeter fitted with sinkers touches the bottom, the
string at the base is pulled to raise the net above water and trap the fish caught in the net.
Dip Net: It is a piece of net-webbing attached to a frame, used to scoop moving fish from
shallow waters.
Trap Net: The commonest form of trap net is the basket locally called Kuthood. It is a
conical basket open at both ends made of bamboo strips kept in shape by coir rope. The
trap is placed in water and examined at short intervals to collect the trapped fish.
Pedal: is another trap net which helps to trap fishes in areas where they aggregate. In a trap
net fishes are led to an enclosure through a guarded entrance. Trap nets are usually placed
in shallow waters close to the land.
Hooks and lines: This is an ancient type of gear, which is still popular, and is very prevalent.
Hook is a metallic piece. The spear end carries inclined barbs 1 – 3 in number. Live bait is
attached to the hook.
Bunding: There are narrow canals leading to paddy fields. During ebb, water flows through
the canals and enter the fields. After intrusion of water into fields, the canal is blocked
either by net or splinters of bamboo. And then water is drained into the canals during flow.
Water is drained but fishes remain in fields. These are picked up by hand.
Bund: A small earthern platform is made across the small rivers that crisscross the fields
during rains. Fishes swimming along the river will jump over and get trapped in the raised
platform where it can be picked up.
In Irinave and Madakkara rivers during December – January when the temperature used to
be low in the past, and fishes remain on the water surface in a frozen state. People used to
come with baskets and scoop the fishes.
Gill Net: This is called ‘Ozhukkuvala’. It is a rectangular net with floats along one border
and weight on the other; when the net is set across the direction of the current, it remains
suspended vertically like a wall and slowly drifts with the current. When a fish strikes the
net, their gills are caught in the meshes of the net.
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Thappal: In this method, women are usually involved. In shallow waters, prawns are caught
with hands and kept in small baskets called ‘Kuriya’. The Kuriya will be held in position by
teeth.
Pedal: It is a trap to catch fishes in shallow waters. It is made of ribs of coconut palm leaf.
The ribs are matted together by thin coir and then rolled to form a cylindrical structure with
one end broad and the other narrow. The narrow end is immersed in water to trap fishes.
Chemballi Trap: It is a box made of bamboo. Its base is rectangular and has a height of
about 1-2 feet. These are bottom traps. The funnel like compartment inside the box is an
efficient trap for fishes.
Koodu: It is made of sticks. It is held in place on fixed poles just below the water surface.
It can help in catching pelagic fishes.
Stake Nets (Kuttivala): Each net has a funnel shape. The wider end has larger meshes. The
mesh size gets reduced towards the tapering end. The wide end of the net is tied to a
wooden frame. It is attached to the main pole called Thazhmaram (Sakshal). The supporting
pole used as stay is called Kuthu. The pole to which the net is to be tied is called Charu. The
main pole (sakshal) is erected 4m apart. The net is tied to the charu using coir rope, before
the tidal ebb. The net is left for 2 hours till the ebb is almost complete. The narrow blind end
of the net will be filled with fishes.
Crabs
Both the poor and the rich use crabs as a food delicacy. The following species of crabs
have been identified in the Panchayat. An exhaustive study is yet to be.
A. Marine Crabs
1. Scylla serrata
2. Mutata sp.
3. Ocypode sp. (Shore crab)
B. Intertidal Crabs
1. Metapograpsus messoi
2. Calappa philarguns
3. Uca annulips
C. Mangrove Crabs
1. Sesarma quadratum
2. S. edversi
3. Sarmaerum punctatum
Amphibians
Practically little attempt has been done to study these ubiquitous animals. During rainy
season, the atmosphere resounds with the croaking of frogs. They help reduction of pest
population of cultivated lands. No serious attempt has gone into identifying and documenting
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the various types of amphibian population that inhabit Kerala villages. Widespread use of
pesticides and large scale catching of frogs either for export or for local consumption are
threatening the very survival of these ecologically important animals.
The amphibian fauna of Kalliasseri belongs to the following families.

Order : Anura
Family : Ranidae, Rhacophoridae, Microhylidae, Bufonidae
Order : Apoda
Family : Caeciliidae
1. Rana tigrina: Bullfrog is the largest Indian frog. This species is distributed widely in
the Panchayat and is found in wells and ponds throughout the year. The colour is
normally olive brown on the back marked with characteristic, irregularly shaped blue
blackish spots disposed commonly in longitudinal series in two or three cross bands.
A dark band extends forward from the eye to the snout through the nostril.
2. Rana limnocharis: It is smaller than R.tigrina, greenish or olive with large black spots
on the back and limbs. A characteristic stripe down the centre of the back is observed.
They are found near tanks and streams. When disturbed, they leap into water, but
rapidly swim ashore back. During the dry season, they collect under stones in damp
places during daytime and come out at dusk.
3. Rana hexadactyla: This is the common Green frog found abundantly and on the
banks of tanks and ponds and streams especially during and after the monsoons. The
adult usually sits among weeds in water. The upper side is bright grass green. Green
or pale yellow strips are seen along the middle of the back.
4. Rana cyanophlyctis: It is a small frog whose upper side is brownish or olive brown
spotted with black or dark olive markings. A distinct dark band is found along each
flank and on the front and back of thighs. It is the commonest frog found throughout
the year. It is almost entirely aquatic and is seen on banks of water bodies. It skips
over the surface when alarmed.
5. Rana malabarica: This is a moderate sized frog about 2 – 3 inches in length, with
bright crimson colour on the back and blackish brown at the sides. On the back a few
spots are observed in certain frogs of this species.
6. Rana leptodactyla Boulenger: This is a small sized frog with thin and attenuated
limbs. The skin on the upper side bears short longitudinal, glandular folds. The upper
side is brown or olive brown, mottled with dark brown markings. There is a distinct
sub – triangular dark spot between the eyes. The limbs bear dark cross-levels. This is
essentially a species of the forests but also found in densely wooded areas of garden
land.
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7. Rana beddomi: This moderate-sized frog is found in forested regions. Its upper side
is brown with distinct dark-brown spots. Distinct dark cross bands are seen between
the eyes.
8. Philatus leucorhinus: This small-sized frog has smooth skin is on the upper side and
its under side is granular on the belly and on the lower surface of the thighs. A fold of
skin extends from the eye to the shoulder. It is yellowish brown or olive brown in
colour with a dark band, which runs across the sides. Sometimes there is a large
hexagonal or triangular pale spot on the snout and a dark band between the eyes. On
the under side the throat is usually spotted with brown.
9. Rhacophorus maculatus: It is a moderate sized frog with partially webbed fingers and
completely webbed toes. There are discs at the tips of fingers and toes. The upper
side of the body is brownish, yellowish or whitish with or without brown spots. It is
usually found adhering to vertical walls.
10. Rhacophorus malabaricus: It is larger than R.maculatus. The fingers and toes are
entirely webbed. The tips of fingers and toes are dilated into large discs. It is - bright
grass green in colour, spotted all over the body with dark spots. It is also called the
flying frog. As the colour is grass green it camouflages well with green leaves.
11. Rhacophorous pleurosticus: it is usually green in colour with dark spots. The thighs
are purplish brown, marked with yellow spots. The fingers are webbed only at the
base. The toes are fully webbed. The discs at the tips of fingers and toes are well
developed.
12. Microphylla ornata: This frog is reddish or greyish olive or gretish brown on the
back, with a large dark marking extending from between the eyes backwards. The
fingers and toes are slender with their tips dilated into very small discs. It is nocturnal
and during the day, it is usually found hidden under leaves and stones.
13. Bufo melanosticus: It is the commonest toad found in Kerala. Large and stoutly built,
with head bearing a few raised bony ridges, this animal has its upper parts in brown or
yellowish brown, some times with spots. The warts and the ridges on the head are
usually black. It makes a chirping sound and is found in large numbers in damp
places.
14. Uraeotyphlus: The body of the animal is cylindrical with about 170 closely set circular
folds. The head is short and triangular with a blunt and rounded snout. There is an
inconspicuous tentacle situated below and slightly on advance of the nostril. The
dorsal surface is salty grey.
The amphibian population in Kalliasseri panchayat is found to be rich; but they are under
threat. The croaking noise that used to reverberate throughout the night in many parts of
the panchayat is becoming a thing of the past with the disappearance of the paddy fields.
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Water-filled paddy fields are the natural habitats of frogs. The conversion of paddy fields to
coconut gardens and house sites has put great stress on the amphibian population. Ponds
that used to be common in many parts of the panchayat have been partly or fully filled up.
Increasing use of pesticides for protecting crops has also been causing depletion of amphibian
population. Frogs are an important segment in the food chain starting with plants. Large-
scale destruction of frogs leads to proliferation of insect pests. And to control them increasing
doses of pesticides in higher concentrations are applied. And the vicious circle continues.
Plants 2 Insects 2 Frogs 2 Snakes 2 Birds
The practice of catching frogs for food is not widespread in this area. The internal market
for frog leg is still low. There is also resistance from local people against collecting frogs
for export.
Reptiles
The reptile records from Kalliasseri Panchayat show the presence of a large variety of
snakes, lizards, terrapins and mud turtles.
Snakes
It is estimated that there are about 2,500 species of snakes in the world and that they
predominate in the warm climate and lush regions of the tropics. About 233 species of
snakes are found in India of which only about 52 species are poisonous. (Whittaker, 1992).
Of the fifteen species of snakes listed in Kalliasseri panchayat, four are poisonous. They are
Common Indian Krait, Indian Cobra, Russels Viper and Rock Pit Viper. The details are
given in Appendix Table XXII.
The venom of Common Indian Krait is more toxic than that of the Cobra and acts both as
a neurotoxin and haemotoxin (Bangaro tropic). Krait venom is considered to be 15 times
more virulent than Cobra’s venon; the Krait is one of the deadliest among the poisonous
snakes of the world.
The venom of Indian Cobra acts mainly as a neurotoxin. Neurotoxin paralyses the respiratory
centre and causes death.
The venom of Russel’s viper is haemotoxic. It acts as a depressor of the vasomotor centre
and a destroyer of the blood vascular system.
Snakes especially Cobra have evoked feelings of awe, veneration, curiosity and wonder in
the minds of people from very early times. The cobra has remained the symbol of Indian
culture through the ages. As a part of worship of the cobra, it is naturally protected in the
sacred groves in North Malabar.
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Now-a-days people have a tendency to kill snakes irrespective of whether they are poisonous
or non-poisonous. This is due to the fear and lack of scientific knowledge. People forget
the role of snakes in controlling rodents especially rats. Rats do more material damage to
food and health than snakes. Indiscriminate killing, loss of homestead vegetation, and rapid
urbanisation have resulted in the loss of the primary microhabitats of many species. Now
many varieties of snakes are on the verge of extinction.
Lizards
Six species of lizards have been recorded from the study area. Lizards include two species
of Geckos, two species of Agamids, one species of Skink and one species of Monitor
Lizard. In general, lizards seldom attract the attention of people. No study on the status of
lizards in the Panchayat exists.
Table 6.3 Lizards recorded from Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl.No Scientific name Common name Vernacular name

Geckos
1. Hemidactylus brooki Brook’s Gecko Palli
2. Hemidactylus forenatus Southern House Gecko Palli
Agamids
3. Calotes versicolor Common Garden Lizard/
Blood Sucker Ohnthu
4. Draco dussumieri Draco/ Flying lizard
Skink
5. Mabuya carinata Common / Brahminy Skink Arana
Monitor lizard
6. Varanus bengalensis Common Indian Monitor Udumbu
Turtles and Tortoises
One species of terrapin (Fresh-water tortoises) and one species of freshwater Mud turtle
have been recorded from the study area. Terrapin includes Indian Pond Terrapin and Mud
Turtle includes Indian Mud Turtle or Flapshell. The local people eat the flesh of these two
species. Both turtles and tortoises are highly threatened groups in the panchayat. Loss of
habitat and over-exploitation has caused the damage.
Mugger or Marsh Crocoile (Crocodiles palustris Lesson)
The older people of the Panchayat point out that mugger had been surviving in the large
ponds in Kalliasseri area. Habitat destruction through conversion and reclamation has led to
disappearance of this species from the study area. For the past few years no reports of its
occurrence have been recorded.
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Table 6.4 Terrapin and Mud Turtle recorded from Kalliasseri Panchayat
Scientific name Common name Vernacular name

Melanochelys trijuga
coronata Indian Pond Terrapin Karayama
Lissemys punctata Indian mud flap shell turtle Vellama
Most of the reptiles are useful to man and do silent service in biological control. But they
have excited little interest in man. If it were not for the harmful snakes, reptiles as a group
would have been largely ignored (Daniel, 1984). The greatest threat to this useful group of
animals is the demand for their skin for commercial purposes.
Birds
Kerala with about 400 species of birds is considered to be rich in avifauna. The pioneering
works of Ali (1969) and Neelakandan (1986) documented the avifauna of the state. These
were followed by further observations from different areas (Neelakantan, Sasikumar and
Vengopalan, 1993). These intensive surveys and observations added to the fund of knowledge
on the distribution of birds in the region.
From Kalliasseri panchayat, 150 species of birds were recorded, out of which 55 are
wetland birds confined to tidal marsh, and 32 were migrants. The details of the bird species
identified are given in Appendix Table XXIII.
Little egrets, large egrets, tiny sand plovers and little ringed plovers are seen in large numbers
in the tidal marsh in the panchayat. Egrets and herons are the common wetland bird species.
The white-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliacetus leucogaster) is an endangered species, which is
seen at the tidal marsh. The favourite food items of this bird are fish and snakes. The
proposed Kannur Power Project will occupy most of the marshy area endangering the
existence of its avifauna. The large scale filling of paddy lands and other wetlands also
poses a major threat to the bird life of the panchayat. Shooting and similar destructive
practices that cause harm to birds are not popular in the area. But there is total unconcern
among the population for the survival of these winged beauties. This does not auger well
for bird conservation against possible future outrages.
Smaller mammals
Eighteen species of smaller mammals representing most of the major species found in
Peninsular India, were recorded from Kalliasseri panchayat, the details of which are given
in Appendix Table XXIV.
Sighting of the animals
Sighting of the mammals is poor in the months of South-West monsoon; most of the
species were located during the summer months.
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Jungle Cat: Jungle cat is seen usually in the tidal marsh in the mornings and evenings.
They are found to prey on poultry.
Civets: Small Indian Civets and Common Palm Civets were recorded from Kalliasseri
panchayat. But the small Indian Civet was only rarely seen. It is used to seen frequently in
the past. The mammal used to be kept in homes for collection of the secretion from its
scent glands for use both as perfume and medicine. The secretion is used in the preparation
of Dhanvandarum Gulika.
The scent gland situated in the peri - anal area, can be seen externally as a fairly large pouch
with hairy swollen lips. The secretion contains free ammonia, resin, fat and a volatile oil to
which its odoriferous properties are due. The method of collection practised by the vaidyas
(physicians) of Kalliasseri is to scrape the secretion from the pouch with a wooden spoon.
The meat of this animal is eaten by some communities in the locality. In the past, most
vaidyas (physicians) of Kalliasseri Panchayat had reared this animal for collecting the
secretion.
Owing to over-exploitation, the number of Small Indian Civets has declined drastically.
The Common Palm Civet is common in this Panchayat. People kill this animal for eating its
meat.
Small Indian Civets and Common Palm Civets are good eaters and great destroyers of
vermins. Civets which live in or near human dwellings do a real service by helping reduction
of the swarms of rats which infest crops and stocks of edibles and apparel in residential
houses and trading stores.
Common Mongoose: It is a common animal in this panchayat. It is seen in open lands and
cultivated areas. Common Mongoose destroys rats and mice and thus render service to
humans. At the same time they do a certain amount of damage to poultry. Some people eat
the flesh of this animal.
Jackal: Jackals are common in tidal marsh of this Panchayat. They do good work in the
clearance of carcasses. At the same time they are poultry thieves also.
Common Otter: This mammal is seen in the mangrove forests in the tidal marsh. Bones and
scales of fish strewn over the web-footed tracks of the animal round the den is evidence of
the presence of this animal in the area. The analysis of the faecal matters of Common
Otters indicates that they eat fish, crab and other crustaceans, frogs, rodents, and waterfowl,
and also leaves and other vegetable matter.
Grey Musk Shrew (Musk rat): This is the large shrew that enters houses at dusk. The
pointed snout and depressed ears distinguish these shrews from rats with which they are
often confused.
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Bats: Four species of bats have been recorded from the area. They are Indian flying fox,
Short nosed fruit bat, Fulvous fruit bat and Painted bat. All of them are frugivorous and
feed only on the juice of fruits.
Indian flying fox is the largest of Indian bats. The members of all the four species leave at
dusk, flying heavily with slow wing beats in search of fruit-bearing trees. They have very
good sense of smell, as well as good memory of fruit trees in their area and fly fairly long
distances in search of food.
Rodents: Among rodents, the Common house rat is the most common in this Panchayat.
The squirrel, which is commonly found in this area, is the Three-Striped Palm Squirrel.
Indian porcupine is rare in this area. They are found mostly in hilly terrain.
Bandicoot rats are also common which are creatures of large size. Their burrowing habits
cause great damage to the ground. Like other rats they are omnivorous and feed on household
refuse and grains and occasionally attack poultry. The Indian Field Mouse and House Mouse
are also commonly seen here. Rats and mice cause extensive damage to agriculture. Grains
of all sorts are their chief and favourite food.
Hare: Black-naped hare is rare in the panchayat and is seen only in the hilly terrain. Hare-
meet is consumed by some local inhabitants. High population density in the panchayat and
the concomitant loss of habitat has badly affected the survival of mammalian species in the
area.
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7. Cultural and Traditions
Folk knowledge
Traditional societies have acquired through years of evolution, vast bodies of knowledge
about the sustainable use of nature’s resources for the benefit of humanity. Passed orally
from generation to generation, this knowledge got continually modified with new discoveries
and insights and changing environmental conditions. Its learning, application and transmission
were often governed by strict ethical codes designed and enforced primarily to prevent its
misuse and corruption (Khadpekar, 1995).
Kalliasseri Panchayat has also its stock of indigenous knowledge. But the area has remained
exposed to the glare of modern civilization from the early decades of the twentieth century.
The attitude of modern science to indigenous knowledge of traditional societies has been
generally negative. Moreover, as the sole motive of colonial powers was commercial
exploitation of natural resources, the concept of sustainable use was not in their agenda.
This has led to erosion of indigenous knowledge in Kalliasseri also.
Traditional household articles
The people of the Panchayat have been using to a large extent traditional household articles.
Plastic, fibre and rubber materials have begun fast replacing these articles. The following is
a discussion on the local names of the articles available and the raw materials used for their
manufacture.
Kutta (Basket): This is used to keep various articles and also for carrying head loads. Raw
materials used for their production are ‘chooral’ (Calamus rotanz L, Calamus brandisii
Becc, Calamus pseuotenuis Becc and Ochlandra travancorica Benth) and stems of the Eata
plant. Since these plants do not occur in the Panchayat, people brought them from other
areas.
Paya (mat): Mats are used for sitting on and lying down to sleep.
Raw materials are Kaitha or Thazha, (Pandanus tectorius soland). Leaves of the plants are
used. The plant grows on the banks of Irinavu thodu, Kandanchira thodu and Vayalkara
thodu. Potta usually occurring in marshy lands (kaipadu) is also used.
Thavi (ladle): It is used for serving food materials.

Raw materials: Coconut shells are used to make the spoon and Areca catechu L. Stems or
bamboo stems are used as the handle of the ladle. The length of the handle will be 2.5 times
greater than the diameter of the coconut shell. The fibres of the shell are not removed.
Chirava: Chirava is used to scratch out coconut kernel from the shell.
Raw materials: The wood portion is made of the wood Alstonia scholaris L R.Br ‘Ezhilampala’
and the scratching portion is made of iron.
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Marathavi (ladle made of wood): Uses are the same as those of thavi.
Raw materials-Wood of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk (Plavu) or the wood of Myristica
fragrans Houtt (Jathi) or the stem of Bambusa arundinacea Willd (Mula). Both the ladle
and the handle from a single piece made of the same wood.
Mulam Kutti: It is a piece of bamboo stem open at one end and closed at the other, which
is used as a container for holding various kinds of condiments. Coir mattings are woven
around the outer surface of the bamboo stem to serve as hooks for hanging the kutti on the
wells of the kitchen.
Bamboo stems with large diameter were in use as milk and toddy containers.
Thondu: This is the hollow complete coconut shell from which the soft mesocarp is
completely removed. One hole alone will be there for the shell. When the shell is dry, it is
used to store things like mustard. The heat and smoke in the kitchen will make thondu a
good container.
Mara chacku (Grinder): This is used to crush out oil from the kopra (dried coconut) and
other oil seeds.
Raw material for making it is the timber of Schleichera trijuga Willd (Poovam) or the wood
of Tamarindus indicus L (Puli).
Masala mari: The utensil used to keep spices for use in food preparation.
This is made out of the timber of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk (Plavu), teak, etc.
Uppumari: This is the utensil used for keeping salt.

Wood of Mangier indica L (Mavu) is used for making this utensil.
Ural: It is used to powder cereals and dried food materials, and dehusk rice.
Raw material: Wood of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb (Venga), Aegle marmelos Corr
(Koovalam), Schleichera trijuga Willd (Poovam) and. Caraea arborea (Pezhu).
Sear: It is a wooden vessel used for measuring cereals, pulses, pepper etc. Smaller vessels
like Nazhi and Kongazhi are also in use.
Raw material: Root of Artocarpus (Anjili)
Nilam Thalli: This is a flat wooden structure with a long handle.

Raw material: This is made of Strichnos (Kanjiram). Usually before the harvest of rice or
pepper the courtyard is racked, levelled and consolidated by using Nilam thalli.
Munth: This is used to churn curd to produce butter.

Raw material This is usually made of Artocarpus (plavu) or Tectora grandis (Theck).
Ulacka: It is the rod used to pound grains in the ural.

Raw material- Wood of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb (Eatty) and Grewia iliaefolia Vahl (Chatachil)
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Adachooty: It is used as a lid to cover utensils or drain water from pots.
Raw material- Wood of Mangifer indica L (mavu) -
Kuria: Small baskets used to keep flowers, grains etc.

Raw materials- Tender leaves of coconut.
Paduthirikka: Mat made of coconut leaves used for sitting.
Marappalaka: It is used for sitting

Raw material: Wood of Alstonia scholaris L.R.Br (Ezhilampala). Wood of Artocarpus is
also used.
Grandhappalaka: Book-rest to keep the books open while reading.
Kurikkotta: It is used to keep Bhasma (ash of cow-dung cake). This ash is put on the
forehead as a religious custom. The string to hang it is also made of wood.
Chambili: It is a box to keep betel leaves and arecanut

Raw material- Stem of Ochlandra travancorica Benth (Eata/Eara)
Thazhu (Lock): Thazhu is used to lock the room.

Raw material: Wood of Artocarpus heterophyllu Lamk (Plavu) and Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl
(Chatachil)
Uri: Uri is an article used to keep pots and pats containing food. Uri is tied to rafters bars in
roofs. It is prepared from palm leaves or coir.
Oalakkuda (Palm leaf umbrella): In earlier times, people used Oalakuda as (palm leaf
umbrella) made of palm leaves and bamboo stems. There are different types of Oalakuda.
Those carried by children and adults have long stem. Those used by field-workers have
extra wide top and very short stem. There is the Thoppi koda that has no stem, but it has
cap-like structure to fit a human head.
Palathoppy (Cap): It is used as caps for protection of head from heat and rain.
Raw material- Sheathing leaf base of Areca catechu L (Kamungu)
Palathotty (Bucket): This is used as bucket

Raw material- Sheathing leaf base of the arecanut plants and the ribs of the leaflets of the
coconut leaf. The latter is used to stitch the sheathing leaf base into a bucket.
Koramba: It is a rain cover used by women in fields made of bamboo reed and sheath is
palm leaves.
Dehusking of rice
Unhusked rice is put first on the ground and a group of women pound on it to dehusk it
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with Ulacka (wooden rod); the half de-husked grain is poured in the Ural (an article made
up of wood, middle portion has a pit to receive grain).
Agricultural Implements
Njengol (Kalappa): This is the wooden implement with a cutting blade fixed at the end to
furrow the soil and turn it up.
Raw material: Wood of Artocarpus heterophyllu Lamk (Plavu) and Anacardium occidentale
L (Kashumavu)
Nukam (Yoke): It is a wooden crosspiece fastened over the racks of two oxen and attached
to the plough.
Raw materials: Wood of Avicennia officonalis L (Uppatty) and taproot of Ficus (Aal)
Kattakkol: It is a wooden implement used to powder lumps of soil in the field.

Raw material: Wood of Avicennia officinalis L (Uppatty) and Strichnos nux-vomica
(Kanjiram)
Vithkootty: It is a wooden implement used to spread unhusked rice, pepper etc for drying.
Raw material: The flat part is made up of stem of Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lamk Plavu)
and the handles are made up of stem of Areca catechu L (Kamungu). Handles of agricultural
implements are made up by using the stem portion of Areca catechu L (Kamungu) and the
tender stem of Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl (Chatachil). The bark of Helicterus isora L (Naru)
and the inner petiole bark of the coconut leaves are used as coir for tying the rake and the
handle.
Wetland cultivation
Small mounts, each 30-40 cm in height are made in the soil with hoe. When the water on
the mounts evaporates salt crystals appear on the surface of these mounts. During the first
rains, these crystals are washed away. Rice seeds are prepared in the following way. Seeds
are tied in gunny bags and dipped in water. The water source may be either a pond or a
large vessel filled with water. After a full day the seeds are taken out of water and tied in a
gunny bag and a weight is kept over it. Usually the weight used is laterite bricks. In 24
hours the seeds sprout and then they are sown on the mounts. When the seedlings are
about one foot tall, they are spread along with the mud of the mount in the field uniformly
with a hoe. The seeds usually used in Kaippadu lands are Arickaray, Aryan, Oarkkazhama,
Oarthidiyan, and Kuthiru. These varieties are tolerant to salinity and flooding. They are tall
varieties.
For cultivation in the Kaippadu lands, no fertilizers and pesticides are used. The average
yield is about 900 sear per hectare when rains are favourable. About ten years ago, about
100 acres of Kaippadu land was under cultivation. But with the advent of prawn farming,
shrubs began to grow and birds (vermins) inhabited the area making farming unprofitable.
69
Shrimp Cultivation: The traditional system of aquaculture is practiced in a few areas. Here
the water from the adjoining river is let into the field during high tides. This is usually done
in November. And then it is blocked by using a sluice gate. This is called Chemmeenkandi.
The harvest is spread over a period of time from January to April. Two harvests are carried
out in a month. Each harvest is called an Ach. The harvest includes Tiger prawn (Kara
chemmeen), Vella Chemmeen (Naran chemmeen) and Thelli Chemmeen (small size). Fishes
lke Yetta, Paral, and Malan are also included in the harvest.
In Kalliasseri Panchayat there is no prawn farm where intensive cultivation is done.
Preparation of Kalam: Kalam is usually the courtyard in front or on the side of the house
of the cultivator. When it is time for harvesting, the courtyard is hoed by using different
types of iron implements – Kaikottu (Vaykottu), and Kungottu. The digging is done by the
latter and the former is used to level the ground. Water is sprinkled over the soil to give a
binding effect. Then using wooden implement called Nilamthalli (of various sizes) the soil
is rammed to get a smooth surface. This beating process is repeated three or four times,
interspersed with application of cow dung water. When the yard is dry, cow dung paste is
well applied for plastering the surface. Once the process is over, the courtyard is ready to
receive the harvested grain in bundles called Katta. The yard is used for thresing and for
drying the grain. As the Kalam is prepared soon after the rains, it serves better than cement
plastered floor.
Ploughing: After the first crop, comes the hectic time for ploughing. After the ploughing
period is over, it is resting time for the bulls. They remain in the cattle-shed well fed during
the rainy days and come out for grazing on the weeds that grow luxuriantly in the garden
and common grazing lands.
For the second crop, when the time comes to prepare the field bulls are brought into the
field on an auspicious day. The yoke is placed on Anakaranam. Ploughing work is done
from 6 am to 12 noon. On the 10th day of the Malayalam Thulam paddy is boiled and kept
in Muram. The ceremonial lamp is lit and beaten rice, fried grain etc are offered on plantain
leaves to Lord Ganapathi. This ritual is called Pathamudayam. The grain will be kept out of
the Kalam before this ceremony. This ritual is the licence for using the courtyard for drying
rice drying the boiled rice, etc.
Puthari: It is a ceremony connected with harvesting. When the corn becomes ripe, a few
of ears of corn are collected from the standing crop. The food item is boiled rice and
curries. It is the rice of the last crop that is used to prepare the food. When pudding is made
a few (at least 7 grains), dehusked grains of the recently cropped rice are also added. This
is called Kunhiputhari (small celebration of New Rice).
When harvesting is begun in a large area and rice from the new harvested becomes available,
another ceremonial feast is arranged - Valiya puthari (Large celebration of New Rice).
Servants and agricultural labourers are invited to the feast. All members of the ancestral
family are also invited. The menu should positively include leafy vegetables, pumpkin and
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long beans. At the time of the harvest these vegetables will be kept ready in their gardens.
In dry land cultivation, along with rice, vegetables like pumpkin, beans, ladies finger, chillies
are cultivated, to match the harvest of both.
Akrana Puthari: Rice powder, jaggery, honey, pieces of banana and coconut are mixed,
with at least one grain of the newly harvested rice. This mixture is placed on the leaf of the
vegetable thaal (Nymphoefolia) and served to the participants.
Sowing: Sowing of rice seeds is usually initiated on the first of Medam (regarded as an
auspicious day). One-fourth sear of seeds in a kuriya (basket made of screw pine), tender
coconut, hoe, choottu (torch of dry coconut leaves tied together into a bundle) are taken to
the field. The southern-western corner of the field (Kannimoola) is selected for the ceremonial
sowing function. The field is prepared by using hoe on which water of tender coconut is
sprinkled. The choottu (torch) is lighted and put out by brushing it on the ground whereby
the ash is spread. After a short prayer, the seeds are sown. This ritual is called Kaivithidal
(preliminary sowing).
The actual sowing of the seeds in all the fields takes some more days. When the weather is
congenial it is completed before Medam 10th (May 10 – 24th). In wetlands, the transplantation
method is mostly used. Seedlings are grown on beds and transplanted after about 20 days.
When transplantation is over in a field owned by a person, the tender frond of coconut is
planted in the field as a mark of completion of the transplanting work.
Kunhinellu variety is threshed by trampling. Unlike other varieties, Jeerakasala seeds are
prepared along with the ear of the corn. The corns are dried in the sun. And all the corns are
tied up in a bundle and hung form the roof. This special kind of seed storage is called Ayyar
kettal. In other varieties, the seeds are stored usually in Pothi (A ball-like structure constructed
from hay). Keeping seed rice and rice for consumption in Pothi keeps them away from rat
menace.
Other methods of storage are: -(1) Pathayam – (wooden box of size 15 feet ´ 3 feet (2)
Nilapathayam: (Similar to pathayam except that the bottom of the box is the floor itself).
(3) Ara – Wooden structure, the sides of which are the wall of the room itself).
Pathamudayam: This is a ritual of rice-boiling. Early on the morning of Thualm 10th (Sept/
Oct), the boiled rice is placed in Muram (a carrier made of bamboo for winnowing rice)
along with an iron knife at sunrise. Ripe plantain, agarbathi (incense candle), beaten rice
and Nilavilakku (ceremonial lamp) are placed along with the boiled rice. Servants and
dependents used to bring beaten rice to the landlord’s house by way of ritual obeisance.
Nira: This is a ritual followed by farmers to invoke God for prosperity. A few (usually 7, 9
or 11) sheaths of ripening paddy corns are harvested. After bath, the bundles are brought
home along with Strychnine leaves. The bundling is done by Pandham of coconut trees.
The bundles are placed on plantain leaves in the courtyard. Beaten rice (Avil), fried grain
(Malar), tender coconut, a lit Nilavilakku (a ceremonial lamp with coconut oil as fuel) are
71
placed alongside. Each corn is placed on the broad leaf of Clerodendron and along with it
are placed leaves of nine other plants.
All these are folded in the leaf of Clerodendron and tied with Pandham (inner petiole bark of
coconut leaves). The members of the family who assemble around shout Nira Nira Poli
Poli (let there be prosperity and let the granary become full) and move to various places of
the house to tie corn bundles to columns, beams, pathayam (big wooden box to store
paddy, etc) Ural (the wooden mortar used for dehusking) and cowshed.
Thottathil Kunhi Kannan of Ward I is an old farmer. He used to cultivate native

varieties like Vadakkan and Kazhama. Seeds were locally produced. There was no
external agency to supply them. According to him, the main reason for the fall of
agriculture is the use of chemicals. He has sold away a major portion of his land and
the rest has been partitioned among his children. No cultivation is carried out in the
land now.
He also used to tap toddy. Only old and tall coconuts were tapped for toddy. To
scratch the juvenile spadix, ‘Nhallu’ obtained from Ramanthali (nearby Panchayat)
is used. Toddy was collected in ‘Onda’ made from bamboo stem. Kunhi Kannan
used to fish by using Kuthood and net. He used to get lot of fishes during floods.
Now there is no fish in rivers and he no more goes for fishing.
He remembers that about 30 years ago, there were extensive paddy fields. There
were only 3 or 4 houses in the area. The fire works in Keecheri Palott Kavu, about 6
kms away were visible from here. But the Irinave Road constructed in 1957 led to
hordes of settlements obliterating paddy fields.
According to C.P.Kannan, an agricultural labourer, it is the construction of Irinave
Dam – Kacheri Thara Road which made the difference. Pulses used to be grown in
large scale. Vegetables like cucumber, pumpkin, water melon and ash gourd were
cultivated on a commercial scale. They were sold in markets ate Puthiyatheru and
Cherukunnu. Tubers like sweet potato and tapioca were also cultivated. But now all
these have vansished.
By fishing with Kuthood, Ilakku vala and Kara vala it was easy to catch Karimeen,
Kachayi, Kayyan, Chempalli and Thirutha. During rainy season Kaychil, Etta and
Muzu were caught from fields. Now it is the use of nets with very low mesh width
that has caused considerable reduction in fishes.
Kowapravan Kunhiraman (77 years) remembers that the whole Kolathvayal from
Keecheri to Kottappalam was under paddy cultivation and there were hardly ten
houses in the whole area, some 50 years back. After the first crop, cattle from
Punnacheri, Thavam and other places were brought to Kolathvayal, where they would
be tethered for two days. Their cow dung and urine would enrich the soil. For this
service the owners would pay money or paddy to the hardman. The fields would be
ready for cultivating pulses like Bengal gram, horse gram, big gram etc. 90% of
paddy area was brought under pulses cultivation. Even in dry lands horse gram used
to be cultivated.
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Sri.Kunhi Kannan had produced 500 sears of bengal gram a year. For 100 sears, the
price was thirty rupees and the same measure of horse gram would fetch fifteen
rupees. Traders used to come to the house for buying the produce. Horse gram was
fed to draught animals. The husk of bengal gram was also fed to them. Dried cow
dung, ash and sledge from Kappakadavu were the staple manures. Sledge was
collected; salt water poured over it and it was dried and powdered. These would
then be carried in baskets during night to the fields.
Even those who had paddy cultivation for 1000 sears hardly got paddy for year long
consumption. The Varom and Pattom levied by landlords were very high and in these
circumstances, it was the pulses and vegetable cultivation that sustained the farmers.
The fields for pulses cultivation with deposits of cow dung and urine are ploughed
by using bullocks. The lumps of soil are pulversised by using wooden hammer
(Kattakkoi). Seeds are sown and another round of ploughing is done. The leaves of
pulses were used for making stews. Harvesting was done at dawn since the dry
pods would break when handled in the sun. Bengal gram and horse gram were
uprooted whole, dried in sun and thrushing was done by beating with long poles.
Now only 2 to 3 % of the cultivable area is under pulses cultivation.
Traditional food
A large number of tribal communities living in forests and adjoining areas rely on plants not
only for food and shelter but also for other essential amenities and they are able to sustain
their life in the absence of conventional agriculture (Vartak and Gadgil, 1979). Kosambi
(1962) opined that this is due to the availability of uncultivated food. This is not practicable
in a society that has been exposed to modern civilization for long. But it is interesting to note
that even in a village like Kalliasseri, uncultivated plants played an important role in the daily
life of the common man till half a century ago. Uncultivated plants are, to a limited extent
part of the menu even now.
The tenurial system was so extortionate in the early decades of the 20th century that farmers
had little food grain left after payment of levies to the landlord. Hence, in many cases, the
marginal farmer had to subsist on the leftover grain retrieved from hay. The poor depended
also on a variety of plants to sustain their life. The food items were different and the
combination of various articles for food was also diverse. With the enactment of land
reforms and with the emergence of new employment opportunities, the purchasing power
of the common man went up and the traditional food items and food habits during the
earlier periods are on the way out.
The food habits inhabitants of Kalliasseri, - in general that of the old Chirakkal Taluk as a
whole-were quite different from those of today. The Green Revolution and the spread of
modern values and attitudes have altered the dietary habits. The principal indigenous food
items that were prevalent in the Panchayat a few decades ago are discussed here. The
traditional food items were of low cost and highly nutritive.
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1. Kanji: Rice was well-boiled in water and used in semi-liquid form. Buttermilk, curry
leaf, ginger, etc were added to the gruel. Usually stews made of leafy vegetables or
jackfruit accompanied the gruel. Mango pickle used to be one important side dish
item.
2. Pazhamkanji: This is kanji prepared on the previous night. Usually, pazhamkanji
was served as breakfast. Gruel water freezes in winter when pazhamkanji is used in
solid form.
3. Thavidukanji: The water drained from gruel was kept in earthen pots for two or
three days and then boiled with rice and bran of rice. This is a nutritious food item;
which had an agreeable sour taste.
4. Thavidu: This is bran of rice collected at the time of paddy dehusking rice. Water is
sprinkled on bran and kneaded with or without jaggery. Consumption of barn was
the prerogative womenfolk; men were denied this item of food on the pretext that it
would prevent development of masculine characters like facial hair growth. This
item of food is a good preventive measure against jaundice.
5. Pukkan: The boiled rice juice is kept for a full day. Into it is added rice powder and
then boiled. This is an easily digestible food item.
6. Ottada: Rice is ground into paste. Coconut and jaggery are added. It is then pastened
on the inner side of plantain leaf, folded, and placed on a cloth tied over the mouth of
an earthen pot containing boiling water. The paste is boiled in steam into a delicacy.
7. Kuzhakkatta: Rice is soaked in water and ground into a semi-solid paste. After
adding coconut scrapings to the paste, it is made into balls and boiled in water for
half an hour. The water in which the rice-balls are boiled is also consumed after
coconut scrapings are mixed with it.
8. Non – vegetarian items: In the small rivers, fishes were abundant - Etroplus, Catfishes,
Mullets, Perches and crabs. Bivalves were also collected to prepare dishes. Meat of
turtles was a delicacy in many families. In wetland Kaipadu, prawns were abundant.
Chicken meat and mutton were eaten; but consumption of beef was not popular in
those days. Now, fish diseases are widespread. The Irinave dam provides a barrier
to fishes to migrate to inland waters. Green-coloured river-crabs used to be caught
at night in torchlight. Crabs were pinned down by using sharp spikes. Crabs were
also caught by bait or using Koruvala.
9. Dishes from Mango: (a) Pickles of different types were made from mango. Tender
mangoes were preserved in salt water and green chillies large earthen pots called
Kuttuam.
(b) The endocarp of mangoes were collected and dried in sun. Its endosperm used to be
taken out and powdered. This powder is mixed with rice powder. This is then boiled
in water. It is a nutritious drink. (c) Manga kach: From ripe fruits the fleshy part
was taken, made into a juice, spread over palm-leaf or bamboo mats and dried in the
sun. The solid sheet was a delicious item of food. (d) Preparation from seeds: -
Seeds are kept for germination. After germination, the seed coat is removed and the
74
cotyledons are dried under sunlight. Thereafter they are powdered. Various food
items used to be prepared from this powder. The powder is boiled in water with
jaggery, small amount of ginger powder, coriandrum and coconut milk. This is tasty
Payasam. Powdered mango cotyledons are mixed with water, coconut scrapings
and jaggery to form a paste; it is spread on plantain leaf, folded and baked in earthen
vessel. This is called Manga Ada.
10. Dishes from Jackfruit: (a) Jackfruit used to be a dominant food item especially among
lower strata of the society. The seeds are used as food during the monsoon season.
It is roasted in earthen vessels and after peeling the outer coat is consumed straight
or mixed with coconut and jaggery. Seeds may also be munched after baking in
choolah directly. Jackfruits used to be plenty during the rainy season. And the seeds
were stored for off season by coating them with mud paste, drying them and then
storing them in earthen vessels.
(b) Unripe fruits are used to make different dishes. Not only seeds, but also the seed pod
and other parts of fruits are used to prepare various types of dishes. Tender fruits
are cut into pieces, dried and stored. The ripe fruits are very delicious. For storage,
it is mixed with jaggery and baked into a paste like form. Ghee, cashew nuts etc are
added for taste and flavour. This dish called Chakka Varatty, can be stored for long
periods of more than a year.
11. Tapioca: Though cultivation of tapioca was limited to a small area, poor people used
to purchase tapioca from market as a cheap source of carbohydrate, particularly
during lean period. Various kinds of preparations were made from tapioca. Tapioca
was stored for future use in two ways – (a) Small pieces of tapioca are semi boiled
and dried in sunlight. It can be stored for months in gunny bags (Vattu kappa).
(b) Tapioca is cut into larger pieces and dried in sun without boiling. This is called Vellu
kappa. It is powdered and used for peparing puttu (steamed powder).
12. Arrowroot Ada: Arrowroot powder is mixed with a large quantity of water and is
kept for settling. The precipitate is mixed again and the final product is collected and
dried. This powder is used for preparation of Ada.
Rice is ground into paste and spread on taro leaf. Coconut and jaggery are placed
over it and the leaf is folded. It is baked in steam. The dish is eaten along with the
taro leaf. Leaves of plantain or jack tree are also used to make this item delicacy.
13. Choondappana Choru: Choondappana is Caryoya urens (family Palmaceae). The
innermost part of the trunk of the tree is cut into small bits, ground and mixed with
water. The precipitate is collected and dried. It is used to prepare porridge and bread.
14. Nannari Coffee: Root of Nannari (Hemidesmus indicus) is cut into small pieces and
roasted with coffee seeds and powdered. It is used to prepare coffee. Not sugar, but
jaggery was used. Milk was not usually an ingredient of the preparation of coffee.
Sometimes ghee would be added to coffee. Tea was not very common. Coriander,
cumin etc were boiled with milk and consumed.
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15. Vegetables: Vegetables like Bitter gourd, Snake gourd, Brinjal, Ladies finger, Long
beans, pumpkins, ash gourd, etc were cultivated in fields and homesteads. Selling of
vegetables in shops was a rare phenomenon. Taro, elephant yam, long yam etc were
the main tubers. Banana was a major crop; all varieties were cultivated. Not only
plantains, the core of the pseudostem (Kambu) and Koombu (inflorescence) were in
common use. Country green, leaves of Colocasia, Nymphoefolia, Pumpkin, Beans,
Muringa, Ash gourd, Cassia tora etc were commonly used for preparations of leafy
vegetables. Tender leaves of Nettle (Kodu Thoova) were used as fry. The itching
sensation that Nettle makes was avoided by applying coconut oil on it and then
washing in hot water. The stem of elephant yam and Taro were used to prepare
curries. Jackfruit, both tender and mature, were in high demand.
Folk knowledge on house construction
For construction of a house, the plot is equally divided into 4 parts and the house site is
fixed in the north – east segment of the plot. The house should face towards the east. The
well and hearth are constructed only on the north – east part of the house. The south – east
corner, called ‘Agni moola’, is not considered auspicious for placing the hearth. Cattle-
sheds are constructed at the Kanni moola (South – west) or Agni moola, but not exactly at
a corner of the house. The beams in a room should be of even number.
There are certain rituals connected with the beginning of house construction. Kutti Adikkal
is fixing the corners of the to - be - constructed house. Pooja is performed at that time. A
small piece of gold is placed below the foundation or at the base of the main door frame. At
the house-warming ceremony, offerings are made to Lord Ganapathi and the chief carpenter
boils the milk. Lighting the fire for boiling milk is done by the mason. Boiled milk is first
given to the carpenter and the mason and then to others. As the milk boils bubbles appear;
if the first bubble appears at the centre of the milk surface, it is considered a good omen. If
it is on the southern side it is bad for the owner and if elsewhere it portends mixed fortunes.
Wood is an important raw material for conventional house construction. There are separate
species of plants used for different purposes such as rafters, reapers and beams and door
and window frames. The household implements and articles are also made from plants.
To increase durability of wood of Mangifera indica L (Mavu)- Curcuma longa L rhizome

is ground with salt and painted on to the wood pieces.
Frame for doors and windows- Wood of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam (Plavu), Myristica
fragrans (Jathi) and Xylia xylocarpa Jaub (Irul) are used.
Kazhukol (Rafter): Wood of Terminalia sps (Maruth) and Hopea parviflora Bedd (Uruppu)
are used.
Beam: Wood of Hopea parviflora Bedd (Uruppu), Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam (Plavu),
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb (Venga) and Xylia xylocarpa Jaub (Irul) are used.
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Door (Shutters): Wood of Artocarpus hirsuta Lam (Anjili) are used to construct doors.
Metal hinges were not used for doors and windows. Instead, the top and bottom frames of
doors and windows have sockets into which the ends of shutters of doors are inserted.
This type of hinge was called Aranga Kutti. Similarly instead of bolts, a wooden structure
called Thazhu Kutti was made to keep the two door planks well shut. There was also
another wooden structure called Saksha (bolt) for keeping the doors well shut.
Masonry: Laterite bricks were cut manually from quarries. These bricks were laid for walls
using stone powder for mortar. Stone powder and sand are mixed in 1:2 ratio and jaggery
and tender leaves of Mangifera are pounded with this mixture. This process enhances the
strength and bounding power of the mortar. The mortar used to be carried not in iron plates
as the practise is today, but in small buckets made of light-wood or sheathing leaf base of
Areca. This basket was called Maru. The measurements were all in Kols and Virals.
The wall thickness is 8 virals and basement 9 virals. The Ulthara kallu is 10 virals thick. In
some houses, at the level of ceiling, decorative Kapotham is made in laterite brick.
Since the laterite bricks are neatly cut and shaped, the use of mortar for brick laying was
the minimum. There is no need for plastering. If plastering is done, the mortar is of stone
powder and sand or of lime and sand.
For flooring, stone powder and sand mixture is spread on the floor and well rammed. Over
the surface, granite powder mortar is applied. After that a coat of cashew nut oil is applied
by using a wooden frame. The surface is then polished by using leaves of Coccinia indica
(Kova) or Erythrina indica (Muricku). If charcoal from burning coconut shell or carbon
from dry cells are mixed and applied on the floor, it will appear pitch black, far better than
the appearance of cement flooring.
Masons were respectfully called Maniyanis.

The middle and low-income groups used mud bricks instead of laterite bricks. Uruttu Katta
(Round bricks) was also used. For making Uruttu Katta, Clay and loamy soil are ground
and kept for 3 or 4 days and then ball shaped lumps are made from them. These were used
to construct walls. At one stretch, a wall of two feet height will be constructed; only after
this part gets dry, the next higher stretch will be built.
To purify and cool the well water
Wood pieces of Phyllanthus emblica L (Nelli) are kept at the base of the open well for
cooling and purifying the water. Also this wood has medicinal value. This round piece of
wood is called Nellippalaka.
Folk knowledge on temple construction
The wood of Hopea parviflora Bedd (Uruppu), Myristica fragrans (Jathi) and Terminalia
torentosa (Kari Maruthu) are used for constructing temples. An old concept is that the
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wood of Myristica fragrans is suitable only for construction of temples and houses of
Brahmins and that this wood is not suitable for construction of the houses of lower castes.
This may be a ploy for ensuring availability of the best type of wood for the upper castes.
The above-mentioned woods were available in plenty in olden times. But now-a-days they
have become rare in the area. In their place, several other types of timber are in use for
house construction.
Hygiene & health care
Teeth brushing- Ripened leaves of Mangifera indica L (Mavu) are used for brushing teeth.
Coconut fibre is also used.

Tender stem of Azadirachta indica L (Neem) is crushed and used for cleaning teeth. Crushed
stem of Jatropa curcas L (Katalavanacku) was also in use as toothbrush.
Tooth powder: Burned paddy-husk was used as tooth powder for cleaning teeth. It was
crushed and mixed with common salt and pepper powder before use.
Bathing brush: Coconut fibre was used as bathing brush. Leaves of Musa paradisiacia L
(Vazha), the crushed stem of Acacia incia Willd (incha) and the fibre of the dried fruit of
Luffa acutangula Roxb (Peechil) were also in use.
Tongue used to be cleaned with the ribs of coconut leaves, split longitudinally.
During bathing, leaves and vines of pepper or leaves of Hibiscus used to be crushed and
applied on the head as shampoo.
Cow-dung was widely used for plastering the mud floors. Plastering had to be done several
times a year. When the floor or the courtyard becomes filthy, cow-dung water used to be
sprinkled to cleanse and purify.
Kalam Pattu: Punga prasnam is a divination ceremony conducted on the 7th month of
pregnancy. The ceremony is conducted by the families of the husband and the wife jointly
to ensure that all is well with the pregnancy. If the prasnam vekkal - divination – suggests
spirit afflictions, Kalam Pattu was performed to appease the spirits. Exercising the Kenthrom,
the Gandharvan spirit ws inevitable. Dereliction in performance of these rites would invite
social stigma. Kenthrom is performed by the Vannan caste. Neighbours and relatives are
invited for these rituals.
Figures of three deities are drawn on the courtyard. This Deivakkolam (Deivam = God;
Kolam = shape or figure) is made of rice flour, soot turmeric. Dried and powdered leaves
are also used. The deities made out of these powders are Bhairavan, Bhagavan and
Bhagavati. A five-wick bronze lamp is kept burning in front of these drawings. A one-
wick ceremonial lamp each is kept in the four corners of the yard. In a plantain leaf are
placed the offerings – beaten rice, puffed rice, betel leaf, arecanut, Niranazhi (a traditional
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measuring container filled with rice) and Nirapara (a container much larger than Nazhi
(filled with rice). Nirapara and Niranazhi signify prosperity and auspeciousness).
After the feast of invitees, Kalampattu commences. A pregnant woman half clad in new
robes is brought to the Kolam, made to circumambulate the lamp and seated at the central
place. Santhana Gopalam, a specific portion of Ramayanam, Seelavathi Charitham and
Nalacharitham are sung in chorus melodiously and in good rhythm. This goes on through
out the night. But midway through the singing, the pregnant woman gets possessed of the
deity, begins to move her body rhythmically and begins to show abnormal behaviour, yelling,
gesticulating and grabbing Gurusi and drinking it. Gurusi is a red-coloured mixture of
turmeric, rice flour and quick lime in water representing sacrificial blood. Much to the
embarassment of the audience, the chief ritualist enters into a dialogue with the spirit pregnant
woman is possessed. Questions about the identity of the spirit, its willingness to leave the
woman’s body and so on are put to the possessed woman. The questioning and the attendant
mortifications culminate in the falling down of the woman in swoon. Singing stops. Water
is sprinkled on the unconscious woman’s face and she is brought back to consciousness.
She is removed to inside the house. Ritualists and their assistants are sent away gifted with
new clothes and money befitting the status of the household which performed the ritual.
Fertilizer for vegetables
The head and other wastes of sharks are put in baskets made of coconut leaves and dipped
into a pond for about five days. Then the water in the pond is taken and sprayed over field
of vegetable cultivation to serve as pesticide and fertilizer for growth of plants.
Fish wastes are mixed with ash and applied to crops as fertiliser.
Fish waste alone is also used in the field.
Cow-dung is the major fertilizer used. Sometimes ash obtained from traditional choolas is
mixed with cow dung before use as fertiliser.
Some agriculturists prepare an interesting fertilizer by mixing cow dung, ash, saltwater and
mud collected from the marshy Irinavu area.
Art and decorative items
Theyyam is a performative art of Kannur District. The Kavus or sacred groves are the
places where this art is performed by communities like Vannan, Malayan and Valluvan.
The main source of livelihood for these communities was the performance of Theyyam.
The festival season starts in February and ends in May.
Each Kavu has a main deity and several smaller deities. Each deity is identified by its unique
dress and ornamentation. The head shield (Muti) of the Theyyams is made of Murikku and
Bamboo. The spathe of areca leaf and coconut leaves are used as hair. The spathe of areca
leaf is made into a mask for the deity Gulikan. For most Theyyams, tender coconut leaves
are essential dress materials. The leaves are also used to adorn the head shields. Flowers of
various kinds like Hibiscus, and Ixora and leaves of Tulsi are also used for garlands.
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The facial painting of a Theyyam performer forms a major part of the folk art. Each deity
can be made out from its unique facial painting. Vermillion (chayilyam), for red, manola for
crimson, mashi for blue, dried and powdered leaves for green and charcoal for black is
used for the painting. The mid rib of coconut leaves (Eerkil) is dipped in the colours and
delicate facial decorations are made using it. A wick soaked in coconut oil or gingelly oil is
burnt and an earthen pot is placed to collect the soot. This soot forms the black dye used
for facial painting. Green dye is made by mixed white and blue colours. Vermillion and
collyrium are soaked in oil before applying on the face so that even while perspiring the
colours do not fade, but only glisten. White dye is made of rice flour.
Parboiled rice (Unakkal ari) is ground into a paste and mixed with turmeric for painting the
body of deities like Mutthappan. Red dyes for Theyyams are made usually by mixing quick
lime with turmeric. The emulsion to be applied on the body of Goddess is made out by
boiling together ground rice flour, turmeric and quick lime. Cotton is used to decorate the
body in Theyyams like Pulimaran and Pulikandan.
The hair of Theyyam is made of

Bambusa arundinacea L (Mula)
Erythrina indica Lam (Murick)
Areca catechu L (Kavung), sheathing leaf base.
Cocos nucifera L (Thengu), leaves.
Pookotta (Flower basket) is made of Pandanus tectorius Soland (Kaitha).
Udayada (Frocks) is made from tender leaves of the coconut tree.
Dyes are prepared in the following way:

Black from Coconut oil-lamp soot
White from Rice Powder
Blue from Indigofera tinctoria L (Neela amari)
Green from Blue colour + White colour
Red Curcuma longa L (Manjal), rhizome+ lime
Colour for Thakidu (plate)from Rice powder+Curcuma longa L (rhizome)+Lime
Paricha (Armour) from Wood of Erythrina indica L (Murick)
Kuzhampu from Rice powder mixed with Curcuma longa L (Manjal) rhizome and lime.
Games and biodiversity
It is interesting to note that in olden days children used to play games with locally available
materials. The whole gamut of games including rules and regulations seem to have originated
indigenously. Unlike the modern games, which use costly gadgets and sports goods, the
articles used in old games were inexpensive and easily procurable. The following are some
of the plays and games, which were prevalent in the northern part of the state, including
Kalliasseri Panchayat.
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1. Vellayum Chambayum: Four concentric circles are drawn on the floor. Two
perpendicular lines passing through the centre, one transecting the other at the centre
are drawn. In this game, 4 children participate. The materials used in the game are
bivalve shells.
2. Itty and Kol: The play materials are just two sticks – one about 1 to 1.5 feet and the
other about 2 to 3 inches in length. It is a group game involving four or six children.
The game tests the targeting acumen of children.
3. Sody: It is group play. The group is divided into two equal teams. It needs no play
materials. It is a physical fitness testing game.
4. Arippo Thirippo: Four or five children participate in this game. Usually it is played by
girls. The participants sit in a circle. A chime is sung in consonance with the game.
5. Uppu Kali: The play material is soil. There are two teams. A small amount of soil
with colour different from that of the surrounding area is collected. This soil is
hidden in various places by one team and it is the duty of the other team to find them
out.
6. Kotham Kallu: In this play, any number of children can participate. The only material
needed is five pebbles of almost equal size. The play improves the ability of children
to hold and handle things. The five stones are spread; one is thrown up; before it
comes down it is caught along with the other four stones on the ground. There are
a number of steps for this play.
7. Dappa Kali: Here the materials are 12 pieces of tile and a ball made of cloths and
coir. The small pieces of tile are piled one upon another. Children are divided into two
groups. Each member of the team tries to upset the pile by throwing the ball at it and
the play proceeds.
8. Kottel Kuthu: A circle is drawn. One boy stands outside and others remain within the
circle. The boy outside tries to pull out the ones in the circle without entering into the
circle. If he wins, the pulled out boy also joins him in taking out others.
9. Kallanum polisum: Five or more children are involved in this. One child is designated
as the police and all others are thieves. The thieves hide in various places when the
policeman closes his eyes. The police boy searches all possible hideouts and based
on the number of thieves he could find out, he is given scores.
10. Nira: Two persons play this game. Twelve small pebbles or seeds are held by one
person where as the other person has 12 grains as material. Three squares are drawn
one within the other. The corners of three squares are connected by a line. Each
person places one material at a time, on the transecting point. The aim is to have
three materials in a line. In that case, he can take away one material that the other
man has put on the square.
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11. Ettum Kattam: A long rectangle on the ground is longitudinally divided into two equal
parts. Each division is further subdivided into four equal squares. It can be played by
more than two persons. Only a single dice is needed. Usually the dice is a polished
piece of tile.
12. Nooram Kolly: Here a rib of the coconut leaf about 15 cm-long is taken. Ten more
ribs half the size of the first are also made ready. The long rib is placed on the
ground. It is the queen. The other 10 ribs should be dropped on the long one. If none
of the short ribs touches the long rib, the player loses the game. If, say, two short
ribs are in touch with the long one, the player should carefully take the ribs one by
one without jerking the other ribs. For each rib thus lifted ten points are awarded,
and for the long rib 100 points.
13. Thalama: This is played by two teams. The article used is a ball. In the olden
days, there was neither rubber nor plastic ball. A small ball will be made of clothe
or hay tied and bound by coir or string made from the bark of Helicterus isora
(Koovalam). A more common article is ball woven from coconut leaves. Ribs
removed, the ribbon like leaves are woven into a small ball. This is usually called
Atta. With the ball, several feats are performed as the opposite team tries to catch
the ball.
From the brief description of games given above, it is clear that no sophisticated or
costly items were used as play materials. All were collected from the surroundings.
The old are fast disappearing yielding place to the new. But school children, especially
girls, still play some of these games.
The toys of earlier times were also biodiversity-related. Most of the little toys given
to the tots were made from coconut and jack tree leaves. Small baskets helpful while
playing in soil were also made from coconut leaves. Car toys were made from jack
tree leaves with the fruits of Jatropha (Kadalavanak) serving as wheels. The sheaths
of arecanut trees were used for dragging kids through the ground. The sheath was
used also to make hats, fan etc. Paper was also commonly used to make hats,
canoe, purse etc as toy items. Children were given small wooden carts with three
wheels which they could push around and train themselves in walking. Grown up
children used to make small carts with four wheels on which a kid could be seated
and drawn around using coir rope.
Children used to play top and string with top made of coconut shell and rib. Thus it
may be seen toys were also made from locally available materials. Children’s lives
was in extreme harmony with nature. Bathing in ponds and tanks for hours together
and jumping into and swimming in them was a common sight. Children also helped
their household in farming activities and in cattle-rearing and dairying.
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Traditional knowledge
Various forms of traditional knowledge are found among the people of Kalliasseri. For
collecting information, we interviewed a large number of persons - Vaidyans, fishermen,
farmers and elderly persons of all categories of Kalliasseri.
Some items of traditional knowledge which local people use for curing diseases are given
below.
The persons suffering from the sting of fishes use decoctions prepared from the root of the
plant Hydrophylla spinosa.
Acorus (Vayambu) and Aristolochia indica (Uruthooky) are crushed into a paste and applied
at the site of sting by scorpion or centipede.
Adathoda (small variety) and Tulsi are crushed and the juice is effective against palpitation.
Muringa skin crushed and its juice is mixed with equal amount of coconut milk. This
mixture is poured into a handful of boiled rice. It is boiled again and the resultant semi-liquid
is an efficacious drug against gas trouble.
The youngest fronds of coconut along with ribs are ground into paste and consumed. This
is a treatment for Rekthapitham.
Narvelia zeylanica (Nila narakam) and Pergularia (Keezhar nelli) are ground together
and well mixed with butter. If this is placed on the top of the head, dizziness is cured.
Urine collected from ass, camel, goat, cow and horse are mixed and a concoction is made
which is used for treatment of epilepsy. This concoction is called Panchamoothrasavam.
The secretion from the scent gland of Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica) is used in the
preparation of an ayurvedic tablet called Dhanuvandaram Gulika. This tablet is used for
the treatment of Colic.
Cattle leech (Hirudinaria granulosa) is used for curing skin diseases.
For the treatment of fever, Bed bug (Cimex) covered with jaggery is eaten.
Antlion, the larva of the Antlion flies (Myrmeleon formicarius) the eggs of ants and the
leaves of Mussanda frondosa (Vellila) are ground in milk and if this product is applied to the
head of typhoid patients to restore the consciousness.
Tongue sore can be cured by chewing coconut button.
The fruit of cashew and Carum capticum (Ayamodakam) are mixed and the juice is given to
cholera patients for cure.
Ten grams of tender shoots of cashew plant is ground and consumed along with butter for
stopping bleeding.
Frog meat is cooked and eaten for treatment of whooping cough.
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The faeces of rat mixed with medicinal herbs is used for restoring smooth passage of urine.
The meat of Indian flying fox (Pteropus gigantens) is cooked and eaten for the treatment of
Asthma.
Domestic quail meat is cooked and eaten for treatment of Asthma. Quail egg is also used
for the treatment of Asthma.
Earthworm is used in the preparation of Bhoonagathailam used for treatment of typhoid.
Snail is an ingredient in the preparation of Thazhuthena thailam. This medicine is used for
treatment of skin diseases.
The Apple Snail (Pila globosa) is cooked and used as a medicine for the treatment of Piles.
The Eel (Anguilla) is cooked and used for treatment of piles.
For tongue sore of cows, the fruit of Punica glanatium is kept in-between the teeth of the
affected cow.
Pest eradication
Chemical pesticides made their entry in this part of the state only about 50 years ago.
Farmers had been resorting to a variety of methods to combat pests in the past.
(1) Dry leaves used to be collected from homesteads in baskets made of coconut leaves
and spread out in paddy fields and burnt. This practice helped in controlling the
menace of soil mites.
(2) A lighted petromax lamp was placed on a tripod stand in the middle of the field at
night. Below the lamp in a pot, water mixed with kerosene oil was kept. The lamp
attracts insects, which fall into the kerosene solution placed below. Stirring with
sticks caused instant death of the insects.
(3) Small branches of Holigrana (cheru) used to be kept in various parts of the paddy
field to ward off insects.
(4) Asfoetida (Palkayam) is dissolved in water and a coir rope is immersed in the solution.
The two ends of the rope are held by two persons standing across the paddy field.
They walk from one end of the field to the other sweeping the paddy with the rope.
The odour of Asfoetida drives away insects.
(5) Elephant dung is burnt at the side of the bunds of paddy fields.
(6) Leaf rollers used to be contained by dewatering paddy fields occasionally.
(7) Rhinoceros beetle attacking the fronds of coconut were taken out from tree-tops by
using a sharp long iron spike. Loose sand was sprayed around emerging fronds to
kill beetles.
(8) A small tin drum was kept on a long pole in the centre of the field. The beating of the
drum from a long distance using a stick to which a long rope is tied drive away
birds.
(9) In fields, an effigy made of hay and covered by clothes was hung from posts to
scare away wild animals. Sometimes a pot covered with cabalistic signs or carrying
mantras inscribed on palmera leaf was hung in a conspicuous position. If a crop of
vegetables is raised in a garden visible and accessible from the road, the vegetables
will never reach maturity unless a bogey of some sort is set up in their midst (Logan,
1887).
(10) Castor seeds (about 250 gm) well crushed and mixed with boiled rice water used to
be placed near the stem base of coconut tree. Rhinoceros beetle and other beetles are
attracted to this solution.
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8. Summary and Conclusions
Biodiversity has assumed considerable importance over the past 5 years for two reasons
(Solbrig and Oordt, 1992). Firstly, new strides in molecular biology have made it possible
to move genes from one organism to another, from mammals to yeasts, from bacteria to
insects and so on, opening up new possibilities of putting genetic resources to human use.
Secondly, the Intellectual Property Rights allow patenting of living organisms and their
products (Reid, et al, 1993). However, the level of awareness of the richness of plant and
animal diversity around the globe is getting rapidly eroded.
The highly diverse early farming systems generated little production surplus. They could
sustain autonomous, small societies for long periods. The more complex agrarian and
industrial societies that followed were based on large-scale resource exports from the
countryside to cities. This is the scenario in the Panchayat areas also. The population of
Kalliasseri has been growing at a rate faster than that of the average for the Kerala State.
During the ten years between 1971 and 1981, its population increased by 25 percent.
During the ’eighties it is a bit lower at 22 percent.
The study conducted in June 2000, reveals that the population had increased to 34687, an
increase of 38 percent during the preceding 10 years. This extra ordinary population increase
is wholly due to in-migration from adjacent areas. Land prices being relatively low in the
wetlands people from neighbouring cities and industrial areas rush into the panchayat to
buy small pieces of wetlands for conversion into dwelling housing sites. Large scale filling
up of wetlands is going on causing serious erosion of genetic diversity in the area.
In earlier years, cultivation had extended to most of the arable lands. The entire area of the
coastal plain was under rice cultivation. The returns from cultivation were comparatively
low; cultivators were denied the fruits of their soil due to the prevalence of an extortionate
tenurial system. The needs of the population were also very much limited. With the spread
of education and development of the communication system, the wants of the people began
to rise. Because of its proximity to the district headquarters – Kannur – and the growth of
the near-by industrial belt at Mangad and Andoor, non-agricultural occupations have come
to dominate Kalliasseri while at the same agricultural occupations are getting marginalised.
Moreover, with the spread of education, job expectations have tended to move away from
agriculture. Another important feature of changes in the agrarian structure is the rising
dominance of small holders and fragmentation of holdings into tiny plots. In 1928, the size
of the average land holding was 1.04 ha as against 0.28 ha in 1996. As non-agricultural
activities are the major source of income, landholders make little effort to raise agricultural
productivity. For 565 households in the panchayat, the major income is the Gulf remittances.
Most of the land owners have neither the time nor the aptitude for cultivation. Only less
than 20 percent of the households depend on agriculture for their livelihood. This situation
has led to near-total conversion of paddy fields into coconut gardens and disappearance of
cultivation of pulses and vegetables. Indigenous varieties of rice, vegetables and other crops
have been displaced by hybrid varieties. There are only very small pockets in which local
varieties survive.
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As most areas of the panchayat are inhibited, large-scale destruction of wild plants has
happened. The practice of weeding and hoeing of the home gardens prevents the
establishment of the saplings of wild plants. Whatever diversity of wild plants remains is
found on the borders of gardens, waste lands and public lands. There used to be large
tracts of land on the fringes of home gardens where wild species of trees and shrubs grew
luxuriantly. These borders of homesteads served as bio-fences and provided fuel, fodder,
green manure and medicinal plants. With the fragmentation of home gardens, bio-fences
are replaced by laterite compound walls and waste lands are dwindling fast.
There are 11 small-scale industries in the Panchayat, which depend on wood, especially
soft wood. There is rapid decline in the population of soft wood trees in the Panchayat.
The indigenous medicare system is also fast disappearing. The traditional healers are an
extinct group. Even though the Ayurvedic system is on a comeback trail, it is almost centred
on professional and qualified physicians. Only three or four traditional Vaidyans practise in
the area. The collection of medicinal plants from in and around the Panchayat has also
become thing of the past. Almost all the herbs and drugs and other raw materials for
preparation of medicine are bought from markets in Taliparamba and Kannur. Large-scale
adulteration of raw materials has become quite common. Moreover, this habit of procuring
medicinal plants from outside sources cuts at the root of building up a knowledge base in
medicinal plants.
Many of the traditional ceremonies and festivals connected with agriculture are also on the
wane. In the olden times, the life of villagers was centred on farming (rice cultivation) and
allied cultural activities. It was a way of life. Farming is disappearing along with its
concomitant culture. Tiled houses are on the way out. For doors and windows, concrete or
iron frames are being widely used. The practice of cement flooring in houses is confined to
the lower middle class. The cow-dung plastered mud floor is fast disappearing. Surprisingly,
there is no thatched building in the Panchayat. Marble slabs are used in a big way for
flooring, by the relatively well to do.
The animal population in the Panchayat also has undergone changes. The number of buffalos
in the Panchayat in 1992 was only 30. The number has fallen further since then. The cattle
population is of the hybrid variety. Goat rearing also shows a depressing picture. The pure
indigenous varieties have not been recorded at all. In poultry, local varieties are seen along
with hybrid types. But here too, unless there is any programme to conserve the germplasm,
the fate of local varieties is doomed. Among wild animals, except for fishes, total lack of
concern is observed. Some fishes, which were prevalent in earlier days, have vanished
from the rivers. Crocodiles have become extinct. Tortoises are extremely rare. Snakes face
extinction from the extreme animosity people show to them. Chemicalisation of agriculture
is posing danger to amphibian and insect fauna.
In spite of heavy odds, homesteads, marginal lands, fallow lands, and barren lands are seen
to carry a variety of medicinal plants and WRCPs. Even in cultivated areas traditional
varieties of rice, coconut, pepper and mango co-exist with new hybrid varieties. The traditional
farming, fishing and other livelihood activities of the area are undergoing tremendous change.
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Health practices and food habits have also undergone substantial change. The younger
generation is oblivious of the biodiversity treasure that lies neglected around them. There is
no effective means to transfer the biodiversity knowledge of the older generation to the
new one.
The study has brought out the richness in biodiversity of the area and the factors responsible
for its loss and unearthed some fast-disappearing remnants of traditional knowledge in
various fields. It has also succeeded in exposing the callous of students and the general
public towards the richness of this biodiversity in this heavily human impacted ecosystem
and the imperative need to conserve them.
Loss of biodiversity stems from changes in attitudes towards nature, growth in human
population; depletion of natural resources - global trade – in sum, all socio-economic changes
that fail to value the environment and its resources.
Suggested Follow-ups
Man depends on biological resources for food, energy, shelter, clothing, medicine and
others. Biodiversity and man have been in inalienable relationship from prehistoric times.
The way societies has managed their resources determines how much diversity survives
and the way that societies manage biological diversity determines the productivity of important
resources and ecological services (Mc Neely, Madhav Gadgil).
The present generation is illiterate with respect to the bio-resources that lie around them.
Unless they know the importance of the wealth around them, they cannot be expected to
conserve that wealth. Hence concerted effort should go into the building up of taxonomic
capability among the youth. Just as the Minimum Level of Learning (MLL) is adopted as a
goal in the school curriculum, a Minimum Level of Biodiversity Knowledge (MLBK) must
be insisted upon. A child who completes Lower Primary Education must know the names
and uses of at least 20 plants around him. An Upper Primary student should know at least
50 plant species. The minimum level prescribed for a High School student is 75. A child
who completes High School Education should be able to identify 25 bird species and 10
butterfly species. With necessary training programmes designed for schools, this is not an
unattainable goal. What would be required are a few Resource Persons at the Panchayat, a
few Reference Books and a Slide Projector. Classes and field trips could be designed and
implemented on holidays so as to achieve the target.
Incentives for conserving biodiversity
For in situ conservation of land races of different crops, farmers who practise cultivation
of indigenous varieties may be identified within a Panchayat. A system of providing incentives
to farmers who adopt indigenous methods for seed storage and crop protection and who
practise conservation farming systems, would be a step in the right direction. Similarly in
the case of livestock breeds, it is necessary to identify households in which there are still
87
animal germplasm of local breeds. This may be in cattle, poultry, goats, etc. Such farmers
are forgoing higher economic returns that they could have earned through crossbreeding.
The local bodies may develop through people’s participation an adequate compensatory
mechanism for indigenous germplasm conservation. The Panchayat may also declare a
few ponds of the Panchayat as ‘Conservation Sites of Local Varieties of Fish’. Indigenous
species could be introduced and maintained in these ponds.
Incentives for cultivation of medicinal plants
There are hundreds of plant species of medicinal value growing in wastelands and home
gardens. The importance of conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants is well recognised.
Technical assistance for conservation, cultivation, sustainable extraction, value addition
and marketing of these plants may be obtained from institutions like Ayurveda College and
TBGRI. People should be motivated to cultivate medicinal plants at least on a small scale on
the available lands. The Neighbourhood System of People’s Planning and the Kudumbasree
Programme may be strengthened to take up cultivation of medicinal plants as micro
enterprises. If land is available, the local body itself should set up its own garden of medicinal
plants. The harvest may be sold in the market. Or as Malapattam Panchayat (Irikkur Block,
Kannur District) has shown, a training programme may be conducted for interested persons
on how to prepare Ayurvedic medicines. Now manufacture of Ayurvedic preparations has
become highly commercialised and it is not possible to ensure quality. Value addition to
medicinal plant materials can be done at the Panchayat itself. Organizing new co – operative
societies or extending the activities of the present ones in the area of production and marketing
of ayurvedic drugs will give the required boost to the programme.
Organic farming
Owing to increasing awareness about toxic residue of pesticides in food, the preference for
organic products is on the increase. Soil-based microbial diversity is also conserved in
organic farming. There are a few farmers in Kalliasseri who cultivate vegetables without
using any pesticide. But as there are no facilities for organic certification, no value is added
to such products. Hence, in course of time even people engaged in organic farming may
tend to switch on to the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides (at least for vegetables
which are marketed and not taken for own consumption) attracted by the prospects of high
returns. If Departments of Chemistry of the University or of nearby colleges are empowered
to issue Organic Certification, it will help the organic farmers.
Database on indigenous knowledge
Databases could be developed in which information on indigenous knowledge and innovations

along with the names of innovators, are stored. These would deal with herbal pesticides,
veterinary medicines, organic fertilisers, farm implements, soil and water conservation.
This database would be used by local communities as by well as local self-governments.
88
Heritage museum
The Panchayat may set up a Heritage Museum in which a section may be set apart for
biodiversity. The People’s Biodiversity Register prepared based on the project report, the
herbarium, the preserved specimens etc. will form the nucleus of the Biodiversity division
of the Museum. Panels for exhibition may also be prepared. There will be a system for
inflow of knowledge into and outflow of knowledge from the Indigenous Knowledge Bank
at the Division.
89
Appendix I
Convention on Biological Diversity
With the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which came into force on December
29, 1993, recognising the sovereign right of each individual nation over its biodiversity in
the areas of protection, management, conservation and utilisation and the emergence of the
new world order on trade and intellectual property rights (IPR) serious attention is being
given to inventorying, documentation and conservation of the biological resources (Mohan
Pillai, 2000). The Convention on Biological Diversity was approved by more than over 10
countries including India. A very conservative assessment of global diversity is 13-14 million
species out of which only 1.75 million species are documented around the world (UNEP,
1995).
The critical factors adversely affecting biodiversity are (1) Over exploitation (2) Habitat
loss (3) Poaching and illegal trade (4) Invasion of exotics (5) Fragmentation of forest areas
and (6) Industrial and other related developmental activities.
Investigation, information, incentives, integration, insistence, involvement, innovativeness

and international support are necessary to save biodiversity from further deterioration.
CBD requires all countries to prepare inventories of their biodiversity resources, to monitor
their fate, to organise adequate information systems for such resources and to take steps to
conserve them. (United Nations Environment Programme, 1993, 1994). It also recognises
the importance of the role of local communities in conservation of these resources.
The Convention defines ‘Biodiversity’ as the variability among living organisms.

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological
complexes in which they occur. Thus the term encompasses: species diversity, or diversity
among species, genetic diversity, or diversity within species – the variety of genes, and
ecosystems. It includes all functional systems that include organisms of a natural community
together with their physical environment. (Natural Research Council, 1992).
Conservation of biological diversity in the tropics is largely a matter of conserving entire
habitats rather than individual species of flora and fauna (Terbough, 1992, Whitmore 1990).
For conservation, a high opportunity cost is paid by developing countries in terms of forgone
benefits. There is a tendency in developed countries to view tropical biodiversity as a global
resource and the host country as both a beneficiary and a custodian of this resource on
behalf of humanity. The implication is that the host country has the responsibility to conserve
the biodiversity within its borders regardless of opportunity costs involved.
The main objectives of the Convention are

(1) the conservation of biological diversity
(2) the sustainable use of its components, and
(3) the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of the
genetic resources by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate
90
transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources
and to technologies and by appropriate funding.
The Convention requires each contracting state party to develop national strategies, plans
or programmes for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by recognising the
sovereign rights of indigenous and local people. The convention imposes a responsibility on
the states to ensure that the activities within their jurisdiction and control do not cause
environmental damage to the other states. The CBD, through Art 8(j) declares that each
contracting party shall ‘ subject to national legislation respect, preserve and maintain
knowledge, innovation and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying
traditional lifestyles relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversities
and promote their knowledge, innovation and practices and encourage the equitable sharing
of the benefits arising from the utilisation of such knowledge, innovations and practices”.
The provisions of CBD regarding the transfer of technology are ambiguous in their treatment
of IPR. Contemplating the use of licensing agreements, the convention requires the access
and transfer to be provided on fair and most favourable terms including on mutually agreed
concessional and preferential terms, consistent with the adequate and effective protection
of IPR [Art 16(2)]. However, parties have to co-operate to ensure that IPR are supportive
of and do not run counter to, its objectives [Art 19(1)]. It is in this context that patent laws,
TRIPS and GATT assume relevance for biodiversity conservation.
CBD insists on community rights, TRIPS gives importance to individual investor. Obligations
under CBD and TRIPS pull countries in different directions. Sensing this conflict the Second
Conference of Parties to CBD, held at Jakarta in November, 1995, requested the CBD
Secretariat to undertake a preliminary study which analyses the impact of IPR system on
the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and the equitable sharing of
benefits derived from its use. The Third Conference of Parties to CBD held at Buenos Aires
in November 1996, drew attention to the relationship between IPR and the knowledge,
practices and innovations of indigenous and local communities relevant to the conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The extension of IPR to biological diversity would have serious implications. The impact
on wild plants and animals may not be direct, so long as they remain outside the purview of
IPR. But in the case of agricultural diversity the impact would be both direct and indirect.
As far as indigenous knowledge is concerned the essentially private nature of IPR does not
recognise it at all.
The emerging IPR regime established by TRIPS makes it possible to establish IPR by
modifying or even by just recording the traditional knowledge of indigenous people. Thus
in the name of IPR, TRIPS facilitates bio-piracy i.e. the appropriation and pirating through
the enforcement of IPR of scientists and corporations of the intrinsic worth of diversified
species and the community rights of innovations of indigenous people.
CBD recognises the sovereign rights of countries to their biodiversity. However, this does
not mean that biodiversity is the property of the state. The state is only the trustee of
91
people’s resources. There should therefore be no interference of the state in the local use of
local resources. However, all commercial links between the local communities and the
outside world should be regulated by the state. Strengthening of local democracy through
Panchayat Raj institutions is essential for the conservation of biodiversity as well as the
defence of people’s rights and indigenous knowledge in the face of piracy.
TRIPS make inroads into the sovereignty of states especially the developing countries. It
will encourage uncompensated free flow of resources and knowledge from the South to
the North. Unless efforts to protect and preserve our national sovereignty are taken, we
may soon fall under bio-colonialism. Writing in Modern Law Review (1998) Alain Pattage
explains the term bio-colonialism as the encompassing process of commodification, which
appropriates not only the bodily genetic resources of indigenous peoples but also their
traditional cultural artefacts. It discloses an asymmetrical process in which the wealthy but
genetically impoverished nations of the North exploit the patrimony of the vulnerable South
(Jayakumar).
India is a party to CBD and therefore committed to developing an inventory of its biodiversity
resources, monitoring their dynamics, organising a computer-based system of such
information and working out an effective strategy of conserving these resources (Gadgil,
1994). The documentation of indigenous knowledge with respect to biodiversity is also a
major task (Gadgil, Berkes, Folke, 1993).
Valuable elements of biodiversity are not restricted to forests and protected areas. Wild
relatives of rice occur, for example, in wetlands dispersed throughout the country and wild
relatives of taros and yams are to be found along road verges. The insectivorous Drosera
plants being collected and exported to Japan occur in small rain puddles on sheet rocks all
along the Western Ghats (Gadgil, 1994).
Inventorying and monitoring biodiversity is an immense task. There are several million
species of sexually reproducing organisms in the world and so also asexual lower organisms.
This taxonomic diversity is organised into communities of interacting organisms that differ
from one ecosystem to another. There is also great variation in the relationship that people
have with biodiversity and ecosystems. The significance that people attach to ecosystems
and species varies among different sections of the society.
The pioneer in the biodiversity study is the Pattuvam Panchayat of Taliparamba Block,
Kannur District. A band of enthusiastic young men helped by experts in various fields made
an exhaustive study of the coastal Panchayat in 1995. The programme had attracted national
interest, but in the absence of any follow up activities, it was relegated to oblivion. This is
the national and global scenario in which a micro study has been attempted in a small
thickly inhabited Panchayat – Kalliasseri – of Kannur District, Kerala.
Kannur District, which is a part of the Old Malabar District, is rich in flora and fauna.
William Logan in his Malabar Manual (1887) has given a graphic description of the luxuriant
92
vegetation and the teeming wildlife. But times have changed. The forestland has shrunk to
a bare 7.6 percent of the total area of the district (2967.97 sq km). The wildlife wing of
KFRI had conducted a survey on the fauna of the District in 1994. The Botanical Survey of
India had a floristic survey in Kannur District. But most of the surveys and data collection
have been done in forestlands. But biodiversity is not restricted to forestlands. Farmlands,
homesteads and waste lands in human habited areas by virtue of the geographic and climatic
factors are rich in biodiversity, though not on the scale of forests. The diversity of cultivated
crops, the variety of seeds and seedlings in use, the type of plants that grow in homesteads,
in marginal lands have not been earlier studied in detail. Hence the need for such a study
was felt.
93
Appendix II
Table 1 Districtwise Distribution of Mangrove Vegetation in Kerala
No District Mangrove Area (Km2)
1. Thiruvananthapuram 0.23
2. Kollam 0.58
3. Alappuzha 0.90
4. Kottayam 0.80
5. Ernakulam 2.60
6. Thrissur 0.21
7. Malappuram 0.12
8. Kozhikode 2.93
9. Kannur 7.55
10. Kasargod 0.79
Total 16.71 Km2
Source: - Kerala Forests & Forestry Handbook, 1995,

Forestry Information Bureau, Kerala Forest Department
94
Table 2 Communitywise distribution of landholdings in Kalliasseri-1928
Name of Size of landholding

Community
< than 5 5 to 10 10 to 20 > 20 acres All land
acres acres acres holdings
No Total No Total No Total No Total No Total
Areas Areas Areas Areas Areas
(acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres)
Devaswom 57 88.0 1 87.48 10 137.9 12 712.19 90 1025.56

Namboodiri 33 47.28 6 42.70 4 51.20 1 51.23 44 192.41
Nair 325 450.68 26 180.44 14 196.4 9 729.94 374 1557.46
(Nambiar)
Ezhava 107 82.55 2 11.24 - - - - 109 93.79
(Thiyya)
Muslim 208 232.26 17 114.37 10 163.6 2 65.12 237 575.40
Others 138 112.85 2 12.85 1 13.57 - 141 139.27
Total 868 1013.6 64 449.08 39 562.7 24 1558.48 995 3583.89
Table 3 Distribution of Holdings by Land Size Class in Kalliasseri
Holding Size Households Area Holding
Cents Number Percentage Acres Percentage

0 140 3.6 0.0 0.0
0.1 – 10 745 18.9 5647.10 3.0
10 – 50 1973 50.1 50291.77 26.6
50 – 100 651 16.6 47607.63 25.1
100 – 200 306 7.8 43103.16 22.6
200 – 500 108 2.7 30978.72 16.4
500 & above 13 0.3 11876.48 6.3
Total 3936 100.0 189504.86 100.0
Source: Kalliasseri Experiment in Local Level Planning , 1995, KRPLLD
95
Table 4 Distribution of Households and Population by Major Castes in Kalliasseri
Caste Households % of Village Average % of total

Number % population holding size area
(cents)
Brahmin 8 0.2 0.2 139.13 0.6

Nair 493 12.5 11.02 70.02 18.2
OFC 110 2.8 2.4 37.20 2.1
Muslim 633 16.1 22.2 45.46 15.2
Ezhava 1710 43.4 40.7 50.30 45.5
OBC 781 19.8 18.7 38.96 16.0
SC & ST 196 5.0 4.7 22.41 2.3
Source: Kalliasseri Experiment in Local Level Planning, 1995, KRPLLD
Table 5 Land Use Pattern in Kalliasseri (Area in 100 Sq.mt)
Landuse Coastal Tidal Valley Hilly Terrace

P1 18218 170 4978
P2 6515
P3 681
Coconout 62658 291 2045 9562 7879
Mixed Crops 904 787 8212 2231
Mixed Trees 92 924 4399 1278
Wasteland 317 33 700 4032
Cultivable Wasteland 70 451
Paddy with pulses 2809 48
Vegetables
Pisci land 1583
Marshy land 4228
Pepper 10 1030 505
Arecanut 75 394 59
Cashew 736 2437 1435
Laterite Quarry 37 138 292
Tapioca 12
Banana 139 96
Total 85068 6771 16821 27011 17819
96
Table 6 Distribution of Livestock by Ward in Kalliasseri
Animal/ I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X 1992 1966

Bird
Cow 192 176 188 194 243 188 77 160 112 111 1941 1845
Buffalo 14 5 7 4 30 126
Bullock 2 2 2 10 10 2 38 429
Goat 3 7 4 1 11 6 5 3 12 52 301
Total 209 190 201 196 258 199 103 165 115 125 1761 2701
Hen 278 412 319 500 519 243 407 172 154 173 3177 3840
Duck 2 4 14 4 2 5 31
Others 4 12 2 14 1 1 34
Total 284 412 335 514 525 257 409 173 154 179 3242 3840
Table 7 Trees of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Useful Statis

No. name parts &
its uses Status
1 Acacia auriculiformis Mimosaceae Acacia Wood-soft Abundant
wood Fire wood
2 Achras sapota L. Sapotaceae Sappota Fruit-edible Occasional
Wood-Firewood
3 Adenanthera Mimosaceae Manchaty Seeds-preparation Abundant
pavonia L. of ornamentals
Wood-Fire wood
4 Aegiceras Myrsinaceae Halsi Wood-Fire wood Rare
corniculatum Blanco.
5 Aegle marmelos Corr. Rutaceae Koovalam Fruit-edible, Rare
medicinal Leaf-
medicinal Wood-
Fire wood
6 Ailanthus Simarubaceae Matty Wood-Soft wood Abundant
malabarica DC.
7 Albizzia lebbeck Caesalpini Nenmeni Wood-Furniture Occasional
Benth aceae vaka
97
8 Albizzia procera Caesalpini Vellavaka Wood-Fire wood Occasional
Benth aceae
9 Alstonia scholaris Apocynaceae Ezhilampala Wood-Soft wood Common
R.Br. Bark-Medicinal
10 Anacardium Anacardi Kasumavu Wood-Fire wood Common
occidentale L. aceae Fruit&Nuts-Edible
11 Anona reticulata L. Anonaceae Atha Wood-Fire wood Occasional
Fruit-Edible
12 Anona squamosa L. Anonaceae Atha Wood-Fire wood Occasional
Fruit-Edible
13 Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Kamungu Arecanut-Chewing Occasional
Stem-Agricultural
purposes
14 Artocarpus altilis L. Moraceae Seema plavu Wood-Fire wood Occasional
& Softwood
Fruit-Vegetable
15 Artocarpus Moraceae Plavu Wood-House Abundant
heterophyllus Lam. construction,
Furniture
Fruit-Edible
16 Artocarpus Moraceae Ayaniplavu/ Wood-House Occasional
hirsutus Lam. Anjili construction,
Furniture
Fruit-Edible
17 Avicennia Avicenni Uppootti Wood-Fire Common in
officinalis L. aceae wood marshy
land
18 Excoecaria Euphorbi Komatty Wood- Rare
agallocha L. aceae Furniture
Fire wood
19 Azadirachta indica L. Meliaceae Veppu Wood-Fire wood Rare
Leaf-Medicinal
Seeds-Oil/Oilcake
Used as fertilizer
20 Barringtonia Lecythid Samudra Wood-Fire wood Common in
racemosa Forst. aceae pushpam/ Soft wood marshy
Samudrakka area
21 Bixa orellana L. Bixaceae Kurangu Wood-Fire Common
manjal wood Fruit &
Seeds-Medicinal
22 Brugiera eriopetala Rhizopho Kandal Wood-Fire wood Common in
W&A. raceae marshyland
98
23 Buchanania Anacar Kulirmavu Wood-Fire Occasional
lanzan Spring diaceae wood/House
construction
24 Butea frondosa Fabaceae Plasu Wood-Soft wood Rare
Koen.
25 Calophyllum Guttiferaceae Punna Wood-Fire wood Rare
inophyllum L.
26 Carallia integerrima Rhizopho Venkana Wood-Fire wood Occasional
DC. raceae
27 Careya arborea Lecythi Pezhu Wood-Fire wood Occasional
Roxb. daceae Bark-Medicinal
28 Caryota urens L. Palmaceae Choonda- Wood-
pana Agricultural
purpose
29 Cassia fistula L. Caesalpini Kanikonna Wood-Fire wood Occasional
aceae Flower-
Ornamental
Wood bark-
Medicinal
30 Cassia siamea Lam. Caesalpini Manjakonna Wood-Furniture Occasional
aceae House
construction
31 Casuarina Casuarin Chavock / Wood-Temporary Occasional
equisitifolia L. aceae Kattadi house
construction
32 Chrysophyllum Sapotaceae Rosapple Wood-Fire wood Rare
cainito L. Fruit-Edible
33 Cinnamomum Lauraceae Karappa Wood-Fire wood Rare
zeylanicum Bl. Leaves-
Source of
cinnamomum oil
34 Citharexylum Verbenaceae Parijatham Bark-Contiment Occasional
subserratum Sw. Wood-Fire wood
Flower-
Ornamental
35 Commiphora Burseraceae Idinjil Bark - Medicinal
caudata Engl..
36 Corypha Arecaceae Kudappana Leaves-Thatching Occasional
umbraculifera L.
37 Crataeva religiosa Capparid Neer Wood-Fire wood
Forst. aceae mathalam
99
38 Croton tiglium L. Caesalpini Neervalam Wood-Soft wood Occasional
aceae Seeds-Used as
poison in fishing
39 Delonix regia Raf. Caesalpini Vaka Wood-Soft wood Occasional
aceae
40 Emblica officinalis Euphorbi Nelli Wood-Firewood/ Common
Gaertn. aceae Medicinal Fruit-
Edible/Medicinal
41 Eriodendron Bomba Panjimaram Wood-Soft wood Common
pentandrum Kurz. caceae Cotton from the
outgrowth of the
seeds are used to
prepare pillows
& beds
42 Erythrina Fabaceae Muricku Wood-Soft wood Common
indica Lam. It is a support
for pepper
43 Evodia roxburgiana Rutaceae Kanaeli Wood-Soft wood Rare
Benth.
44 Ficus asperima Roxb. Moraceae Therakam Wood-Fire wood Common
45 Ficus bengalensis L. Moraceae Peral Wood-Fire wood/ Common
Medicinal
46 Ficus elastica Roxb. Moraceae Wood-Fire wood / Occasional
Medicinal
47 Ficus gibbosa Bl. Moraceae Ithi Wood-Soft wood/ Rare
Medicinal/
Firewood
48 Ficus glomerata Moraceae Athi Wood-Softwood/ Rare
Roxb. Firewood/
Medicinal
49 Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Arayal Wood-Softwood/ Occasional
Firewood
Root-Medicinal
50 Ficus tomentosa Moraceae Kallal Wood-Softwood/ Rare
Roxb. Firewood
51 Garcinia cambogia Guttiferaceae Kudampuli Wood-Firewood Occasional
Desr. Fruit-Edible
52 Glochidion zeylanica Euphorbi Neervetty Wood-Firewood Rare
A.Juss. aceae
53 Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae Kumbil Wood-Furniture/ Rare
Roxb. Handicraft/
Medicinal
100
54 Grevillea robusta Proteaceae Silveroak Wood-Softwood Occasional
A.Cunn.
55 Grewia tiliaefolia Teliaceae Chatachil Wood-Furniture Occasional
Vahl. construction
56 Holarrhena Apocynaceae Kudagappala Wood-Softwood/ Occasional
antidysenterica Matchbox
Wahl. industry
57 Holigarna Anacardi Cherumaram Wood- Occasional
arnottiana Hk.f. aceae Firewood
58 Hopea parviflora Diptero - Uruppu/ Hardwood-used Occasional
Bedd. carpaceae Thambagam for construction
of building and
railway sleepers
59 Kandelia rheedii Rhizopho Kandal Wood-Firewood Occasional
W&A. raceae
60 Lagerstroemia flos- Lythraceae Manimaruth Wood-Building Occasional
reginae Retz. construction/
Furniture/
Ship work .
61 Limonia crenulata Rutaceae Kattu Wood-Firewood Occasional
Roxb. narakam
62 Macaranga peltata Euphorbi Vatta Wood-Firewood/ Common
M.Arg. aceae Packing box
63 Mallotus Euphorbi Karumam Wood-Firewood Occasional
philippinensis M.Arg. aceae
64 Memecylon Melasto Wood-Firewood Occasional
malabaricum Cogn. maceae Flower-
Ornamental
65 Michelia Magno Ponchen Wood-Firewood Occasional
chempaca L. liaceae pacam Flower-
Ornamental
66 Mimusops Sapotaceae Elengi Wood-Firewood Occasional
elengi L. Flower-Aromatic
67 Morinda Rubiaceae Manjanathi Wood-Fuel Occasional
tinctoria Roxb.
68 Moringa Moringaceae Muringa Wood-Useless Common
oleifera Lam. Leaf&fruit-
Vegetable/
Medicinal
69 Murraya Rutaceae Kariveppu Wood-Firewood Common
koenigii Spr. Leaves-used in
curries
101
70 Myristica Myristi Jathikka Wood-Temple Occasional
fragrans Houtt. caceae construction
Fruit&Seeds-
Medicinal
71 Ochna heyneana Ochnaceae Wood-Firewood Occasional
W&A.
72 Olea dioica Roxb. Oleaceae Edala Wood-Firewood/ Occasional
Temporary house
construction
73 Pithecolobium Mimosaceae Rain tree Wood-Fire wood Occasional
saman Benth.
74 Plumeria acutifolia Asclepia Manjachem Flower-used in Occasional
Poir. daceae bakam ‘Poojas’
75 Polyalthia Anonaceae Ashoka Wood-Fuel Occasional
longifolia Hk.f. maram
76 Pongamia glabra Fabaceae Ung Wood-Fuel Bark- Occasional
Vent. Medicinal
77 Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae Pera Wood-Fuel Common
Fruit-Edible
78 Pterocarpus Fabaceae Venga Wood-House Occasional
marsupium Roxb. construction
79 Rhizophora Rhizopho Kandal Wood-Fuel Occasional
mucronata Lam. raceae
80 Sapindus Sapindaceae Soppinkay Wood-Fuel Rare
emarginatus Vahl. maram Fruit-Washing
purposes
81 Santalum album L. Santalaceae Chandanam Wood-Medicinal Rare
82 Saraca indica L. Caesalpini Ashokam Wood-Softwood/ Rare
aceae Fuel
83 Sterculia foetida L. Sterculi Thondi Wood-Fuel Occasional
aceae
84 Schleichera Sapindaceae Puvam Wood-House Occasional
trijuga Willd. construction
85 Spathodea Bignoniaceae Wood-Fuel Rare
companulata Beauv.
86 Spondias Anacardi Ambazham Fruit-Edible Occasional
pinnata Kurz. aceae Wood-Fuel
87 Sterculia foetida L. Sterculiaceae Anathondi Wood-Fuel Rare
88 Strychnos Loganiaceae Kanjiram Wood-Fuel Occasional
nux-vomica L. Fruit-Edible
102
89 Syzygium cumini L. Myrtaceae Njaval Wood-Fuel Occasional
Fruit-Edible
90 Syzygium Myrtaceae Chamba Wood-Fuel Common
jambolanum DC. Fruit-Edible
91 Swietenia Meliaceae Mahagoni Wood-Furniture Occasional
mahagoni L.
92 Tamarindus . Caesalpini Valanpuli Wood-Fuel Occasional
indica L aceae Fruit-Edible
Leaves-
Medicinal
93 Tectona grandis L. Verbenaceae Theck Wood-Furniture/ Common
House
construction
94 Terminalia arjuna Combreta Venmaruth Wood-used in Rare
W&A. ceae house construction
and some type
of furnitures
95 Terminalia Combreta Thanni Wood-Softwood/ Rare
bellerica Roxb. ceae Packing case/ Fuel
Bark&Seed-
Medicinal
96 Terminalia Combret Kadukka Seedcoat- Occasional
catappa L. aceae Medicinal Wood-
Construction
works/ Fuel
97 Terminalia ombretaceae Badam Wood- Occasional
chebula Retz. Construction
works
98 Terminalia Combret Thanni Wood- Occasional
coriacea W&A. aceae works/Fuel
Construction
99 Terminalia Combret Maruthu Wood- Occasional
paniculata Roth. aceae Construction
works
100 Terminalia Combret Karimaruthu Wood – Occasional
tomentosa aceae Construction
works
101 Terminalia Combret Wood-Fuel Rare
pallida Brandis. aceae
102 Thespesia Malvaceae Poovarasu Wood-building Common
populnea Cav. construction
103
103 Trema orientalis Bl. Ulmaceae Vedikarayam Wood-Fuel Occasional
104 Vateria indica L. Diptero Vella pine Wood-Fuel/ Rare
carpaceae House
construction
105 Vitex altissima L. Verben Mayillellu Wood-House Rare
aceae construction/
Furniture
106 Xylia xylocarpa Mimosaceae Irul Wood-House Rare
Taub. construction
104
Table 8 Shrubs of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Useful parts Status

No. name & its uses
1. Acanthospermum Asteraceae Kattunjerinjil Rare
hispidum DC.
2. Acanthus Acanthaceae Vayalchully Whole plant Common
ilicifolius L. medicinal in Kappa
kadavu
3. Adhathoda Acanthaceae Cheriya Whole plant Common
beddomei Clark. Adalotakam medicinal
4. Adhathoda vasica Acanthaceae Adalotakam Whole plant Common
Nees. medicinal
5. Allamanda Apocynaceae Kolambichety Flower- Occasional
cathartica L. ornamental
6. Barleria cristata L. Acanthaceae Parvathichety Flower- Occasional
ornamental
7. Barleria gibsoni Acanthaceae Parvathichety Flower- Occasional
Dalz. ornamental
8. Bougainvillaea Nyctaginaceae Katalasuchety Inflorescence Occasional
spectabilis Willd. -ornamental
9. Calamus rotang L. Palmaceae Chooral Stem- Rare
Construction
of household
articles
10. Calotropis Asclepiadaceae Erucku Plant- Occasional
gigantea R.Br. Medicinal
11 Calotropis Asclepiadaceae Erucku Plant- Occasional
procera R.Br. Medicinal
12. Calycopteris Combretaceae Pullanji Stem-Fuel Common
floribunda Lam. Plant –
Medicinal
13. Cassia alata L. Caesalpiniaceae Thakara Plant- Occasional
Medicinal
14. Cassia tora L. Caesalpiniaceae Thakara Plant- Common
Medicinal
15. Cassia Caesalpiniaceae Thakara Plant- Common
occidentalis L. Medicinal
16. Citrus medica Rutaceae Cherunarakam Fruit- Occasional
Var acida Brand. Medicinal
105
17. Clerodendron Verbenaceae Chendumalli Flower-Used Occasional
fragrans R.Br. to construct
‘Athapookalam’
18. Clerodendron Verbenaceae Peringalam Flower-Used Common
inermae Gaertn. to construct
Athapookalam’
19. Clerodendron Verbenaceae Vattapiriyan Flower-Used Occasional
infortunatum L. to construct
‘Athapookalam’
20. Clerodendron Verbenaceae Hanuman Flower-Used Common
paniculata. kireedam to construct
‘Athapookalam’
21. Clerodendron Verbenaceae Cherutheck Plant- Common
serratum Spr. Medicinal
22. Clerodendron Verbenaceae Flower-Used Occasional
siphonanthus to construct
R.Br. ‘Athapookalam’
23. Clerodendron Verbenaceae Thengum Flower- Used Occasional
thomsonae Balf. hrudhayam to construct
‘Athapookalam’
24. Coffea Rubiaceae Kappi Seeds- Occasional
arabica L. powdered
seeds used to
prepare drinks
25. Corchorus Tiliaceae Chanam Bark of the Common
capsularis L . stem-used
as coir
26. Croton Euphorbi Flower- Rare
sparsiflorus Mor. aceae ornamental
27. Flacourtia sp. Flacour Mullicka Common
tiaceae
28. Glycosmis Rutaceae Panal Whole plant. Common
pentaphylla Corr. Medicinal
29. Gossypium Malvaceae Paruthi Cotton from Occasional
arboreum the outgrowths
of the seeds
are used in
textile industry
30. Gossypium Malvaceae Paruthi Cotton from Occasional
herbaceum. the outgrowths
of the seeds
are used in
textile industry
106
31. Grewia Tiliaceae Kottaika Stem-Fuel Common
microcos L.
32. Hibiscus Malvaceae Chemparuthi Flower- Common
rosa-sinensis L. Ornamental
33. Hugonia Malpighiaceae Meesha Stem-Fuel Common
mystax L.
34. Indigofera Fabaceae Occasional
prostrata Willd.
35. Indigofera Fabaceae Neelayamary Plant- Occasional
tinctoria L. Medicinal
Leaf-Dye
36. Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae Chethy/ Flower- Occasional
Checky Ornamental
Plant-
Medicinal
37. Jussieua Onagraceae Kattuthumpa Whole plant - Common in
suffruticoasa L. Medicinal Palathun
kundu
38. Kirganelia Euphorbiaceae Mazhikkay Leaf - diuretic Common in
reticulata Baill. Keechery
39. Lantana Verbenaceae Arippoo/ Flower- Common
camara L. Kongini Ornamental
Bark-
Disinfectant
40. Lawsonia Lythraceae Mylanchi Leaf-Nail dye Occasional
inermis L.
41. Limonia crenulata Rutaceae Kattunarakam Wood-Fuel Common
Roxb. Root-
Medicinal
42. Melastoma Melasto- Athirani Flower- Common
malabaricum L. maceae Ornamental
43. Melochia Sterculiaceae Nayichana Leaves - Common
corchorifolia L. Fertilizer
44. Memecylon Melasto- Malanthetti Stem-Fuel Common
malabaricum Cogn. maceae
45. Morus alba L. Moraceae Mulberry Leaves-Food Rare
for silkworms
Fruit-Edible
46. Mussaenda Rubiaceae Mussaenda/ Inflorescence- Occasional
frondosa L. Vellila Ornamental
Plant-Medicinal
107
47. Nerium Apocynaceae Arali Plant- Occasional
indicum Mill. Medicinal
Flower-
Ornamental
48. Ochna Ochnaceae Wood-Fuel Common
heyneana W&A.
49. Pavetta indica L. Rubiaceae Pavetta Flower- Rare
Ornamental
50. Pedilanthus Euphorbiaceae Flower- Rare
tithymaloides poit. Ornamental
51. Polygonum Polygonaceae Kalarchy Stem & Common
hydropiper L. Root-Medicinal
52. Premna latifolia Verbenaceae Kattappa Stem-Fuel Common
Roxb. Flower-
Ornamental
53. Quisqualis Combretaceae Kulamaringi / Flower- Occasional
indica L. Rangoon valli Ornamental
54. Rauwolfia Apocynaceae Amalpori / Plant- Occasional
serpentina Sarpagandhi Medicinal
Benth&Kurz.
55. Ricinus Euphorbiaceae Aananack Plant- Occasional
communis L. Medicinal
56. Ruta Rutaceae Arootha Plant- Rare
graveolens L. Medicinal
57. Sauropus Euphorbiaceae Pressure Leaf used to Common
pubescens Hk.f. cheera prepare curry,
Medicinal
58. Sida acuta Burn. Malvaceae Manja Plant- Common
kurunthotty Medicinal
59. Sida cordifolia L. Malvaceae Aana Plant- Common
kurunthotty Medicinal
60. Sida retusa. Malvaceae Kurunthotty Plant- Common
Medicinal
61. Sida spinosa L. Malvaceae Kattu Rare
venthiyam
62. Sida Malvaceae Valli Stem Rare
vernonifolia Lam. kurunthotty
63. Spilanthus Asteraceae Palluvethan - Flower used Common in
calva W. appoo/ as pain killer Irinavu
Acravu in tooth ache
108
64. Stachytarpheta Verbenaceae Flower used Common
indica Vahl. to construct
‘Athapookalam’
65. Thunbergia Acanthaceae Krishnaneela Flower- Common
erecta T. Ornamental
66. Triumfetta Tiliaceae Uthiram Stem-Fuel Common
rhomboidea Jacq.
67. Waltheria Sterculiaceae Common
indica L.
68. Zizyphus Rhamnaceae Kotta Stem-Fuel Common
Oenoplia Mill.
69. Zizyphus Rhamnaceae Kotta Stem-Fuel Common
109
Table 9 Medicinal Plants of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Botanical name Family Vernacular Uses Preparation

name of medicine
Abrus Fabaceae Kunni For swelling Grind the leaf and

precatorius L. apply the pulp on
the swollen part
Bald head Grind the seeds
and apply on
the head
Wounds in the Gargle with
mouth decoction of leaf
and keep it five
minutes in mouth
Acalypha Euphor Kuppameni Bronchitis / Leaf dried in
indica L. biaceae asthma sunlight, powered
and use
Skin disease Boil the leaf with
coconut oil and
apply on the skin.
Acanthus Acanthaceae Snake bite Leaves and tender
ilicifolius L. shoots are used.
Achras Sapotaceae Seema iluppa Preventive Eat the fruit
sapota L. against
biliciousnes
and febrile
attacks
Achyranthes Amaranthaceae Kadaladi Swelling Drink the
aspera L. decoction
of the whole
plant.
Stomach pain Ash of the whole
plant mixed with
water and drink
the essence.
Acorus Araceae Vayamb Epilepsy Powder of the
calamus L. rhizome mixed
with honey or milk
and drink.
Stomach pain Grind the rhizome
and drink
110
Adhatoda Acanthaceae Cheriya Cough/ Drink 25ml of the
beddomei Clark. adalodakam bronchitis leaf juice mixed
with same amount
of honey.
Ulcer Prepare whole
plant decoction
and use.
Adhatoda Acanthaceae Valiya Same as Same as that of
vasica Nees. adalotakam that of A.beddomei.
A. beddomei
Aegle marmelos Rutaceae Koovalam Dysentery/ Dry the fruit pulp
Corr. Diarrhoea and mix with
honey and drink.
Diabetes Eat the leaves of
the plant
Stomach pain Dry the seeds,
powder it and mix
with honey and
drink.
Aerva Amaranth- Cherula Urinary Keep flowers for
lanata Juss. aceae bladder stone an hour in boiled
water and drink
Ailanthus Simarubaceae Perumaram Dysentery Drink the juice
malabarica DC. prepared from
fresh bark
Alangium Alangiaceae Ankolam Rabies Drink the
salvifolium Wang. decoction
of the root.
Albizzia lebbeck Mimosaceae Nenmeni Night Apply leaf juice in
Benth. vaka blindness the eye and drink
the leaf powder
with ghee.
Aloe vera L. Liliaceae Kattarvazha Stomach pain Drink the leaf juice
at the time of
menstruation Grind the leaf and
Ingrowing toe Curcuma longa
nail (manjal) rhizome
and apply on the
nail.
Alstonia Apocynaceae Ezhilampala Fever, Drink the
scholaris R.Br. malaria, decoction of the
diarrhoea bark
111
Headache Crush the flower
and put it in boiled
water and inhale
the vapour.
Amaranthus Amaranth- Cheera To purify Eat the cooked
caudatus L. aceae blood/piles leaves
Amaranthus
spinosus L. Amaranth- Mullancheera Boils and Apply the leaf
aceae burns juice on boils and
burns.
Amaranthus Amaranth- Cheera Scorpion Grind the leaves
viridis L. aceae sting and apply on the
affected part.
Amorphophallus Araceae Kattuchena Cough/ Drink the
sylvaticus Kurth. dysentery decoction of the
dried root
Heart disease Drink one spoon
leaf juice per day
Rheumatism Boil the water with
bark of the tree
and bath
Anacardium Anacardi Kashumavu Skin disease Apply decoction
occidentale L. aceae of the bark on the
affected part
To increase Grind the cashew
sexual power nuts, mix with
water and drink
Ananas comosus Bromeliaceae Kaithachaka Indigestion Eat the fruit
Merril.
Andrographis Acanthaceae Kiriyath Cirrhosis in Drink the leaf juice
paniculata Nees. childrin mixed with honey
Fever, cold Drink the
and cough dicoction of the
leaves along with
Ocimum leaves.
Aristolochia Aristolochi- Uruthookki Fever/ Drink two table
indica L. aceae dysentry spoon of the plant
/indigestion juice,thrice per
day
Cholera Drink the
decoction of the
root and Aegle
marmelos root
112
Insect and Grind the root with
snake poison Curcuma longa
rhizome and drink.
Asparagus Liliaceae Sathaveri To increase Grind the tuber
racemosus- sexual power with milk and
Willd. and body jaggery and
power drink.
Jaundice Grind the tuber
with honey and
drik.
Averrhoa Oxalidaceae Bilimbi/ Piles and Eat the curry of
bilimbi L. chilimbi scurvy bilimbi fruit
Azadirachta Meliaceae Aryaveppu Body pain Massage the
indica A.Juss. paining portion
with leaf juice
Poisonous Grind the leaf
organisms Curcuma longa
bite rhizome and apply
wound mouth.
Malaria/ Drink the
Chicken decoction of the
pox leaves along with
Oldenlandia leaves
Bacopa Scrophulariaceae Brahmi To increase Drink the leaf juice
monnieri(L) memory mixed with butter.
Wettst. power Boil the leaf in
Epilepsy/ milk and drink
Mental
disorder
Barleria Acanthaceae Kana - Swelling Grind the roots and
cristata L. kambaram leaves and
applying on the
swelled portion
Barringtonia
racemosa Roxb. Lecithidaceae Samudrappu Jaundice Drink the kernals
of the drupe with
milk
Bauhinia Caesalpiniaceae Mandaram Inflammation Drink the
tomentosa L. of liver decoction of the
root bark.
Benincasa Cucurbitaceae Kumbalam Epilepsy/ Drink the juice of
cerifera Savi. (elavan) Nervous the fruit
diseases
113
Biophytum
sensitivum DC. Geraniaceae Muckutty Gangrene Grind the stem
and apply on the
gangrene.
Cough/ Grind the whole
Oedema/ plant with honey
chest pain and drink.
Dysentry Drink the leaf
with butter milk
and drink.
Gonorrhoea Grind the root
and drink
Boerhaavia Nyctaginaceae Thazhuthama Swelling/ Grind the whole
diffusa L. Poison plant and mix in
water and drink.
Kidney Drink an ounce
disease of leaf juice,
twice per day
Bombax Bombacaceae Ilavu Piles Grind dried flower
malabaricum and seeds with
DC. goat milk , add
sugar and drink.
Calotropis Asclepiadaceae Erucku Fever Drink leaf juice
gigantea R.Br. mixed with honey
Ear pain Apply leaf juice
two or three drops
in the ear.
Cardiospermum Sapindaceae Uzhinja Stomach pain Drink decoction of
helicacabum L. the whole plant
Hair cleaning Grind the leaf and
use as shampoo.
Carica Caricaceae Kappalanga Ring worm Apply latex oozing
papaya L. infection out from the fruit
on the wounds.
Chronic Eat the fruit
diarrhoea
Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae Kanikonna Skin disease Drink the
decoction of the
bark
Constipation Drink the milk
mixed with inner
portion of the fruit
without seeds.
114
Cassia tora L. Casealpiniaceae Thakara Leprosy/ Grind the leaf and
skin diseases apply on the
affected part
Centella Apiaceae Kudangal For memory Drink the
asiatica Urb. power plant extract mixed
with butter or ghee
To increase Eat the leaf
sleeping
Cinnamomum
zeylanicum Bl. Lauraceae Karappa Nausea/ Decoction of the
Vomiting bark
Cissus Vitaceae Changalam Sprain/ Grind the leaves
quadrangularis paranda Fracture and young shoot
L. and put it in
coconut oil, boil for
half an our, apply
the oil on the
affected part
Scurvy/ Drink the juice of
Irregular the stem
menstruation
Citrus medica L. Rutaceae Cheru To increase Drink fruit juice
narakam disease
resistance
Bad breath Keep fruit juice
about 10 minutes
per day in mouth
Scorpion bite Grind the inner
part of the fruit
with Ocimum
tenniflorum leaves
and mix with cows
urine and apply on
the affected part
Clerodendron Verbenaceae Vattapiriyan Rheumatism/ Drink the leaf juice
infortunatum L. to increase
sexual power
Clerodendron Verbenaceae Cheruthecku Fever and Drink decoction of
serratum Spr. lung disorders the bark and root
mixed with
honey
115
Clitoria Papilionaceae Shanku Spider poison Grind the root mix
ternatea L. pushpam with milk and drink
To increase Grind the root, mix
intelligence with ghee or
and memory butter and drink.
Cocos Palmaceae Thengu Wounds Apply the powder
nucifera L. prepared from the
tender petiole of
the leaf
Coccinia indica Cucurbitaceae Koval Diabeties Drink the juice of
W&A. the roots and
leaves. Eat the
tender fruit
Costus Zingiberaceae Channakoova Pin worm Cook the tuber
speciosus Sm. trouble and eat
To reduce the Eat the cooked
size of uterus tuber
Crataeva Capparidaceae Nirmathalam Disorder of Drink the
religiosa Forst.f. urinary organs decoction of the
bark
Croton Euphorbiaceae Neeralam/ Snake poison Grind the seeds
tiglium L. neervalan with lemon juice
and draw on the
eye
Bald head Grind the seeds
and make a paste,
apply on the head
Cucurbita Cucurbitaceae Mathan Burns Grind the leaves
pepo DC. and apply on the
burns
Curcuma Zingiberaceae Kasthuri To enhance Grind the dried
aromatica Salisb. manjal face beauty rhizome, mix with
water and apply
on the face
Scorpion and Grind the fresh
spider sting rhizome and apply
on the wound
mouth
116
Curcuma Zingiberaceae Manjal Anti poisonous Add in food
longa L. agent preparations and
use
Insect poison Grind the rhizome
and apply on the
affected part, drink
the leaf juice.
Cuscuta
reflexa Roxb. Convolvulaceae Akasavally Disinfectant Boil the plant in
water and use for
cleaning wounds
Constipation Whole plant
decoction used
Cyclea peltata
Hk.f &T. Menispermaceae Padakizhangu/ Urinary Drink the
Padathali obstruction/ decoction of
skin diseases/ the tuber
fever
Head louse Wash the hair
using leaf paste
Cymbopogon Poaceae Pulthilachedy Rheumatic Apply the oil on
flexuosus Wats. (Inchipulllu) pain the paining
part.
Goiter Put the leaf in hot
water and bath
Decoction of leaf
and root is put in
coconut oil and boil
about ten minutes,
after cooling apply
on the throat and
head.
Cynodon Poaceae Karukapullu Skin diseases Mix the leaf juice
dactylon Pers. with coconut oil
and boil about ten
minutes apply on
the affected part
Blood oozing Inhale with the
out from leaf juice
the nose
Cyperus Cyperaceae Muthanga Dysentery/ Grind the tuber
rotundus L. pin worm and eat
trouble/chronic
diarrhoea
117
Datura metel L. Solanaceae Ummam/ Pain in joints Grind the leaf and
ummatham and swelling apply on the
paining portion
To prevent Crush the seeds
hair fall and and apply the
juice on the hair
Datura Solanaceae Veluthaummam/ As above As above

stramonium L. ummatham
Derris Fabaceae Rheumatism Rheumatism Bark of the plant
trifoliata Lour. is used
Dioscorea Dioscoreaceae Kachil Leprosy and Cook the tuber
alata L. piles and eat
Dioscorea Dioscoreaceae Cheru Swelling Grinded tubers
esculenta Burk. kizhangu are applied
Dolichos Fabaceae Muthira Urinary Eat the cooked
biflorus L . bladder stone seeds. Drink the
water used for
cooking
For blood Crush the fried
purification seeds, mix with
jagery and eat
Dolichos lablab. Fabaceae Muthira As above As above
(Avara)
Eclipta alba Asteraceae Kayyonni Headache/ Mix leaf juice with
Hassk. prevent hair coconut oil and boil
fall about ten minutes
and apply the oil
on hair
Elephantopus Asteraceae Anachuvaty Wounds and The whole plant is
scaber L. scratches in crushed along with
the eye Cuminum
cyminum, mix with
breast milk and
pore drop by drop
into the eye.
Elettaria Zingiberaceae Ealam Urinary Grind one gram
cardamomum obstruction seed and mix with
Mat. an ounce of
alcohol and drink
Emblica Euphorbiaceae Nelli Eye diseases Apply fruit juice

officinalis into the eye
118
Gaertn.
Emilia Asteraceae Muyal Tonsillitis Grind the whole
sonchifolia DC. cheviyan plant and apply on
the tonsil
Piles Grind whole plant,
mix with butter
milk and drink
Musa Musaceae Kalluvazha Diabetes Drink the powder
superba Roxb. of the seeds
mixed with milk
Eriodendron Bombacaceae Panji Diabetes Drink the juice of
pentandrum the root
Kurz.
Erythrina Papilionaceae Murick Pain in joints Apply leaf juice
indica Lam. externally, warm
the body by hot
water bag
Euphorbia Euphorbiaceae Kuzhinaka Wounds Crush the leaves
hirta L. pala and apply on the
wounded part
Eucalyptus Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Tooth ache Apply plant oil in
citriodora. the paining portion
Evodia Rutaceae Kanati Fever Drink the leaf

roxburghiana juice. Boil root
Benth. To improve bark in oil and
complexion apply
Evolvulus
alsinoides L. Convolvulaceae Vishnu To raise Extract the plant
kranthi memory & Juice and mix with
intelligence ghee and drink
Excoecaria Euphorbiaceae Komatty Rheumatism Apply the plant
agallocha L. juice boiled in oil
Ficus Moraceae Ithy Enlargement Drink the juice of

bengalensis L. of liver and the bark
spleen
Ficus gibbosa Moraceae Peral Menstrual Drink the
Bl. disorders decoction of the
bark
Ficus Moraceae Athy Menstrual Decoction of the
glomerata disorders bark with bark of
Roxb. F. gibbosa,
119
F.religiosa,
F. bengalensis and
drink
Ficus Moraceae Arayal Wound Wash the wound
religiosa L. cleaning and with the bark
healing decoction and
apply the powder
of the dried barks
on wounds
Justicia Acanthaceae Vathamkolli Lung diseases Drink 20ml of the
gendarussa leaf juice mixed
Burm.f. with honey
Glochidion Euphorbiaceae Neervatty Itches Apply leaves on
zeylanicum A. the itched part
Juss.
Gloriosa Liliaceae Menthonni For easy Grind the tuber
superba L. delivery and apply on the
umbilicus,on the
palm, and on the
sole and sides of
the vagina.
Head bug Wash the head by
the leaf juice
For abortion Grind one gram
tuber and drink
Glycosmis Rutaceae Panal Chronic Grind the root and
pentaphylla diarrhoea drink
Corr. Antiseptic Grind the stem
and mix with water
and wash the
wounds by it
Gmelina Verbenaceae Kumizhu Rheumatism/ Drink the
arborea Roxb. swelling/pain decoction of the
root, leaf and
flower
Head ache Grind the leaf and
apply on the head
Gossipium Malvaceae Paruthy Rheumatism Grind dry seeds
arboreum L. and mix with milk
and drink
Wound Grind the flower
healing and apply on the
wound
Gossipium Malvaceae Paruthy As above As above
120
herbaceum L.
Helicteres
isora L. Sterculiaceae Idampiri Diabetes Drink the
valampiri decoction of the
root
Dysentry and Drink the
worm trouble decoction of the
whole plant
Heliotropium Boraginaceae Thelkada Digestive Drink the
malabaricum. problems decoction of the
root
Burns Apply leaf juice
on the burns
Rheumatism Drink the
decoction of the
whole plant
Hemidesmus
indicus R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Nannari/ Skin diseases/ Drink the
naruneendi leprosy/ decoction of the
Scorpion bite dried root
Leucorrhoea Grind the root, mix
with milk and drink
Hibiscus Malvaceae Chemparathi Gas trouble Grind the flower,

rosa-sinensis L. mix with milk and
drink
Infantile Put the flowers in
eczema lemon juice about
an hour and take
the juice and drink
Holarrhena Apocynaceae Kudakappaala Diarrhoea Grind the dried

antidysenterica bark, mix with milk
Wall. and drink or one
gram of dried seed
powder mix with
honey and drink
Gangrene Wash the
gangrene by the
bark juice
Holigarna Anacardiaceae Cherumaram To increase Crush four seeds,

arnottiana body power put it in a glass of
Hook.f. hot milk, add a
spoon of ghee and
sugar and drink for
about one month
121
Hygrophila Acanthaceae Vayalchulli Jaundice/ Drink the
spinosa T. Anemia/ decoction of the
And. Rheumatism root
Diarrhoea Grind seeds with

butter milk
To increase Grind the seeds
sperm and mix with milk,
production add a spoon of
sugar to it and
drink
Ichnocarpus Apocynaceae Palvalli Fever Drink the

frutescens decoction of the
R.Br. leaves and stalk
Indigofera Fabaceae Neela amari Jaundice/ Drink the leaf juice

tinctoria L. cirrhosis mixed with honey
Scorpion Grind the plant and
sting/spider apply on the
bite / wound
snake bite
Ipomoea Convolvulaceae Palmuthuck Rheumatism Drink the

paniculata decoction of the
R.Br. tuber
For more Grind the tuber
breast milk with milk and drink
For changing Mix the powder

the lean body of the tuber with
to fat body equal amount of
barli powder, add
ghee and sugar to
it, boil and drink –
one glass per day
for one month
Ipomoea Convolvulaceae Atampavally Rheumatism Grind leaves and

pes-caprae apply externally
Sweet.
Ixora Rubiaceae Chethi/ Chronic Grind leaf with

coccinea L. thetty diarrhoea/ equal amount of
pepper seeds,
mix with butter
milk and drink
twice a day
122
Infantile Grind the flower
eczema and mix with
coconut oil and boil
for ten minute,
apply this oil on the
eczema
Jasminum Oleaceae Pichakam Gleers in the Chew two or three

grandiflorum L. mouth leaves, three times
per day
Gangrene Grind the leaves
and apply on the
wounds
To stop the Grind the flower
breast milk and apply on the
production breast
Jasminum Oleaceae Bites of Use roots of the

pubescens cobra plant
Willd.
Jasminum Oleaceae Ring worm Drink the

scandens Vahl. infection decoction of the
root
Kaempferia Zingiberaceae Kacholam Vomiting Drink the dried

galanga L. rhizome powder
mixed with honey
Nasal diseases Smell the rhizome
and head powder mixed
diseases with oil
Kalanchoe Crassulaceae Ilamulachi Boils/ Grind the leaves

pinnata. wounds/ bites and apply
of insects
Lantana Verbenaceae Kongini/ Tetanus Drink the

Camara L. arippool decoction of the
whole plant
Rheumatism/ Drink decoction of
malaria the whole plant
Lawsonia Lythraceae Mylanchi Jaundice Drink the

Inermis L. decoction of the
whole plant
Ingrowing Apply leaf poultice
toe nail on the nail
Leucas aspera Lamiaceae Thumba Worm trouble/ Drink leaf juice
spring Spr. vomiting/ mixed with latex
stomach pain of Ferula foetida
Scorpion bite Grind leaf and
123
apply on bitten
area
To purify Drink the juice
uterus
Limonia Rutaceae Cherukattu Malignant Drink the

crenulata Roxb. naragam and persistent decoction of the
fever dried fruit
Macuranga Euphorbiaceae Vatta/uppila Venereal Apply gum oozing

peltata M.Arg. sores out from wounds
of the stem,
Mallotus Euphorbiaceae Kapila Urinary Drink the

philippinensis kurukkootti / bladder stone decoction of the
M.Arg. sindhoora leaf
maram
Worm Eat the fruit

trouble powder
Mangifera Anacardiaceae Mavu Scorpion Grind the leaf and

Indica L. sting apply
Cirrhosis Eat the ripened

fruit
Tooth care Clean the tooth by
old leaves
Manihot Euphorbiaceae Maracheeni/ Sores Grind the fresh

esculenta Cranz. Kappa rhizome and apply
Merremia Convolvulaceae Prasarini Paralysis of Drink the

tridentata Hall.f. hand decoction of the
whole plant
Mimusops Sapotaceae Elengi Fever Drink the

elengi L. decoction of the
bark
Head ache Smell the flower
soaked in water
Mimosa Mimosaceae Thottavady Breath Drink the leaf juice

pudica L. obstruction mixed with tender
in children coconut water
Wounds Crush the tender

leaves and apply
on wounds
124
Mirabilis Nyctaginaceae Nalumani Boils Grind the leaves
jalapa L. chedy and apply on boils
Momordica Cucurbitaceae Paval Diabetes Drink fruit juice

charantia L. mixed with honey,
early morning
Ulcer Grind fruit and
ficus leaves, cook
with rice and eat
Moringa Moringaceae Muringa Pain in joints Grind the bark

oleifera Lam. and swelling with salt and apply
Blood Cook the leaf

pressure without salt and
eat
Drink the
decoction of the
root
Stomach pain
related to
menstruation Grind the seeds
To slow the and mix with milk
ejaculation and drink
Mucuna Fabaceae Naykurna Rheumatism Drink the

prurita Hook. decoction of then
root and seeds,
Pin worm twice per day
trouble Eat the hairs of the
fruit mixed with
jaggery or butter,
in the early
morning
Murraya Rutaceae Kariveppu Diarrhoea Grind the leaf and

koenigii Spr. and eat, or drink the
dysentery decoction of the
leaf
Musa Musaceae Vazha Ulcer Drink the juice of

paradisiaca L. the stem
To stop Eat the tender fruit
menstrual with jaggery
bleeding
Myristica Myristicaceae Jathi Indigestion/ Grind the seeds

fragrans Houtt. stomach pain with water and
drink
125
Tooth care Powder the seeds
with salt and use it
to clean the tooth
Naravelia Ranunculaceae Vathacody Coryza Crush the whole

zeylanica DC. plant and boil with
water and inhale
the vapour
Naregamia Meliaceae Nilanarakam Dysentry Drink the

alata W&A. decoction of the
root mixed with
honey
Rheumatism Drink the
decoction of the
whole plant
Nelumbium Nymphaeaceae Ponthamara To reduce the Grind the flower

speciosum. effect of with water and
snake poison drink it
continuously
Bleeding at Drink the
the time of decoction of the
pregnancy flower and tuber
Nerium Apocyanaceae Arali Bronchitis Eat the bark

indicum. powder
Gangrene Grind the leaf and
bark and apply
Oldenlandia Rubiaceae Parpataka Infantile Grind the Curcuma

corymbosa L. pullu eczema rhizome and
olderdia (equal
amount), boil in
coconut oil and
apply
Jaundice Grind the whole
plant with milk
and drink
To purify the Eat the leaf
uterus curry
(after delivery)
Oldenlandia Rubiaceae Parpataka Same Same

umbellata L. pullu as above as above
126
Ocimum Lamiaceae Ramathulasi Seminal Drink the
gratissimum L. weakness decoction of the
leaves
Ocimum Lamiaceae Krishna Sting of Grind the leaf with

sanctum L. thulasi scorpion/ Curcumin and
spider/ Boerhavia diffusa
snake bite and apply on the
wound mouth and
drink the juice
Oxalis Oxalidaceae Puliyarila Dysentery Grind the whole

corniculata L. plant with butter
milk and drink
twice per day
Pandanus Pandanaceae Kaitha/ Headache/ Apply the oil from

tectorius Sol. thazha rheumatism the bracts on the
affected part
Passiflora Passifloraceae Headache Grind the leaves

foetida L. and apply on the
head
Pergularia Asclepiadaceae Veliparathi Rheumatism Drink the

extensa decoction of the
N.E.Br. plant
Phyllanthus Euphorbiaceae Keezharnelli Jaundice Drink the juice of

niruri L. the whole plant
Indigestion Drink the juice of
the plant
Piper Piperaceae Thippali Fever/ Grind the seeds

longum.L. cough/ with milk and
anemia drink
Delivery care Eat powder of
preparations seed with dry
Medicinal grape
preparations Plant used entirely
Piper betel L. Piperaceae Vettila Lung Apply castor oil on

diseases the betel leaf and
heat and massage
on chest
127
Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae Kurumulaku Itching Powder the seeds
and boil in coconut
oil and apply on
the itched portion
Cough Drink decoction
&fever of pepper dried
ginger and Piper
longum seeds
Plumbago Plumbaginaceae Chuvanna Chronic Grind one gram of

rosea L. koduveli diarrhoea purified tuber with
100ml of butter
milk and drink
Plumbago Plumba Vella Elephantiasis/ Grind the tuber

zeylanica L. ginaceae koduveli leucoderma/ and apply
swelling externally
Pongamia Fabaceae Ung Swelling Crush the bark and

pinnata. related to boil in coconut oil
sprain and and apply
contusion externally on the
affected portion
Skin diseases Grind the leaf and

Plumbago
roseasea’s tuber
with butter milk
and drink
Pothos Araceae Anapparuva Small pox Powder the leaves

scandens L. and apply
externally on the
body
Premna Verbenaceae Munja To reduce Drink leaf juice

latifolia Roxb. body fat mixed with honey
Fever Crush the leaves

and boil in water
and bath
Pseudarthria Fabaceae Moovila Piles Drink the

viscida. decoction of the
root and Sida
plant
128
Fracture Eat the powder of
the root
Psidium Myrtaceae Pera Diarrhoea Grind the bark of

guajava L. the root and drink
Cholera Drink decoction
of the leaves
Pterocarpus Fabaceae Venga Boils Apply bruised

marsupium leaves on boils
Roxb.
Quamoclit Convolvulaceae Minnichedi Bleeding piles Drink the juice of

pinnata Boj. leaves mixed with
hot ghee
Raphanus Brassicaceae Mullangi Urinary Eat the

sativus L. complaints cooked tuber
Rauwolfia Apocynaceae Amalpori/ Blood Drink decoction

serpentina sarppa pressure of the root
Benth. gandhi
To remove Apply the leaf
opacity juice in the eye
of the
cornea
Ricinus Euphorbiaceae Aavanack Constipation Drink 15 ml of

communis L. caster oil mixed
with hot water
Headache Apply the leaf on
the head
Boils Apply the leaf
poultice on the
boils
Ruta Rutaceae Arutha Epilepsy/ Drink quarter

graveolens L. hysteria/ spoon of leaf juice
worm trouble
Saccharum Poaceae Karimp Jaundice Drink the stem

officinarum L. juice
Cough Eat the sugar
candy
Santalam Santalaceae Chandanam Vomiting Grind the stem,

album L. mix with water
and drink
129
Saraca indica L. Caesalpiniaceae Asokam Menstrual Drink the
diseases decoction of the
bark.
Infantile Boil the flower in

eczema coconut oil and
apply
Sarcostemma Ascelepi- Somalatha To increase Drink the juice of

brevistigma diceae immunity whole plant.
W&A.
Scoparia Scrophulariaceae Kallurukki Urinary Grind the whole

dulcis L. bladder plant with water
stone and drink.
Sesamum Pedaliaceae Ellu Chronic Grind the seeds

indicum L. diarrhoea with water and
drink
Burns Mix the seed oil
with coconut oil
and apply
Sida acuta Malvaceae Manja Rheumatism/ Drink the

Burm. kurumthotty Gonorrhoea decoction of the
whole plant twice
per day
Fever Drink the
decoction
Sida cordifolia L. Malvaceae Aana As above As above

kurumthotty
Sida retusa. Malvaceae Kurumthotty As above As above
Sida spinosa L. Malvaceae Kattu Scalding Drink the

benthiam urine and decoction of the
gleet leaf
Sida Malvaceae Valli Cuts and Grind leaves and

vernonifolia kurumthotty bruises apply
Lam. Diarrhea in Use the leaves
Pregnancy
Sissambelos Menisper Malathanny Cough / Drink the

perara L. maceae Dysentery/ decoction of the
Miscarriage root
of uterus
Heart
diseases
130
Swelling of Drink the leaf juice
breast Grind the leaf and
apply
Sonneratia
acida L.f . Lytheraceae Swelling and Apply fruit as
sprain paultice
Smilax Liliaceae Karyilanchi Dysentery Grind the root and

zeylanica L. mix with curd milk
and drink
Venereal Drink decoction
diseases of the root
Sphaeranthus Asteraceae Adakka Skin diseases Grind the whole

indicus L. maniyan plant and apply
Ulcer/bleeding Drink the
decoction of the
whole plant
Body power Eat the powder of
the dried flower
mixed with honey
Elephantiasis Drink the leaf juice
Spondias Anacardiaceae Ambazham Ear ache Apply leaf juice in

pinnata Kurz. the ear
Blood Eat the tender
purification fruit
Strobilanthes Acanthaceae Kurinji Rheumatism/ Drink the

heynianus skin diseases decoction of the
whole plant
Strychnos Loganiaceae Kanjiram Pain in joints/ Grind the bark of

Nux-vomica L. swelling the stem with
tender coconut
fiber juice and
apply
Syzygium Myrtaceae Njaval Dysentery Drink the

cumini(L) decoction of the
Skeels. bark, mixed with
honey
Diabetes Eat the seeds
Tabernaemontana Apocynaceae Nanthyar Tooth pain Chew the root

divaricata. vattam
131
Abrasion Soak flower in
in the eye water (12 hrs)and
apply juice of the
flower in the eye
Tamarindus Caesalpiniaceae Valanpuli Body pain Soak the leaf in

indica L. water boil it and
bath
Tectona Verbenaceae Theku Cracks on Apply the oil the

Grandis L.f. the heel nuts on the heel
Terminalia Combretaceae Vella Ear ache Apply the juice in

arjuna W&A. maruthu the ear
Scorpion Apply ash of bark
sting
Terminalia Combretaceae Thanny Care of Apply the oil on

bellerica Roxb. the hair the hair
Cough Eat the powder of
the seed coat
mixed with honey
Terminalia Combretaceae Batham Colic pain/ Drink the juice of

catappa L. headache tender leaves
Leprosy/
Scabies and Apply an ointment
other skin prepared from the
diseases tender leaves
Terminalia Combretaceae Kadukka Throat Grind the seed

chebula Retz. diseases with honey and
drink
Chronic Grind the fruit and
Ulcers / apply externally
Wounds
Terminalia Combretaceae Thembavu Diarrhoea Drink the

tomentosa W&A. decoction of the
bark
Thespesia Malvaceae Scabies/ Grind fruit leaves

populnea Cav. Psoriasis and and root and apply
other skin externally
diseases
132
Thevetia Apocynaceae Manja araly Intermittent Powder the bark
neriifolia Juss. fever and mix with
honey and drink
Tinospora Menispermaceae Chittamruthu Chronic Eat starch of the

cordifolia Miers. diarrhoea/ root and stem
dysentery
Gonorrhoea Drink the juice of
fresh plant, 15ml
per day
Leprosy/ Drink the juice of
jaundice the stem,
(10-15ml), mixed
with honey, twice
per day
Tragia Euphorbiaceae Kotithoova Cough/ Powder of the

involucrata L. lung diseases whole plant, dried
grapes and Piper
longum seeds(3
gram each) and
mix with honey
and eat
Leprosy Grind the root and
apply externally
Baldness Rub the fruit over
the head with a
little water
Tribulus Zygophyllaceae Njerinjil Urinary Drink the

terrestris L. obstruction/ decoction of
swelling/ the whole plant
body
weakness
Trichosanthes Cucurbitaceae Kattu Headache Grind the root and

cucumerina L. patavalam apply on the
affected part
Skin diseases Drink the
decoction of the
whole plant
Boils Grind the leaf and
apply on boils
Tylophora Asclepiadaceae Vallipala Asthma Grind the leaf and

asthmatica Cumine seeds and
W&A. dry under shade
and eat half gram,
twice per day
133
Ulcer in Chew three leaves
mouth / per day
digestive
disorders
Urena labata. Malvaceae Uthiram Rheumatism Grind the root and

apply externally
Vernonia Asteraceae Puvankuruntal Fever Drink the

cinerea Less. decoction of the
whole plant
Urinary Drink the
obstruction/ decoction of the
Scorpion whole plant
sting
Vetiveria Poaceae Ramacham Fever Pulverize the

zizanoides(L) rhizome and make
Nash. it into a paste with
water and apply
externally for
cooling the body
Vomiting Drink the

decoction of the
roots and seeds
along with
coriandrum
Vinca rosea L. Apocynaceae Nithya- Blood Plant is used to

kalyani/ pressure/ prepare medicines
Savamnari cancer Drink the leaf juice
Diabetes mixed with honey
Vitex Verbenaceae Karinochi To overcome Apply the leaf

negundo L. unconscious juice drop by drop
ness in the nostrils
Epilepsy Apply the leaf
juice in the nostril
Throat pain/ Keep the
ulcers in the decoction of the
mouth leaves in the
mouth
Vitex trifolia L. Verbenaceae Vellanochi Rheumatism Apply the leaf

juice externally
Intermittent Powder the dried
fevers leaves and eat a
table spoon, twice
per day
134
Fever Drink the flowers
accompanied mixed with honey
by vomiting
and severe
thirst
Withania Solanaceae Amukiram Painful Bruised and

somnifera swellings young leaves are
Dun. applied
Zingiber Zingiberaceae Inchi Ear ache Heat the juice of

officinale Rosc. the rhizome, apply
three drops in the
ear
Indigestion Eat the powder of
the dried ginger
mixed with
jaggery
Coryza Drink the
decoction of the
dried ginger
Zingiber Zingiberaceae Mala inchi Fibrosities Drink the

wightianum decoction of the
Thw. dried rhizome
135
Table 10 Ornamental Plants of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical Name Family Vernacular Attractive

no Name part
1. Acalypha wilkesiana
Muell Arg. Euphorbiaceae Leaves
2. Adhathoda
beddomei Cl. Acanthaceae Adalotakam Flower
3. Adhathoda vasica
Nees. Acanthaceae Adalotakam Flower
4. Agave americana L. Agavaceae Leaf
5. Allamanda
cathartica L. Apocynaceae Kolambichety Flower
6. Alocasia indica
Schott. Araceae Mankanda chempu Spathe
7. Alocasia macrorrhiza
Schott. Araceae Assam chempu Spathe
8. Alocasia montana
Schott. Araceae Spathe
9. Aloe vera L. Liliaceae Kattarvazha Leaf
10. Amaranthus
caturus Heyn. Amaranthaceae Cheera Flower
11. Amaranthus
caudatus L . Amaranthaceae Cheera Flower
12. Andrographis
paniculata Nees. Acanthaceae Kiriyath Flower
13. Anthurium
andraenum. Araceae Anthurium Spathe
14. Anthurium
clarinervium. Araceae Anthurium Spathe
15. Anthurium
crystallinum. Araceae Anthurium Leaf
16. Anthurium
warocqueanum. Araceae Anthurium Spathe
17. Aralia alata. Araliaceae Leaf
136
18. Aralia foliolosa
Seem. Araliaceae Leaf
19. Asparagus glumosus. Liliaceae Evergreen Leaf
20. Asparagus
racemosus Willd. Liliaceae Sathavari Leaf
21. Barleria cristata L. Acanthaceae Parvathichety Flower
22. Barleria gibsoni Dalz. Acanthaceae Parvathichety Flower
23. Bauhinia tomentosa L. Caesalpiniaceae Mantharam Flower
24. Begonia sps. Begoniaceae Begonia Leaf&flower
25. Borassus aethiopium. Palmaceae Leaf
26. Bougainvillaea
spectabilis Willd. Nyctaginaceae Katalasuchety Calyx
27. Calanthe
veratrifolia R.Br. Orchidaceae Orchid Flower
28. Calliandra emarginata. Fabaceae Powder puff Flower
29. Calotropis
gigantea R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Erukku Flower
30. Canna indica L. Cannaceae Thottavazha Inflorescence
31. Canna orientalis Rosc. Cannaceae Thottavazha Inflorescence
32. Caesalpinia
pulcherrima Sw. Caesalpiniaceae Rajamally Inflorescence
33. Carissa hirsuta Roth. Apocynaceae Leaves&
flower
34. Cassia alata L. Caesalpiniaceae Puzhukkadi thakara Inflorescence
35. Cassia bicapsularis. Caesalpiniaceae Inflorescence
36. Cassia biflorus. Caesalpiniaceae Infloresecnce
37. Cassia occidentalis L. Caesalpiniaceae Mattan thakara Inflorescence
38. Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae Kanikonna
39. Celosia argentea L. Amaranthaceae Celosia Flower
40. Cestrum nocturnum Solanaceae Anthimulla Flower
41. Chrysanthemum sps. Asteraceae Jamanthi Inflorescence
137
42. Cleome gynandra. Capparidaceae Inflorescence
43. Clerodendron inerme
Gaertn. Verbanaceae Puzha munja Inflorescence
44. Clerodendron
paniculata. Verbanaceae Hanuman kireedam Inflorescence
45. Clerodendron
thomsonae Balf. Verbenaceae Bleeding heart
46. Clitoria ternatea L. Fabaceae Sankupushpam Flower
47. Codiaeum variegatum L. Euphorbiaceae Croton Leaf
48. Costus speciosus Sm. Zingiberaceae Channakoova Phyllotaxy
49. Crinum asiaticum Amaryllidaceae Sukhadarsanam Flower
50. Crossandra
infundibuliformis Acanthaceae Priyadarshini Flower
51. Dahlia sp. Asteraceae Dahlia Flower
52. Dracaena sps. Liliaceae Flower
53. Ervatamia coronaria
Stapf. Apocynaceae Nanthyarvattom Flower&fruit
54. Euphorbia
pulcherrima Willd. Euphorbiaceae Leaf
55. Euphorbia
splendens Boj. Euphorbiaceae Leaf
56. Ficus elastica Roxb. Moraceae Leaf
57. Gomphrena globosa L. Amaranthaceae Vadamally Flower
58. Graptophyllum
pictum L. Acanthaceae Whole plant
59. Grevillea robusta
A.Cunn. Proteaceae Silver oak Leaf
60. Hedychium
coronarium Koen. Zingiberaceae Sugandhi Flower
61. Hibiscus mutabilis L. Malvaceae Poopparuthi Flower
62. Hibiscus syriacus L. Malvaceae Flower
63. Hibiscus
rosasinensis L. Malvaceae Chemparuthi Flower
138
64. Impatiens
concinna H.K.f. Balsaminaceae Balsam Flower
65. Ipomaea purpurea
Roth. Convolvulaceae Morning glory Flower
66. Ixora coccinia L. Rubiaceae Checky/Thetty Flower
67. Jacquemontia
caerulea Choisy. Convolvulaceae Jacquemontia Flower
68. Jasminum
grandiflorum L. Oleaceae Pichy Flower
69. Jasminum
malabaricum W. Oleaceae Mulla Flower
70. Jasminum pubescens
Willd. Oleaceae Kurukuthi mulla Flower
71. Jasminum scandens
Vahl. Oleaceae Pichy Flower
72. Jasminum sambae. Oleaceae Mulla Flower
73. Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae Arippoo Flower
74. Maranta
arundinaceae L. Marantaceae Koova Leaf
75. Michelia champaca L. Magnoliaceae Chempakam Flower
76. Mirabulis jalapa L. Nyctaginaceae Nalumanichety Flower
77. Mussaenda
frondosa L. Rubiaceae Mussaenda Calyx
78. Opuntia sps. Cactaceae Kallichety Stem
79. Petunia sps. Solanaceae Flower
80. Pellionia sp. Urticaceae Flower
81. Phyllanthus sps. Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus Leaves
82. Pilea sps. Urticaceae Make fences
of gardens
83. Plumbago rosea L. Plumbaginaceae Koduveli Flower
84. Plumbago zeylanica L. Plumbaginaceae Koduveli Flower
85. Plumeria
acutifolia Poir. Apocynaceae Vellachempakam Flower
139
86. Podocarpus sps. Coniferae Leaf
87. Polyscias sps. Araliaceae Flower
88. Portulaca
quadrifida L. Portulacaceae Pathumanichety Flower
89. Pseuderanthemum sp. Acanthaceae Flower
90. Quamoclit pinnata Boj. Convolvulaceae Minnichety Flower
91. Rosa sps. Rosaceae Rosachety Flower
92. Salvia officinalis L. Lamiaceae Salvia Flower
93. Sanseviera
roxburghiana Schult. Liliaceae Flower
94. Saraca indica L. Caesalpiniaceae Ashokam Flower
95. Tabernae montana
divaricata. Apocynaceae Nanthyarvattam Flower
96. Tagetes sp. Asteraceae Mallika/Chettippoo Flower
97. Thevetia neriifolia
Juss. Asclepiadaceae Manja arali Flower
98. Thunbergia
erecta T.And. Acanthaceae Neela kolambi Flower
99. Thunbergia
grandiflora Roxb. Acanthaceae Kukkoolatha Flower
100 Turnera ulmifolia L. Turneraceae Flower
101 Vernonia cinerea Less. Asteraceae Poovankurunthal Flower
102 Vinca rosea L. Apocynaceae Savamnari/ Flower
Nithyakalyani
103 Zinnia elegans. Asteraceae Zinnia Flower
140
Table 11 Flora of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Botanical Name Family

1. Abrus precatorius L. Fabaceae
2. Acacia auriculiformis. Mimosaceae
3. Acalypha indica L. Euphorbiaceae
4. Acalypha wilkesiana M.Arg. Euphorbiaceae
5. Acanthus ilicifolius L. Acanthaceae
6. Acampe praemosa. Orchidaceae
7. Achras sapota L. Sapotaceae
8. Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae
9. Acorus calamus L. Araceae
10. Adenanthera pavonina L. Mimosaceae
11. Adhathoda beddomei Clark. Acanthaceae
12. Adhathoda vasica Nees. Acanthaceae
13. Aegiceras corniculatum Blanco. Myrsinaceae
14. Aegle marmelos Corr. Rutaceae
15. Aerva lanata Juss. Amaranthaceae
16. Agave americana L. Agavaceae
17. Aglaia elaeagnoidea. Meliaceae
18. Ailanthes malabarica DC. Simarubaceae
19. Alangium salvifolium (L.f)Wang. Alangiaceae
20. Albizia lebbeck Benth. Mimosaceae
21. Albizzia odoratissima Benth. Mimosaceae
22. Albizzia procera Benth. Mimosaceae
23. Allamanda cathartica L. Apocynaceae
24. Alocasia indica Schott. Araceae
25. Alocasia macrorrhiza Schott. Araceae
26. Alocasia montana Schott. Araceae
27. Aloe vera L. Liliaceae
28. Alpinia calcarata Rosc. Zingiberaceae
29. Alstonia scholaris R.Br. Apocynaceae
30. Amaranthus caturus Heyne. Amaranthaceae
31. Amaranthus caudatus L. Amaranthaceae
32. Amaranthus gangeticus L. Amaranthaceae
141
33. Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae
34. Amaranthus viridis L. Amaranthaceae
35. Amorphophallus companulatus Bl. Araceae
36. Amorphophallus sylvaticus (Roxb)Kunth. Araceae
37. Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae
38. Ananas cosmosus Merr. Bromeliaceae
39. Andrographis paniculata Nees. Acanthaceae
40. Anona reticulata L. Anonaceae
41. Anona squamosa L. Anonaceae
42. Anthurium andraenum. Araceae
43. Anthurium clarinervium. Araceae
44. Anthurium wacqueanum. Araceae
45. Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. Moraceae
46. Antidesma menasu Miq. Euphorbiaceae
47. Aralia alata. Araliaceae
48. Aralia foliolosa Seem. Araliaceae
49. Areca catechu L. Arecaceae
50. Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae
51. Artocarpus altilis L. Moraceae
52. Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Moraceae
53. Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. Moraceae
54. Asparagus glumosus. Liliaceae
55. Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae
56. Averrhoa bilimbi L. Oxalidaceae
57. Avicennia officinalis L. Verbenaceae
58. Axcoecaria agallocha L. Euphorbiaceae
59. Bacopa monnieri (L)pennel. Scrophulariaceae
60. Bambusa arundinaceae Willd. Poaceae
61. Barleria cristata L. Acanthaceae
62. Brleria gibsonia Dalz. Acanthaceae
63. Barleria montana Nees. Acanthaceae
64. Barringtonia racemosa Forst. Lecythidaceae
65. Bauhinia tomentosa L. Caesalpiniaceae
66. Begonia sps. Begoniaceae
67. Benincasa cerifera Savi. Cucurbitaceae
142
68. Biophytum sensitivum(L)DC. Geraniaceae
69. Bixa orellana L. Bixaceae
70. Boerhaavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae
71. Bombax malabaricum DC. Bombacaceae
72. Borassus aethiopium. Arecaceae
73. Bougainvillaea spectabilis Willd. Nyctaginaceae
74. Bruguiera eriopetala W&A. Rhizophoraceae
75. Buchanania sps. Anacardiaceae
76. Bulbophyllum Neilgherrense.W. Orchidaceae
77. Butea sps. Fabaceae
78. Caesalpinia pulcherrima S.W. Caesalpiniaceae
79. Cajanus cajan. Fabaceae
80. Calanthe veratrifolia R.Br. Orchidaceae
81. Calliandra emarginata. Fabaceae
82. Calophyllum inophyllum L. Clusiaceae
83. Calotropis gigantea R.Br. Asclepiadaceae
84. Calotropis procera R.Br. Asclepiadaceae
85. Calycopteris floribunda Lam. Combretaceae
86. Canavalia ensiformis DC. Fabaceae
87. Capsicum anum L. Solanaceae
88. Capsicum frutescens L. Solanaceae
89. Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Sapindaceae
90. Carallia integerrima DC. Rhizophoraceae
91. Careya arborea Roxb. Lecythidaceae
92. Carica papaya L. Caricaceae
93. Caryota urens L. Arecaceae
94. Cassia alata L. Caesalpiniaceae
95. Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae
96. Cassia occidentale L. Caesalpiniaceae
97. Cassia siamea Lam. Caesalpiniaceae
98. Cassia tora L. Caesalpiniaceae
99. Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. Casuarinaceae
100. Cayratia pedata Juss. Vitaceae
101. Cayratia tenuifolia Gagn. Vitaceae
102. Centella asiatica (L)Urban. Apiaceae
143
103. Chrysophyllum cainito L. Sapotaceae
104. Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bl. Lauraceae
105. Cissus quadrangularis L. Vitaceae
106. Citharaxylum bracteatum. Annonaceae
107. Citrus medica var.acida Brand. Rutaceae
108. Citrulus vulgaris Schrad. Cucurbitaceae
109. Cleome viscosa L. Capparidaceae
110. Clerodendron fragrans R.Br. Verbenaceae
111. Clerodendron inermae Gaertn. Verbenaceae
112. Clerodendron infortunatum L. Verbenaceae
113. Clerodendron paniculata. Verbenaceae
114. Clerodendron serratum (L)Moon. Verbenaceae
115. Clerodendron siphonanthus R.Br. Verbenaceae
116. Clerodendron thomsonae Balf. Verbenaceae
117. Clitoria ternatea L. Papilionaceae
118. Coccinia indica W&A. Cucurbitaceae
119. Cocos nucifera L. Arecaceae
120. Codiaeum variegatum L. Euphorbiaceae
121. Coffea arabica L. Rubiaceae
122. Colocasia antiquorum Schott. Araceae
123. Commiphora caudata Engl. Burseraceae
124. Corypha umbraculifera L. Arecaceae
125. Costus speciosus S.M. Zingiberaceae
126. Crataeva religiosa Forst. Capparidaceae
127. Crinum sps. Amaryllidaceae
128. Crossandra sps. Acanthaceae
129. Crotalaria sps. Papilionaceae
130. Croton tiglium L. Euphorbiaceae
131. Cryptolepis elegans Wall. Asclepiadaceae
132. Cucumis melo L. Cucurbitaceae
133. Cucurbita pepo L. Cucurbitaceae
134. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Amaryllidaceae
135. Curcuma canannoorensis.. Zingiberaceae
136. Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Zingiberaceae
137. Curcuma oligantha. Zingiberaceae
144
138. Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. Convolvulaceae
139. Cyathula prostrata Bl. Amaranthaceae
140. Cyclea peltata Hf&T. Menispermaceae
141. Cymbopogon citratus(DC)Stapf. Poaceae
142. Cynodon dactylon(L)Pers. Poaceae
143. Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae
144. Dahlia sps. Asteraceae
145. Datura metel L. Solanaceae
146. Datura stramonium L. Solanaceae
147. Delonix regia Raf. Caesalpiniaceae
148. Derris trifoliata Lour. Fabaceae
149. Desmodium gangeticum DC. Fabaceae
150. Dioscorea alata L . Dioscoreaceae
151. Dioscorea bulbifera L. Dioscoreaceae
152. Dioscorea esculenta Burk. Dioscoreaceae
153. Dioscorea pentaphylla L. Dioscoreaceae
154. Dolichos biflorus L. Fabaceae
155. Dolichos lablab L. Fabaceae
156. Eclipta alba Hassk. Asteraceae
157. Elephantopus scaber L. Asteraceae
158. Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Euphorbiaceae
159. Emilia sonchifolia DC. Asteraceae
160. Ensete superbum Roxb. Musaceae
161. Eriodendron pentandrum Kurz. Bombacaceae
162. Erythrina indica Lam. Papilionaceae
163. Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. Myrtaceae
164. Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae
165. Euphorbia pulcherima Willd. Euphorbiaceae
166. Euphorbia splendens Boj. Euphorbiaceae
167. Evodia roxburgiana Benth. Rutaceae
168. Evolvulus alsinoides L. Convolvulaceae
169. Excoecaria agallocha L. Euphorbiaceae
170. Ficus asperima Roxb. Moraceae
171. Ficus bengalensis L. Moraceae
172. Ficus elastica Roxb. Moraceae
145
173. Ficus gibbosa Bl. Moraceae
174. Ficus glomerata Roxb. Moraceae
175. Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae
176. Flacourtia sps. Flacourtiaceae
177. Garcinia cambegia Derr. Clusiaceae
178. Gendarussa vulgaris Nees. Acanthaceae
179. Glochidion zeylanica A.Juss. Euphorbiaceae
180. Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae
181. Glycosmis pentaphylla Corr. Rutaceae
182. Gmelina arborea Roxb. Verbenaceae
183. Gomphrena globosa L. Amaranthaceae
184. Gossipium arboreum L. Malvaceae
185. Gossypium herbaceum L. Malvaceae
186. Graptophyllum sps. Acanthaceae
187. Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. Proteaceae
188. Grewia microcos L. Teliaceae
189. Grewia tiliaefolia L. Teliaceae
190. Hedychium coronarium Koen. Zingiberaceae
191. Helicteres isora L. Sterculiaceae
192. Heliotropium malabaricum. Boraginaceae
193. Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. Asclepiadaceae
194. Hibiscus esculentus L. Malvaceae
195. Hibiscus mutabilis L. Malvaceae
196. Hibiscus rosasinensis L. Malvaceae
197. Hibiscuss syriacus L. Malvaceae
198. Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. Apocynaceae
199. Holigarna arnottiana Hk.f. Anacardiaceae
200. Hopea parviflora Bedd. Dipterocarpaceae
201. Hugonia mystax L. Linaceae
202. Hydrocotyl asiatica R.Br. Apiaceae
203. Hydnocarpus alpina W. Flacourtiaceae
204. Hygrophila spinosa T. Acanthaceae
205. Ichnocarpus fruitescens R.Br. Apocynaceae
206. Indigofera prostrata Willd. Fabaceae
207. Indigofera tinctoria L. Fabaceae
146
208. Impatiens concinna L. Rubiaceae
209. Ipomaea companulata L. Convolvulaceae
210. Ipomaea hederacea(L)Jacq. Convolvulaceae
211. Ipomaea palmata Forsk. Convolvulaceae
212. Ipomaea paniculata R.Br. Convolvulaceae
213. Ipomaea pes-caprae SW. Convolvulaceae
214. Ipomaea pes-tigridis L. Convolvulaceae
215. Ipomaea purpurea Roth. Convolvulaceae
216. Ipomaea wighti Choisy. Convolvulaceae
217. Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae
218. Ixora brachiata Roxb. Rubiaceae
219. Jacquemontia caerulea Choisy. Convolvulaceae
220. Jambosa vulgaris DC. Myrtaceae
221. Jasminum grandiflorum L. Oleaceae
222. Jasminum malabaricum L. Oleaceae
223. Jasminum pubescens Willd. Oleaceae
224. Jasminum sambae Ait. Oleaceae
225. Jasminum scandes Vahl. Oleaceae
226. Jatropa curcas L. Euphorbiaceae
227. Jussieua sps. Onagraceae
228. Kaempferia galanga L. Zingiberaceae
229. Kalanchoe pinnata pers. Crassulaceae
230. Kandelia rheedii W&A. Rhizophoraceae
231. Kirganelia reticulata Baill. Euphorbiaceae
232. Lagenaris vulgaris Ser. Cucurbitaceae
233. Lagerstroemia flos-reginae Retz. Lythraceae
234. Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae
235. Lannea coromandalica Meril. Anacardiaceae
236. Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae
237. Lepidagathis keralensis. Acanthaceae
238. Leucas aspera Spr. Lamiaceae
239. Limonia crenulata Roxb. Rutaceae
240. Listea sp. Lauraceae
241. Luffa acutangula Roxb. Cucurbitaceae
242. Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Solanaceae
147
243. Macaranga peltata M.Arg. Euphorbiaceae
244. Mallotus philippinensis M.Arg. Euphorbiaceae
245. Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae
246. Manihot esculenta Cranz. Euphorbiaceae
247. Maranta arundinacea L. Marantaceae
248. Melastoma malabathricum L. Melastomaceae
249. Melochia corchorifolia L. Sterculiaceae
250. Memecylon malabaricum Cogn. Melastomaceae
251. Merremia umbellata Hall.f. Convolvulaceae
252. Michelia champaca L. Magnoliaceae
253. Mimusops elengi L. Sapotaceae
254. Mimosa pudica L. Mimosaceae
255. Mirabilis jalapa L. Nyctaginaceae
256. Monocharia vaginalis Presl. Pontederiaceae
257. Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae
258. Morinda tinctoria Roxb. Rubiaceae
259. Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae
260. Morus alba L. Moraceae
261. Mucuna hirsuta W&A. Fabaceae
262. Mucuna pruriens Baker. Fabaceae
263. Murraya Koenigii Spreng. Rutaceae
264. Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae
265. Musa superba Roxb. Musaceae
266. Mussaenda frondosa L. Rubiaceae
267. Myristica fragrans Houtt. Myristicaceae
268. Naravelia zeylanica DC. Rananculaceae
269. Naregamia alata W&A. Meliaceae
270. Nelumbium speciosum Willd. Nymphaeaceae
271. Nerium indicum Mill. Apocynaceae
272. Ochna heyneana W&A. Ochnaceae
273. Ocimum basilicum L. Lamiaceae
274. Ocimum canum Sims. Lamiaceae
275. Ocimum gratissimum L. Lamiaceae
276. Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae
277. Oldenlandia corymbosa L. Rubiaceae
148
278. Oldenlandia umbellata L. Rubiaceae
279. Olea dioica Roxb. Oleaceae
280. Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae
281. Pandanus tectorius Soland. Pandanaceae
282. Passiflora edulis Sims. Passifloraceae
283. Passiflora foetida L. Passifloraceae
284. Paveta indica L. Rubiaceae
285. Pedilanthus tithymaloides Poit. Euphorbiaceae
286. Pellionia sps. Urticaceae
287. Pergularia extensa N.E.Br. Asclepiadaceae
288. Persea macrantha. Loraceae
289. Petunia sps. Solanaceae
290. Phyllanthus niruri L. Euphorbiaceae
291. Pilea sp. Urticaceae
292. Piper betle L. Piperaceae
293. Piper longum L. Piperaceae
294. Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae
295. Pisum sativum L. Papilionaceae
296. Plumeria acutifolia Poir. Apocynaceae
297. Plumbago rosea L. Plumbaginaceae
298. Plumbago zeylanica L. Plumbaginaceae
299. Pithecolobium Saman. Mimosaceae
300. Podocarpus sp. Convolvulaceae
301. Polyalthia longifolia H.k.f&T. Anonaceae
302. Polygonum hydropiper L. Polygonaceae
303. Polyscias sp. Araliaceae
304. Pongamia glabra Vent. Fabaceae
305. Portulaca quadrifida L. Portulacaceae
306. Pothos scandens L. Araceae
307. Premna latifolia Roxb. Verbenaceae
308. Prunus avium L. Rosaceae
309. Pseudarthria viscida W&A. Fabaceae
310. Pseuderanthemum sp. Acanthaceae
311. Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae
312. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Fabaceae
149
313. Quamoclit pinnata Boj. Convolvulaceae
314. Quisqualis indica L. Combretaceae
315. Raphanus sativus L. Brassicaceae
316. Rauwolfia serpentina Benth&Kurz. Apocynaceae
317. Rhaphidophora pertusa Schott. Araceae
318. Rhizophora mucronata Lam. Rhizophoraceae
319. Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae
320. Rosa sp. Rosaceae
321. Ruta graveolens L. Rutaceae
322. Saccharum officinarum L. Poaceae
323. Salacia reticulata W. Hippocrateaceae
324. Salvia officinalis L. Lamiaceae
325. Sanseviera roxburghiana Schott. Liliaceae
326. Santalum album L. Santalaceae
327. Sapindus emarginatus Vahl. Sapindaceae
328. Saraca indica L. Caesalpiniaceae
329. Sarcostemma brevistigma W&A. Asclipiadaceae
330. Sauropus pubescens H.Kf. Euphorbiaceae
331. Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae
332. Selaginella sp. Selaginellaceae
333. Sessamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae
334. Sida acuta Burm. Malvaceae
335. Sida cordifolia L. Malvaceae
336. Sida retusa. Malvaceae
337. Sida spinosa L. Malvaceae
338. Sida vernonifolia Lam. Malvaceae
339. Sissambelos perera L. Menispermaceae
340. Solanum melongena L. Solanaceae
341. Sonneratia acida L.f. Lythraceae
342. Sorghum bicolor Moench. Poaceae
343. Smilax zeylanica L. Liliaceae
344. Sphaeranthus indicus L. Asteraceae
345. Spathodea companulata Beauv. Bignoniaceae
346. Spilanthus calva W. Asteraceae
347. Spondias pinnata Kurz. Anacardiaceae
150
348. Stachytarpheta indica Vahl. Verbenaceae
349. Sterculia foetida L. Sterculiaceae
350. Strobilanthes Sp. Acanthaceae
351. Strychnos nux-vomica L. Loganiaceae
352. Syzygium cumini(L)Skeels. Myrtaceae
353. Syzygium jambolanum DC. Myrtaceae
354. Tabernae montana divericata. Apocynaceae
355. Tagetes sp. Asteraceae
356. Tamarindus indica L. Caesalpiniaceae
357. Tectonia grandis L.f. Verbenaceae
358. Terminalia arjuna W&A. Combretaceae
359. Terminalia bellerica Roxb. Combretaceae
360. Terminalia catappa L.. Combretaceae
361. Terminalia chebula Retz. Combretaceae
362. Terminalia pallida Brandis. Combretaceae
363. Terminalia tomentosa W&A. Combretaceae
364. Thespesia populnea Cav. Malvaceae
365. Thevetia neriifolia Juss. Apocynaceae
366. Thunbergia erecta T.And. Acanthaceae
367. Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb. Acanthaceae
368. Tinospora cordifolia(Willd)Miers. Menispermaceae
369. Tinospora malabaricum. Merispermaceae
370. Tragia involucrata L. Euphorbiaceae
371. Tribulus terrestris L. Zygophyllaceae
372. Trichosanthes anguina L. Cucurbitaceae
373. Trichosanthes cucumerina L. Cucurbitaceae
374. Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. Tiliaceae
375. Turnera ulmifolia L. Turneraceae
376. Tylophora asthmatica W&A. Asclepiadaceae
377. Urena lobata L. Malvaceae
378. Utricularia flexuosa Vahl . Lentibulariaceae
379. Utricularia reticulata Sm. Lentibulariaceae
380. Uvaria narum Wall. Anonaceae
381. Vateria indica L. Dipterocarpaceae
382. Vernonia cinerea Less. Asteraceae
151
383. Vetiveria ziznoides(L)Nash. Poaceae
384. Vigna sublobata Fabaceae
385. Vinca rosea L. Apocynaceae
386. Vitex altissima L. Verbenaceae
387. Vitex negundo L. Verbenaceae
388. Vitex trifolia L. Verbenaceae
389. Waltheria indica L. Sterculiaceae
390. Withania somnifera Dun. Solanaceae
391. Xylia xylocarpa Taub. Mimosaceae
392. Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae
393. Zingiber wightianum Thw. Zingiberaceae
394. Zingiber zerumbet Sm. Zingiberaceae
395. Zinnia elegans Asteraceae
396. Zizyphus oenoplia Mill. Rhamnaceae
397. Zizyphus rugosa Lam. Rhamnaceae
152
Table 12 List of Tubers of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular name

no.
1. Amorphophallus companulatus Bl. Araceae Chena
2. Amorphophallus sylvaticus
(Roxb) Kunth. Araceae Kattuchena
3. Curcuma longa. Zingiberaceae Manjal
4. Colocasia antiquorum Schott. Araceae Chempu
Local varieties:
Eaya chempu
Thalu
5. Dioscorea alata L. Dioscoreaceae Kachil
6. Dioscorea esculenta Burk. Dioscoreaceae Cherukizhangu
7. Ipomaea batatas Lam. Convolvulaceae Madurakizhangu
8. Maranta arundinaceae L. Marantaceae Koova
9. Manihot esculenta Cranz. Euphorbiaceae Maracheeni/
Kappa
10. Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae Inchi
Table 13 Plants for Fumigation and Chewing of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Notes

no
1. Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Kamung Fresh seeds are
used for chewing
with piper betel leaf
2. Leucas aspera Spreng. Lamiaceae Thumba Whole plant fired
and the smoke coming
out from it is
used to keep away
the mosquitoes.
3. Oscimum canum Sins. Lamiaceae Tulasi The whole plant put
on fire and the
smoke coming out
used to keep away
mosquitoes.
4. Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae Tulasi Same as above
5. Piper betle L. Piperaceae Vettila Leaf used for chewing
with arecanut
6. Vetiveria zizanoides Poaceae Ramacham Dried roots
(L)Nash. are used.
7. Vitex negundo L. Verbenaceae Karinochi Plant burnt to produce
smoke for keeping
away mosquitoes.
153
Table 14 Climbers and Creepers of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Status/

No. name Availability
1. Asparagus glumosus Liliaceae Sathavary Occasional

(Cultivated)
2. Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae Sathavary Rare
3. Canavalia virosa(Roxb)W&A. Papilionaceae Valaripayar Abundant
4. Cayratea pedata Juss. Vitaceae Occasional
5. Cryptolepis elegans Asclepiadaceae Cherupulvalli Abundant
6. Derris trifoliata Lour. Fabaceae Ponnamvalli Abundant
7. Dioscorea pentaphylla L. Dioscoriaceae Kattukachil Abundant
8. Evolvulus alsinoides L. Convolvulaceae Vishnukranthi Abundant
9. Hydrocotyl asiatica (L).R.Br. Apiaceae Kudangal Occasional
10 Ichnocarpus fruitescens R.Br. Apocynaceae Palvally Occasional
11. Ipomaea companulata L. Convolvulaceae Occasional
12. Ipomaea hederacea (L)Jacq. Convolvulaceae Occasional
13. Ipomaea pes-caprae SW. Convolvulaceae Adampu Occasional
14. Ipomaea palmata Forsk. Convolvulaceae Abundant
15. Ipomaea paniculata R.Br. Convolvulaceae Occasional
16. Ipomaea wighti choisy. Convolvulaceae Occasional
17 Ipomaea purpurea Roth. Convolvulaceae Udayamalari Occasional
18. Jacquemontia caerulea choisy. Convolvulaceae Occasional
19. Merremia umbellata Hall.f. Convolvulaceae Varavelly Abundant
20. Mucuna hirsuta W&A. Fabaceae Naykurna Abundant
21. Naravelia zeylanica(L)DC. Rananculaceae Vathakoty Rare
22. Passiflora edulis Sims. Passifloraceae Fassion fruit Abundant
23. Passiflora foetida L. Passifloraceae Rare
24. Pothos scandens L. Araceae Aanapparuva Abundant
26. Utricularia flexuosa. Lentibulariaceae Kakkappoo Abundant
27. Utricularia reticulata Sm. Lentibulariaceae Kakkappoo Abundant
154
Table 15 (a) True Mangrove Species of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical Name Family Vernacular Status

No. name
1. Acanthus ilicifolius L. Acanthaceae Chully
2. Aegiceras corniculatum Blanco. Mysinaceae Halsi
3. Avicennia officinalis L. Verbenaceae Uppatty
4. Barringtonia racemose Roxb. Lecythidaceae Samudrakka
5. Bruguiera cylindrica W&A. Rhizophoraceae Chackara
kandal
6. Excoecaria agallocha L. Euphorbiaceae Kannampotti,
Kammatty
7 Kandelia candal (L)Druce. Rhizophoraceae Cherukandal,
Nallakandal Abundant
8. Rhizophora mucronata Lam. Rhizophoraceae Peekandal Abundant
9. Sonneratia acida L.f. Lythraceae
10. Sonneratia caseolaris Engl. Sonneratiaceae Blathi
Table 15 (b). Associated Mangrove Species of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical Name Family Vernacular

No. name
1. Calamus rotang L. Arecaceae Chooral
2. Calophyllum inophyllum L. Clusiaceae Punna
3. Cayratia trifolia (L) Domin. Vitaceae Choorivalli
4. Clerodendron inermae Gaertn. Verbenaceae Puzhamulla
5. Crinum defixum Ker. Amaryllidaceae
6. Derris trifoliata Lour. Fabaceae Ponnam valli
7. Ipomaea campanulata L. Convolvulaceae
8. Melastoma malabathricum L. Melastomaceae Athirani
9. Pandanus tectorius Sol. Pandanaceae Kaitha, Thazha
155
Table 16 (a) Plant Diversity in Home Gardens - Coastal Plain (Irinave Area)
Ward No House No Area (in cents) No.of plant species

I 743 15 23
I 751 16 33
II 586 12 18
II 218 17 35
I 747 27 72
I 705 32 68
I 332 45 37
I 657 51 25
II 597 150 58
Table 16 (b) Plant Diversity in Home Gardens - Mesa (Mangattuparambu)

XI 306 10 42
XI 368 17 48
XI - 20 32
XI 304 25 32
XI 251 48 92
XI 336 62 77
Table 16 (c) Plant Diversity in Home Gardens - Slopes (Kalliasseri)

X 441 12 53
IX 280 22 29
X 490 48 52
IX 325 51 28
IX 341 80 95
X 455 92 36
IX 230 9 29
IX 246 100 75
X 111 100 48
156
Table 17 (a) Flowering Plants in Ward XI - House No 304 - Mangattuparambu -
Area 25 cents
1. Ocimum tenuiflorum 17. Cassia sp
2. Garcinia cambogia 18. Carica papaya
3. Phyllanthus amarus 19. Mallotus philippinensis
4. Caesalpinia pulcherrima 20. Polyalthia longifolia
5. Musa paradisiaca 21. Prunus avium
6. Rosa sp 22. Ageratum conizoides
7. Ixora coccinea 23. Michelia champaka
8. Cocos nucifera 24. Moringa oleifera
9. Psidium guajava 25. Anthurium sp
10. Syzygium jambolanum 26. Anacardium occidentale
11. Hibiscus rosa sinensis 27. Mimosa pudica
12. Bauhinia tomentosa 28. Euphorbia hirta
13. Mangifera indica 29. Murraya koenigii
14. Artocarpus integrifolia 30. Zingiber officinale
15. Jasminum pubescens 31. Mussaenda frondosa
16. Areca catechu 32. Piper nigrum
Table 17 (b) Flowering Plants in Ward II – House No 218 – Irinave – Area 17 cents
1. Cocos nucifera 18. Cassia alata
2. Ficus religiosa 19. Bryophyllum diagraemontianum
3. Ficus bengalensis 20. Phyllanthus sp.
4. Citrus acida 21. Hibiscus rosa sinensis
5. Cynodon dactylon 22. Phyllanthus emblica
6. Sida acuta 23. Artocarpus integrifolia
7. Moringa oleifera 24. Caesalpinia pulcherrima
8. Datura metel 25. Mussaenda frondosa
9. Curcuma longa 26. Ocimum tenuiflorum
10. Oldenlandia umbellata 27. Calotropis gigantea
11. Euphorbia hirta 28. Areca catechu
12. Anacardium occidentale 29. Amaranthus viridis
13. Colocasia esculenta 30. Tectona grandis
14. Mangifera indica 31. Musa paradisiaca
15. Terminalia bellarica 32. Ageratum conizoides
16. Loranthus sp 33. Urena lobata
17. Carica papaya 34. Phyllanthus niruri
157
Table 17 (c) Flowering Plants in Ward IX – House No. 230 Kalliasseri – Area 9 cents
1. Murraya koenigii 16. Cyclea peltata

2. Jasminum pubescens 17. Adathoda beddomei
3. Caspicum fruitescens 18. Ixora coccinia
4. Carica papaya 19. Clerodendron infortunatum
5. Amaranthus viridis 20. Pothos scandens
6. Tamarindus indicus 21. Cayratia
7. Phyllanthus amarus 22. Olea diocica
8. Ocimum tenuiflorum 23. Mangifera indica
9. Lycopersicum esculentum 24. Piper nigrum
10. Ananas comosus 25. Caryota urens
11. Hibiscus rosa sinensis 26. Oldenlandia umbellata
12. Bauhinia tomentosa 27. Alstonia scholaris
13. Chasalia curviflora 28. Ageratum conizoides
14. Cissambelos parera 29. Abelmoschus esculentus
15. Artocarpus integrifolia
158
Table 18 Floral biodiversity of the Sacred Groves of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Botanical Name Vernacular Family

No. Name
1. Abrus precatorius L. Kunni Fabaceae
2. Acampe praemorsa Maravazha Orchidaceae
3. Adenanthera pavonina L. Manchaty Mimosaceae
4. Aglaia elaeagnoidea Punyava Meliaceae
5. Alangium salvifolium Wang. Ankolam Alangiaceae
6. Amorphophallus sylvaticus Kunth. Kattuchena Araceae
7. Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. Arayanjili Moraceae
8. Antidesma menasu Miq. Aattukurinchal Euphorbiaceae
9. Barleria montana Nees. Karikurinji Acanthaceae
10. Bulbophyllum nilghirrense W. Mookittakaya Orchidaceae
11. Calycopteris floribunda Lam. Pullanji Combretaceae
12. Chasalia curviflora Thw. Velutha amalpori Rubiaceae
13. Cissampelos pareira L. Malathangi Menispermaceae
14. Cissus sps Chandravalli
kizhangu Vitaceae
15. Clerodendron viscosum Perungilam Verbenaceae
16. Costus speciosus Sm. Channakkoova Zingiberaceae
17. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Nilappana Amaryllidaceae
18. Curcuma cannoorensis Kalamukham Zingiberaceae
19. Curcuma digantha Kalamukham Zingiberaceae
20. Cyathula prostrata Bl. Cherukatalaty Amaranthaceae
21. Desmodium gangeticum DC. Oarila Fabaceae
22. Dioscorea bulbifera L. Kattukachil Dioscoreacea
23. Ficus asperima Roxb. Thaerakan/Paron Moraceae
24. Gloriosa superba Menthonni Liliaceae
25. Glycosmis pentaphylla Corr. Kurumpanal Rutaceae
26. Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. Nannari Asclepiadaceae
27. Holaarhena arnottiana Hk.f. Cheru Anacardiaceae
28. Hydnocarpus alpina.W. Marotti Flacourtiaceae
29. Ichnocarpus fruitescens R.Br. Palmuthuck Apocynaceae
159
30. Ipomaea pes-tigris L. Pulichuvaty Convolvulaceae
31. Ixora brachiata Roxb. Marachethy Rubiaceae
32. Ixora coccinea L. Kattuchecky Rubiaceae
33. Jasminum malabaricum W. Kathambavalli Oleaceae
34. Lepidagathis keralensis Nonganam pullu Acanthaceae
35. Lannea coromandalica Meril. Karayam Anacardiaceae
36. Listea sp. Karotta Lauraceae
37. Melastoma malabathricum L. Athirani Melastomaceae
38. Memecylon malabaricum Cogn. Koovachecky Melastomaceae
39. Merremia umbellata Hall.f. Prasarini Convolvulaceae
40. Monocharia vaginalis Presl. Karimkoovalam Pontederiaceae
41. Mucuna pruriens Baker. Naykurna Fabaceae
42. Musa superba Roxb. Kalluvazha Musaceae
43. Mussaenda frondosa L. Vellila Rubiaceae
44. Naravelia zeylanica DC. Vathakodi/
Soothravalli Ranunculaceae
45. Olea dioica Roxb. Edana Oleaceaea
46. Oldenlandia umbellata L. Parppadakapullu Rubiaceae
47. Pavetta indica L. Pavatta Rubiaceae
48. Persea macrantha Kulirmavu Lauraceae
49. Piper nigrum L. Kattukurumulaku Piperaceae
50. Pothos scandens L. Aanapparuva Araceae
51. Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. Amalppori Apocynaceae
52. Rhaphidophora pertusa Schott. Udayarvalli Araceae
53. Salacia reticulata W. Aakanayakam Hippocrateaceae
54. Santalum album L. Chandanam Santalaceae
55. Selaginella sp. Seevothippacha Selaginellaceae
56. Tinospora malabaricum Kattamruth Menispermaceae
57. Uvaria narum Wall Narumpanal Anonaceae
58. Vernonia cinerea Less. Poovamkurunthal Asteraceae
59. Vigna sublobata Kattuzhunnu Fabaceae
60. Zingiber zerumbet Sm. Malayinchi Zingiberaceae
61. Zizyphus oenoplia Mill. Choorikotta Rhamnaceae
62. Zizyphus rugosa Lam. Kottamullu Rhamnaceae
160
Table 19 Butterflies recorded from Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl.No Scientific name Common name Family

1. Limemtis procis Cramer Commander Nymphalidae
2. Neptis hylas Common Sailer Nymphalidae
3. Neptis jumbah Chestnut streaked
Sailer Nymphalidae
4. Hypolimnas misippus Linnaeus Danaid Egg fly Nymphalidae
5. Hypolimnas bolina Linnaeus Great Egg Fly Nymphalidae
6. Precis almana Linnaeus Peacock Pansy Nymphalidae
7. Precis lemonias Linnaeus Lemon Pansy Nymphalidae
8. Precis orithya Linnaeus Blue Pansy Nymphalidae
9. Precis hierta Fabicius Yellow Pansy Nymphalidae
10. Precis iphita Cramer Chocolate Pansy Nymphalidae
11. Precis albites Johanssen Grey Pansy Nymphalidae
12. Cirrochroa thais Fabricius Tamil Yeoman Nymphalidae
13. Telchinia violae Fabricius Tawny Castor Nymphalidae
14. Ergolis merione Cramer Common Castor Nymphalidae
15. Ergolis ariadne Johanssen Angled Castor Nymphalidae
16. Euthalia lepidea Butler Grey Count Nymphalidae
17. Syntarucus plinius Fabricius Zebra blue Lycaenidae
18. Jamides celeno Common cerulean Lycaenidae
19. Curetis thetis brury Indian Sunbeam Lycaenidae
20. Euchrysops pandava Horesefield Plains cupid Lycaenidae
21. Zizeeria maha Pale grass blue Lycaenidae
22. Loxura atymnus Cramer Yamfly Lycaenidae
23. Neopithecops zalmora Butter Quaker Lycaenidae
24. Chilades laius Cramer Lime blue Lycaenidae
25. Troides helena Linnaeus Southern Bird Wing Papilionidae
26. Tros aristolochiae Fabricius Common Rose Papilionidae
27. Tros hector Linnaeus Crimson Rose Papilionidae
28. Chilasa clytia clytia Common Mime Papilionidae
29. Papilio paris Linaeus Paris Peacock Papilionidae
30. Papilio helena Linnaeus Red Helen Papilionidae
31. Papilio polytes Linnaeus Common Mormon Papilionidae
161
32. Papilio ploymnestor Cramer Blue Mormon Papilionidae
33. Papilio demoleus Linnaeus Lime Butterfly Papilionidae
34. Pathysa nomius Esper Spot Sword tail Papilionidae
35. Zetides doson C&R Felder Common Jay Papilionidae
36. Zetides sarpedon Linnaeus Common Blue bottle Papilionidae
Whites Papilionidae
37. Delias eucharias Drury Common Jezebel Pieridae
38. Hebomoia glaucippe Linnaeus Great orange tip Pieridae
39. Parenonia valeria Cramer Common Wanderer Pieridae
40. Belenois mesentina Moore Pioneer Pieridae
41. Leptosia mina Fabricius Psyche Pieridae
Yellows Pieridae
42. Catopsilla pyrantha Linnaeus Mottled Emigrant Pieridae
43. Catopsilla crocale Cramer Common Emigrant Pieridae
44. Terias brigitta Cramer Small Grass Yellow Pieridae
45. Terias hecabe Linnaeus Common Grass Pieridae
Yellow
46. Danais chrysippus Linnaeus Plain Tiger Danaidae
47. Danais melissa Cramer Dark Blue Tiger Danaidae
48. Danais plexippus Linnaeus Common Tiger Danaidae
49. Euploea core Cramer Common Indian Danaidae
Crow
50. Euploea coreta Godart Double Branded Danaidae
black crow
51. Mycalesis mineus Linnaeus Dark brand Bush Satyridae
brown
52. Ypthima hubneri Common Four ring Satyridae
53. Orsotrioena medus Fabricius Nigger Satyridae
54. Melanitia leda Drury Common Evening
Brown Satyridae
55. Elymnias hypermnestra Common Palm fly Satyridae
caudata Linnaeus
56. Matapa aria Moore Common Redeye Hesperiidae
162
Table 20 Freshwater Fishes of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl.no. Scientific name Common Name Vernacular Name

1. Heteropneustes fossilis Stinging Cat fish Kadu
The brown/reddish brown
colour is their juvenile
colouration
2. Channa gachua Snake headed fish Kayichal
3. Clarias dussumieri Muzu
4. Silurus wayanadensis Wayanad silurus Changali Etta
5. Arius sp Catfish Etta
6. Megalops cyprinoides Ox-eyed herring Valathan
7. Rosbora daniconius Common Rasbora Thuppalothy
8. Xenentodon cancila Gar fish Kokki
9. Wallago attu Boal Vala
10. Syllago sihama Lady fish Nangol
11. Stolephorus commersonianus Anchovie Nathal
12. Labeo fimbriatus Fringe tripped carp
163
Table 21 Brackishwater fishes of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl.No Scientific name Common Name Vernacular Name

1. Uropterygius marmoratus Malanjil
2. Escualosa thoracata Natthal
3. Stolephorus commersonii Natthal
4. Stolephorus indicus Natthal
5. Puntius sarana subnasutus Olive carp Karuva paral
6. Mystus gulio Long whiskered Koori
cat fish
7. Hyporhamphus limbatus Pipe fish Koyala
8. Xenentodon cancila Garpike Kolah
9. Ambassis commersoni
10. Terapon jarbua
11. Caranx ignobilis Manang
12. Leiognathus brevirostris Pondy fish Mullan
13. Gerres filamentosus Silver perch Prachil/Madali
14. Gerres limbatus Silver perch Prachil/Madali
15. Upeneus sulphureus Goat fish
16. Etroplus suratensis Pearl spot Karimeen/Erimeen
17. Etroplus maculatus Orange chromide Choottachi/Pallathi
18. Stenogobius malabaricus Malabar gobi Kurudan
19. Liza parsia Grey mullet Thirutha
20. Liza tade Red mullet Kanambu
21. Mugil cephalus Flat headed mullet Malan
22. Glossogobius giuris Bar eyed gobi Pottan payathi
23. Siganus vermiculatus White spotted spine Karadumeen
24. Cynoglossus cynoglossus Malabar sole Nang
25. Euryglossa orientalis Oriental sole
26. Batrachus grunniens Toad fish Thavala pothal
27. Trypanchen sp. Burrowing Gobi Chettu Aral
28. Arius sp. Cat fish Etta
29. Tiger fish Keeran
30. Chanos chanos Milk fish Poomeen
31. Oreochromis mossambica Mozambique cuhlet Thilapia
164
32. Muraena sp. Eel Malanjal
33. Elotris fusca Nangal
34. Thrissocles malabaricus Malabar anchovy Manang
35. Secutor sp. Silver belly Mullan
36. Scatophagusargus Spotted argus Kachai
37. Lutianus argentimaculatus Red snapper Chemballi
38. Lutianus malabaricus Malabar snapper Chemballi
39. Platycephalus indicus Plough fish Korappan
40. Psettodus erumi Halibat Manthal
41. Peleropsis frondosus Devil fish Kakkuman
42. Carangdides sp. Perches Prachi
43. Lactarias lactarias White fish Kadu
44. Pampus chinensis Silver pomfret Akoli
45. Pampus argentius Brown pomfret Akoli
46. Rasbora daniconius Common Rasbora Pullan
47. Parastromatus niger
Table 22 Snakes recorded from Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Scientific name Common name Vernacular name Poisonous/ No.

Non-
poisonous
1. Typhlops sp Blind snake Kurudi pambu Non-poisonous
2. Erix conicus Russels Earth Boa Mannooli pambu Non-poisonous
3. Eryx johni John’s Earth Boa Iruthalayan pambu Non-poisonous
4. Python morulus Indian Python Malam pambu Non-poisonous
5. Elaphae helena Trinket snake Kattu pambu Non-poisonous
6. Coluber mucosus Dhaman or Chera Non-poisonous
Common rat snake
7. Dendrelaphis tristis Common Indian Villoonni Non-poisonous
Bronze Back or
Tree Snake
8. Lycodon aulicus Common Wolf Shangu varayan Non-poisonous
Snake
9. Xenochrophis Checkered Neerkoli Non-poisonous
piscator Keel Back
10. Boiga trigonata Indian Gamma Non-poisonous
or Cat Snake
165
11. Ahaetulla nasutus Common Green Pachila pambu Non-poisonous
Whip Snake
12. Bungarus caeruleus Common Indian Valaya pambu Poisonous
Krait
13. Naja naja Indian Cobra Moorkan/ Sarpam Poisonous
14. Vipera russelli Russels viper Mandali, Anali Poisonous
15. Trimiresurus Rock Pit Viper Paramandali Poisonous
malabaricus
Table 23 Birds of Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl. Scientific name Common Name Vernacular Name Family

No.
1. Gallopardis spadicea Red spur fowl Mullan Kozhi Phasianidae
2. Gallus sonneratia Grey jungle fowl Kattu Kozhi Phasianidae
3. Dendrocygna Lesser Choolan eranda Dendro
javanica Whistling teal cygnidae
4. Picumnus Speckled piculet Maramkothi Picidae
Innominatu chinnan
smalayorum
5. Dinopium Lesser Nattu Picidae
benghalense Golden Backed maram Kothi
Tehminae Woodpecker
6. Hemicirars cammente Heart spotted Chithrangun Picidae
cammente wood pecker marumkothi
7. Viridis Small green Chinna
barbet kutturuvan
8. Rubricapilla Crimson Aalkkili
malabarica throated barbet
9. Magalaima Crimson Chempukotti Megalaimidae
haemacephala indica breasted barbet
10. Upupa epops Hoopoe Uppooppan Upupidae
ceylonensis
11. Coracias Indian roller Panamkakka Coraciidae
benghalensis indica
166
12. Alcedo atthis . Common king Cheriya Alcedinidae
taprobana fisher meenkothia
13. Pelargopsis capensis Stork billed Kakameenkothi Dacelonidae
capensis kingfisher
14. Halcyon smyrnensis White breasted Meenkothi chathan Dacelonidae
fusca kingfisher
15. Halcyon pileata, Black capped Karinthalayan Dacelonidae
kingfisher meenkothi
16. Ceryle rudis Travancore pied Pullimeenkothi Cerylidae
travancoreansis kingfisher
17. Merops orientalis Small green Nattuveli thatha Meropidae
orientalis bee- eater
18. Merops philippinus Blue tailed Valiyaveli thatha Meropidae
philippinus bee-eater
19. Cuculis varius varius Common hawk- Pekkuyil Cuculidae
cuckoo
20. Cacomantis Indian banded by Chenkuyil Cuculidae
sonneratii Cuckoo
21. Eudynamis Koel Nattukuyil Cuculidae
scolopacea scolopacea (Asian koel)
22. Cuculis micropterus Indian cockoo Chakkaikku cuculidae
micropterus ppundokuyil
23. Centropus Sinensis Crow-Pheasant Chempothu Centropodidae
Parroti or Coucal
24. Loriculus Vernalis Indian Lorikeet Thatha Chinnan Psittaidae
Vernates
25. Psittacula Krameri Rose ringed Mothirathatha Psisttaidae
maniflensis Parakeet
26. Psittacula Blossom
Cyanocephata Headed Poomthatha Psisttaidae
Cynacephata Parakeet
27. Collocalia unicolor Indian Edible- Chithra Koodam Appodidae
nest Swiftlet Sharappakshi
28. Cypsiurus Balasiensis Palm Swift Panankoolan Appodidae
29. Tachymarptis melba Alpine swift Vellavarayan Appodidae
sharappakshi
30. Apus affinis affinis House swift Appodidae
167
31. Hemiprocne caronata Crested Kompan Hemiprocnidae
tree swift sharapakshi
32. Tyto alba stertens Barn owl Velli moongha Tytonidae
33. Otus bakkamoena Collared Chevian nattu Strigidae
bakkamoena scops owl
34. Ketupa zeylonensis Brown fish owl Meenmoongha Strigidae
35. Strix ocellata Mottled Kalankozhi Strigidae
ocellata wood owl
36. Strix leptogrammica Brown Kollikkuravan Strigidae
indranee wood owl
37. Glaucidium radiatum Jungle owlet Chempen nattu Strigidae
malabaricum
38. Athene brama brama Spotted owlet Pulinattu Strigidae
39. Caprimulgus asiaticus Common Indian Nattu rachukku Caprimulgidae
asiaticus Nightjar
40. Columbia Livia Blue Rock Madapravu, Columbidae
intermedia Pigeon Ambalapravu
41. Streptopelia Chinengis Spotted Dove Aripravu Columbidae
Suratensis
42. Chalcophaps indica Emerald or Omanapravu Columbidae
indica Bronze
winged Dove
43. Amaurornis White breasted Kulakkozhi Rallidae
Phoenicurus Waterhen
Phoenicurus
44. Porzana fusca Ruddy Crake Chuvanna Rallidae
zeylonia nellikozhi
45. Gallicrex cinerea Kora or Theeppori Rallidae
Watercock Kannan
46. Porphyrio Porphyria Purple Moorhen Neelakozhi Rallidae
Poliocephalus
47. Gallinula Chloropus Indian Moorhen Pattakozhi Rallidae
indica
48. Gallinago gallinago Fantail snipe Vishahi valen Scolopacidae
gallinago chundrakada
49. Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Thettikokkan Scolopacidae
phaeopus
168
50. Numenius arquata Curlew Valkokkan Scolopacidae
orientalis
51. Tringa totanus totanus Common Chorakkali Scolopacidae
red shank
52. Tringa stagnatilis Marsh sandpiper Chattuppan Scolopacidae
53. Tringa nebularia Green shank Pachakkali Scolopacidae
54. Tringa ochropus Green sandpiper Karimpan Scolopacidae
kadakokku
55. Tringa hypoleucos Common Neerkakka Scolopacidae
hypoleucos sandpiper
56. Calidris minnata Little stint Kuruvi Scolopacidae
manaloothi
57. Hydrophasianus Pheasant – Valan Jacanidae
chirurgus tailed jacana thamarakozhi
58. Metopidius indicus Bronze winged Nadan Jacanidae
jacana thamarakozhi
59. Himantopus Black winged stilt Pavizhakkali Charadridae
himantopus
himantopus
60. Pluvialis fulva Eastern golden Ponmanal kozhi Charadridae
plover
61. Charadrius dubius Little ringed Attumanal kozhi Charadridae
jerdoni plover
62. Charadrius Kentish plover Cherumanal kozhi Charadridae
alexandrinus
63. Charadrius mongolos Lesser sand Mongolian Charadridae
atrifons plover manalkozhi
64. Vanellus malabaricus Yellow wattled Mnjakkanni Charadridae
lapwing thithiri
65. Vanellus indianus Red wattled Chorakkanni Charadridae
indianus lapwing thithiri
66. Glareola lactea Small Indian Cheriya Glariotidae
pratincole meeval kada
67. Larus ichthyactus Great black Valiya Laridae
headed gull kadal kaka
68. Larus brunnicephalus Brown headed Thavittuthalayan Laridae
gull kadlkaka
169
69. Larus ridibundus Blackheaded Cheriya kadlkaka Laridae
ridibundus gull
70. Sterna nlotica Gull billed tern Patha kokkan Laridae
aala
71. Sterna caspia Caspian tern Valiyachem Laridae
kokkanaala
72. Sterna aurantia Indian river tern Puzha aala Laridae
73. Sterna benghalensis Indian lesser Cheriya kadal Laridae
benghalensis crested tern aala
74. Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered tern Kari aala Laridae
indicus
75. Pandion haliactus Osprey Thalipparunth Accipitridae
haliactus
76. Elanus caeruleus Blackwinged kite Velli eriyan Accipitridae
vociferus
77. Milvus migrans Pariah kite Chakki parunth Accipitridae
78. Haliastur indus indus Brahminy kite Krishna pparunth Accipitridae
79. Haliaster leucogaster Whitebellied Vellavayaran Accipitridae
sea eagle kadalpparunth
80. Spilornis cheela Crested serpent Chuttipparunth Accipitridae
melanotis eagle
81. Circus aeruginosus Marsh harrier Karithappi Accipitridae
aeruginosus
82. Cirrus macrourus Pale harrier Meduthappi Accipitridae
83. Accipiter badius Shikra Prappidian shikra Accipitridae
badius
84. Phalacrocorax niger Little cormorant Cheriya neerkaka Phalacroc-
oracidae
85. Egretta garzetta Little Egret Chinna mundi Ardeidae
garzetta
86. Egretta gularis Indian reef Thira mundi Ardeidae
schistacea Heron
87. Ardea cinerea Grey heron Chara mundi Ardeidae
rectirostris
88. Ardea Purpurea Purple Heron Chaya mundi Ardeidae
manilensis
89. Casmerodius albus Large Egret Perumundi Ardeidae
170
90. Mesophoyx inter Media Egret Cheru mundi Ardeidae
media
91. Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Kalimundi Ardeidae
coromandus
92. Ardeola grayii grayii Pond Heron Kulakokku Ardeidae
93. Butorides Striatus Little Green Chinnakokku Ardeidae
Heron
94. Nyeticorax nycticorax Night Heron Pathirakokku Ardeidae
nycticorax
95. Ixobrychus sinensis Yellow Bittern Manjakocha Ardeidae
96. Ixobrychus Chestnut Bittern Mazhakocha Ardeidae
cinnamomeus (Guelin)
97. Ixobrychus flavicollis Black Bittern Kalinkochu Ardeidae
flavicollis
98. Pitta brachyura Indian Pitta Kavi Pittidae
brachyura
99. Chloropsis Jerdon’s Nadan Irenidae
cochinchinensis chloropsis
jeadoni
100 Lanius Cristatus Brown shrike Thavidan Shrike Laniidae
Cristatus
101 Lanius schach Rufousbacked Charakuttay Laniidae
camicaps shrike Shrike
102 Dendrocitta Indian Tree Pie Aulenjali Corvidae
Vagabunda Parvula
103 Corvus splendens House crow Pentakakka Corvidae
protegatus
104 Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle crow Balikakka Corvidae
culminatus
105 Artamus fuscus Ashy swallow Innakkathevan Corvidae
shrike
106 Oriolus oriolus Golden oriole Manjakkili Corvidae
kundoo
107 Oriolus xanthormus Black headed Manjakaruppam Corvidae

xanthormus oriole
108 Coracina macei Large Cuckoo- Charappoondan Corvidae
Shrike
171
119 Pericrocotus Small Minivet Theechinnan Corvidae
cinnamomeus
malabaricus
110 Pericrocotus Scarlet Minivet Theekkuruvi Corvidae
flammeus flammeus
111 Dicrurus macrocercus Black drongo Aanaranchi Corvidae
112 Dicrurus leucophaus Grey or Ashy Kakkathampuran Corvidae
longicaudatus Drongo
113 Dicrurus paradisens Greater Racket- Kadumuzhakki Corvidae
paradisens tailed Drongo
114 Terpsiphone paradisi Paradise Fly Nakamohan Corvidae
Catcher
115 Aegithina tiphia Common Iora Iora Corvidae
multicolor
116 Tephrodornis gularis Malabar wood Asurakkadan Corvidae
Shrike
117 Tephrodornis Common wood Asurakkadan Corvidae
pondicerianus shrike
pondicerianus
118 Muscicapa dauurica Brown Fly Thavittu Muscicapidae
catcher pattapidian
119 Copsychus Saularis Magpie Robin Mannathipullu Muscicapidae
ceylonensis
120 Saxicolodes fulicata Indian Robin Kalmannathi Muscicapidae
fulicata
121 Saxicola Caprata Pied Bush Chat Chutteenthalak Muscicapidae
nilgriensis kili
122 Sturnus malabaricus Grey headed Charathalakkali Sturnidae
malabaricus myna
123 Achridotheres tristis Common myna Nattumyna Sturnidae
tristis
124 Acridotheres fusanus Jungle myna Kinnarimyna Sturnidae
maharattensis
125 Hirundo rustica Eastern Swallow Vayalkkothi Hirundinidae
gutturalis Kathirika
126 Hirundo Smithii Wire tailed Kampivallan Hirundinidae
filifera swallow Kathirikakili
172
127 Hirundo danrica Striated or Varayan Hirundinidae
erythropygia Red rumped Kathirika
Swallow
128 Pycnonotus jocosus Red Whiskered Irattathalachi Pycnonotidae
fuscicandatus Bulbul
129 Pycnonotus cafer Red vented Nattubulbul Pycnonotidae
cafer Bulbul
130 Iole indica Yellow Browed Manja chinnan Pycnonnotidae
Bulbul
131 Acrocephalus Blyth’s Reed Eatapolippan Sylviidae
dumetorum Warbler
132 Acrocephalus Indian Great Kaithakallan Sylviidae
Stentoreus Reed Warbler
brunnescens
133 Orthotomus sutorius Tailor Bird Thunnaram Sylviidae
guzuratus
134 Phylloscopus Greenish Leaf Ilam Patcha Sylviidae
trochiloides warbler podikkuruvi
135 Turdoides striatus Jungle Babbler Kariyilakkili Sylviidae
malabaricus
136 Turdoides affinis White Headed Poothenkeeri Sylviidae
affinis Babbler
137 Mirafra assamica Bush Lark Chempenpadi Alaudidae
affinis
138 Erumopterix grisea Ashy crowned Karivayaran Alaudidae
finch-lark vanampadi
139 Galerida malabarica Malabar Kompan Alaudidae
Crested Lark Vanampadi
140 Dicacm crythror- Tickell’s Flower Chenkokkan Nectarinidae
hynchos crythror- Pecker Ithikanni kkuruvi
hynchos
141 Nectarinia zeylonica Purple rumped Manjathenkili Nectarinidae
flaviventrus sunbird
142 Nectarinia asiatica Purple sunbird Karuppamthenkili Nectarinidae

asiatica
143 Nectarinia lotenia Loten’s sunbird Kokkenthenkili Nectarinidae
hindustanica
173
144 Passer domesticus House sparrow Angadikkuruvi Passeridae
indicus
145 Motacilla Large Pied Valiyavalukulukki Passeridae
maderaspatensis Wagitail
146 Motacilla cinerea Grey wagtail Vazhikulikki Passeridae
cinerea
147 Proceis philippinus Travancore Baya Aattakkuruvi Passeridae
travancorcensis (Baya weaver)
148 Lonchura striate White backed Aattakkaruppan Passeridae
striate munia
149 Lonchura Punctulata Spotted Munia Chuttiyatta Passeridae
punctulata
150 Lonchura malacca Black headed Aattachempan Passeridae
malacca Munia
Table 24 Smaller Mammals recorded from Kalliasseri Panchayat
Sl.no Scientific name Common name Vernacular name

Cat
1. Felis chaus Jungle cat Kattupoocha
Civets
2. Viverricula indica Small Indian Civet Meru
3. Paradoxurus Toddy cat/Common Kallukudiyan veruku
hermaphroditus Palm Civet
Mongoose
4. Herpestes edwardsi Common Mangoose Keeri
Canid
5. Canis aureus Jackal
Otter
6. Lutra perspicillata Smooth Indian Otter Neer nai

Ground Shrew
7. Suncus murinus Grey Musk shrew Nacheli, Mochan
Bats
8. Pteropus giganteus Indian Flying Fox Vowval
174
9. Cynopterus spinx l Short Nosed Fruit bat
10. Rousettus leschenaulti Fulvous Fruit bat
11. Kerivoula picta pallas Painted bat
Rodents
12. Funambulus palmarum Three striped palm squirrel Annarakkannan
13. Mus booduga Indian Field Mouse Chundeli
14. Mus musculus House Mouse Chundeli
15. Bandicota bengalensis Bandicoot rat Peruchazhi
16. Rattus rattus Linnaeus Common House rat Eli
17. Tatera indica Indian Gerbille
(Antelope Rat)
18. Hystrix indica Indian Porcupine Mullan panni
Hare
19. Lepus nigricollis Black naped hare Moyal
nigricollis
175
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Biological Diversity of Kerala: A survey of

Kalliasseri panchayat, Kannur district

Discussion Paper No. 62

Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development

ISBN No: 81-87621-65-6

KRPLLD 2004 0500 ENG

2 Objectives and method 16

3 Studies on biodiversity in India: an overview 19

4 Socio-economic profile of study area 25

7 Cultural heritage and lifestyle 66

8 Summary and conclusions 85

Appendix I Convention on biological diversity 90

Effective utilisation of biodiversity determines prosperity. This is so because of the limitless

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: It was Dr M. P. Parameswaran who encouraged me to take up research on

T.P. Sreedharan is Former Head, Department of Zoology, Payyannur College, Payyannur.

Biodiversity – Indian scenario

Genetic Diversity In India

Source: Jaivavaividhyam (Malayalam), 1996, TBGRI.

Group No. of species No. of species (SW) SI/SW(%)

Biodiversity hot spots in India

1994 IUCN Red List Threat Category

Group Endangered Vulnerable Rare Indeterminate Insufficiently

Biodiversity: Kerala scenario

Forest resources of Kerala:

Table 1.3 Forest Types of Kerala

No Category Area in km2

Source: Jaivavaividhyam (Malayalam), 1996, TBGRI.

(1) Development of Agriculture and Horticulture: - High demographic pressure

(2) Development of Industries: -The establishment of industries such as tiles and

(3) Development of transport and communication facilities: -The development

Vascular plants of Kerala

Table 1.4 Diversity of Vascular Plants in Kerala

Traditional forest management efforts began in India in 1860. Conservation of biodiversity

The pioneer in participatory studies on bio-diversity is Pattuvam panchayat (Taliparambu

An important component of the programme was documentation of the knowledge of the

1. Preparation of an inventory on the flora and fauna of Kalliasseri Panchayat,

An extensive study on Diversity and Conservation of Carnivore Mammals in India was

Biodiversity Wealth and Its Conservation by Manoharan, et al (1986)

Thankaimoni (1987) in ‘Mangrove Palynology’ has conducted in-depth research on ‘Spores

Studies on ‘Sacred Groves of Kerala with particular reference to Conservation of Rare,

Cultivated Plants: Their Uses and Conservation

The land reforms conferred ownership on tenants on payment of a nominal compensation to

Map 1 Landforms in Kalliasseri Panchayat

Table 4.1 Population in Kalliasseri, 1971, 1981 and 1991

Year House Male Female Total Average Growth in

1971 2479 7945 8452 16397 6.61 -

Table 4.2 Productivity of Major Crops

Rice 1666 kg/ha 1958 kg/ha

Table 4.3 Classification of Land Resource in the area

Sl.No Type of land Area % of total

Kalliasseri and Chandroth Kannan

With animals disappearing as an essential component of primary systems, and their

Sl. No. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Status

Kalliasseri panchayat is such a human-habited area. Plant diversity in this panchayat is

The seed-keeping technology of the people is appreciable. Their traditional technology to

Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Useful

Table 5.3 Fruit Crops

Sl. Botanical name Family Vernacular Availability

1) Kunjinellu 2) Chitteni 3) Varocky