Plant Science Research, Vol. 35, 2013

Plant diversity in the coastal region of Odisha with special reference to the medicinal plants

India is a country of great diversity in its tradition, culture, language, geography, climate and vegetation. The peninsular India is having a coast line of 5690 Km of which 482 Km long Oidsha coast experiences the sub-humid climate showing strand and estuary vegetation due to the major rivers like; the Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani, the Mahanadi, the Devi and the Rushikulya contributing to the coastal plain of Odisha and making it the “Rice Bowl” of the State.The floristic account in the deltaic region of the coast line comprising of four erstwhile major districts of the state like Baleswar, Cuttack, Puri and Ganjam have revealed 332 species belonging to 200 genera and 82 families. Plants belonging to different habit and habitat and plant parts like stem, root, leaf, flower, bud, fruit and twig etc. were also recorded. The role of the local healers, ayurvedic practitioners, experienced men and women making traditional healthcare were also noted.The importance of the medicinal plants used by the rural and tribal people have also been highlighted during the present investigation.