Major Biodiversity of Poovar beach along the Neyaar River: a tourism destination of Kerala

Padma Mahanti

1.        Department of Environment and Climate Change, Trivandrum-695024, Kerala
Email: padma.mahanti@gmail.com

Abstract

The biodiversity of brackish water (BW) is always showing the virginity in the exploration of flora and fauna. BW is also the harbor of many medicinal plants, avifauna and other taxa. Due to salinity, plants develop the defense mechanisms by synthesizing some secondary metabolites which show the medicinal potential for the human beings. During a weekend visit along the Neyaar River, we could identify many beneficial indicators of rich biodiversity near Poovar beach. It is a prime tourist destination near the capital of the state of Kerala. A cursory observation revealed that the most prominent flora are Cerbera odollam, Barringtonia racemosa, Cocos nucifera etc and most visible avifauna are Haliastur indus, Corvus splendens, Bubulcus ibis, Ardeola grayii etc. It was also observed that the place is a prime tourist destination of the Capital of said state and the movement of the water boat have been disturbing the balance of the ecosystem. The present study highlights the importance of the area as rich biodiversity spot and recommends the needed action for the conservation of BW ecosystems. 

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Family: Verbenaceae 
it is usually found along country roadsides and it grows also well as a ruderal plant on disturbed terrain. It is an invasive species in some places.The fresh leaves are consumed in bush tea as a “cooling” tonic and blood cleanser, to treat “asthma” and “ulcerated stomachs.

Hemidesmus indicus

Family: Asclepiadoideae 
The stem and branches of H. indicus twine anticlockwise, and are profusely laticiferous, elongate, narrow, teret and wiry of deep purple or purplish brown colour with the surface slightly ridged at the nodes. Roots are woody, slender and aromatic. Roots smell similar to camphor, hence the plant is also known as Kapoori. 
The extracts from the root are used as a coolant and a blood-purifier and also used in many other forms, especially as refreshing syrup with sugar and a dash of lemon (Sharbat), and served at most small refreshment shops in South India.

Argemone mexicana

Family: Papaveraceae

An extremely hardy pioneer plant, it is tolerant of drought and poor soil, often being the only cover on new road cuttings or verges. It has bright yellow latex, and though poisonous to grazing animals, is rarely eaten.

Seeds contain 22–36% of a pale yellow non-edible oil, called argemone oil or katkar oil, which contains the toxic alkaloids sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine. The last major outbreak in India occurred in 1998. 1% adulteration of mustard oil by argemone oil has been shown to cause clinical disease. in India, Argemone oil is mixed with sunflower oil and sesame oil to increase the quantity, but this adulteration causes health disorders and renowned brands display "no argemone oil" to qualify purity. Argemone mexicana may be a suitable first-aid treatment in rural areas when access to other better antimalarials is delayed.

Celastrus paniculatus

Family: Celastraceae
Local Name: Pengu
Deciduous vine with stems up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter and 6 m (20 ft) long with rough, pale brown exfoliating bark covered densely with small, elongated lenticles. The leaves are simple, broad, and oval, obovate or elliptic in shape, with toothed margins.
The plant, which is widely known as the “intellect tree,” is used to both sharpen mental focus and relax the nerves. elastrus paniculatus seeds can also reduce cholesterol.

Costus speciosus

Family: Costaceae
Local: Kaukauka
Cheilocostus speciosus differs from the common ginger by having only one row of spirally arranged leaves. The species reproduces vegetatively by rhizome, and birds disperse the seeds when they feed on the fruits. The habitat where this species is found is roadside ditches and low-lying areas in the forest. The flowering season starts after the rainy season, from October to December.The plant has many historical uses in Ayurveda, where the rhizome has been used to treat fever, rash, asthma, bronchitis, and intestinal worms. It is mentioned in the Kama Sutra as an ingredient in a cosmetic to be used on the eyelashes to increase sexual attractiveness.