American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 15 (7): 1312-1322, 2015 ISSN 1818-6769 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.aejaes.2015.15.7.12645

Climbing of the Southern Western Ghats of Coimbatore in and Their Economic Uses

A. Sarvalingam and A. Rajendran

Department of Botany, Bharathiar University Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: The present paper focuses on diversity of climbers and their ethno-botanical uses of 156 species under 83 genera belonging to 26 families. Most number of species was recorded in the family Convolvulaceae (35-species) followed by Fabaceae (26) and Asclepiadiaceae (22). The ascending plants (incl. lianes) are segregated into five types based on their climbing modes. Incorporating the ecological strategies of the climbers to the changing environmental conditions, of the total species recorded, 79 (50%)-species twined around the host plants, 7(5%) plants used hooks, 27(17%) plants used tendrils, 38(24%) plants used Woody stems and only 6(4%) plants used Prostrate climbing the host plants. They are used for different ailments in the present study belong to 57 are medicinal (include ethnoveterinary), 29 Ornametal, Edible 14 and 7 multiple purposes as well as of economic utility.

Key words: Diversity Climbers Economic use Southern Western Ghats Tamil Nadu

INTRODUCTION Climbers are the most threatened group of plants because they are first to be decimated in a silviculturally managed ‘The ecology of lianas is virtually blank’. ‘They have forest. been no less neglected by collectors, quite probably The species diversity and abundance of lianas lianas are the most under collected of any major habit depend upon several key abiotic factors which include group of plants” [1]. They are in the wild and generally total precipitation, seasonality of rainfall, soil fertility and utilize the neighbouring plants as external supporting disturbance [6]. They occur in all woody ecosystem of structures to ascend [2] and also one of the most common world although high climbers play an important ecological and important plant life forms in tropical forest role in forest ecosystem dynamics and functioning. More ecosystems, an important constituent of the total recently, lianas have been included in systematic biodiversity. Their size, situation and relative abundance sampling programmes [7, 8, 9]. The early and somewhat contribute to the total character of several types of forests sound classification of climbers is that of who categorized [3]. them into scrambles, root climbers, twines and tendril Climbers are rooted in the ground but need support climbers [10]. for their weak stems [4]. They not only form an important Climbing or veining habit is a wonderful example of structural component but also play an important economy of nature. It allows a plant to attain maximum ecological role in the forest dynamics and nutrient exposure to sunlight, water and nutrients with minimum recycling within these ecosystems. However, in many expense in vegetation support. They contribute forest inventories during the last decades, lianas are sustainability to canopy closure after tree fall and help to ignored [5] in contrast to herb, shrubs and trees. The stabilize the microclimate underneath. Lianas in particular overall low attention to lianas is most probably due to add considerably to forest plant diversity and provide their low microeconomic importance. Also difficulties in valuable habitat and connections among tree canopies delimiting individuals overall lower minimum size limit in that enable arboreal animals to traverse the tree tops. enumerations and general lack of taxonomic studies Climbers also form an essential part of the diet of many resulted in the exclusion of lianas in many inventories. animals in times of scarcity of flowers and fruits.

Corresponding Author: A. Sarvalingam, Department of Botany, Bharathiar University Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

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Fig. 1: Study Area

In tropical forests, the lianas exhibit diverse Maruthamalai Hills: Consists of an environment of mixed patterns of pollination, dispersal and phenological dry deciduous type of forest at an altitude of 450 MSL, systems apart from providing several material 11.04’E of longitude and 76.93’N latitude (Fig. 1). The resources and playing a crucial role in the maintenance of area has a predominant red soil impregnated with organic biological diversity [11]. Besides, the climbers are part of matter and granite, bed rock is overlaid with shallow, life-form (biological) spectra of forest ecosystems. The sandy loam and glacial soils are moderate to well drained. ecological significance of lianas is an acknowledged Temperature begins increasing after March and April is fact due to the vital role they play through direct and the hottest month with a near daily maximum temperature indirect competition with trees in the functioning of the of 38.2°C and maximum of 25-6 °C [13]. forest ecosystem, being key components of whole forest transpiration, forest regeneration and carbon Velliangiri Hills: Are floristically rich and socio- sequestration [12]. religiously important range of southern Western Ghats situated 40km west of Coimbatore City, Tamil Nadu Study Area: Coimbatore district is situated in the state (Fig. 1b). The study area lies between 60 40’–70 10’E and of Tamil Nadu in Southern India (lies between 10-10' 100 55’–110 10’N between 520–1840 m. A famous temple and 12-00' of Northern latitude and 76 – 40' and of 8-00' of called ‘Velliangiri Aandavar’ temple also called Eastern longitude). It is bordered by the Nilgiris in the “Thenkailayam” (South Kailas) is situated at the peak of North. Erode district in East, Dindigul district in the the hills (1840m). The range of study area consists of south and Kerala in the west. The average rainfall seven hills with different altitudes and topography. received in Coimbatore district is 670- 699 mm for the past twenty years out of the total rainfall 25% is received Madukkarai Hills: The present study was conducted during South West monsoon 49% during Oct-Nov. in several areas of Madukkarai Hills (10°54° N 76°58° E The temperature begins increasing after March. April is and 10.9° N 76.9° E) of Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu, the hottest month with mean daily maximum temperature India (Fig. 1). An average elevation with 615 MSL. of 38.2°C and minimum of 25.6°C. The maximum The temperature varies in the range of 14.9°C to 37.8°C. temperature may go up to 41°C on some days. The The total rainfall in the area is about 574.2 mm. The maximum and minimum temperature is 41.5°C and 16°C average humidity of the area ranges from 29% to 81% respectively. [14,15].

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Anaikatty Hills: The study was undertaken in the species richness in the tropical forests attains 20%. foothills of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Conversely, the climbing habit has evolved independently Ghats (Fig. 1d). The study area is a Scrub Forest (SF) and in genetically unrelated angiosperm families. And, the the Mixed Dry Deciduous Forest (MDDF) in Anaikatty climbers are found in almost all vegetation types Hills, situated at an elevation of about 610-750m above besides the human-made agricultural and horticultural MSL (Fig. 1). The Anaikatty forest is located between landscapes. However, the climbers are found to be more Attapady and North east of Coimbatore. It is about 25km diverse and abundant in disturbed forest sites as they from Coimbatore. This is an undulating terrain comprising better utilize the gaps and the sunlight, perhaps the the foothills and hills, situated between 760 39’ and climate change. Total of 156 climbing species and 760 47’E and from 110 5’ to 110 31’N in Coimbatore infraspecific taxa with vernacular/s, mode of climbing, TamilNadu, Southern India. The Anaikatty hills comes medicinal and economical uses are documented for under the Southern Tropical mixed dry deciduous forest southern western Ghats Coimbatore in the survey type [16]. during 2011-2013 (Table 1; Fig. 5a & b). The Convolvulaceae are the most dominant family with 35 Kanuvai Hills: Is situated at a distance of 15 km away species, closely followed by Fabaceae (26), from Coimbatore. It consists of an environment of scrub Asclepiadiaceae (22), Cucurbitaceae (12), Vitaceae (10), jungles and dry deciduous type of forest at an altitude Oleaceae (9), Menispermaceae (7), Passifloraceae, of 300 - 450 m MSL, 11.04’ E of longitude and 76.93’ N Capparaceae and liliaceae 4 species each, followed by latitude (Fig. 1). The area predominant with red soil Aristolochaceae (3) and the rest of other families one or impregnated with organic matter and granite bedrock two species are present (Fig. 1). is overlaid with shallow, sandy loam and glacial soils are The ascending plants (incl. lianes) are segregated moderate to wet drained [17]. into five types based on their climbing modes largely after Schimper and with some modifications contemplated MATERIALS AND METHODS in the present study. They are: Woody climber; prostrate climbers; Twining climbers; Tendril climbers and Hook The present study is the outcome of intensive and climbers. This classification is still arbitrary and need extensive field survey undertaken from 2010-2013 in to be refined, incorporating the ecological strategies of Anaikkatti, Velliangiri, Madukkarai, Maruthamalai and the climbers to the changing environmental conditions, of Kanuvai Hills of Southern Western Ghats Coimbatore. the total species recorded, 79 (50%)-species twined During the surveys personal Interviewed were conducted around the host plants, 7(5%) plants used hooks, 27(17%) with the village dwellers, village herbalists, herbal plants used tendrils, 38(24%) plants used Woody stems practitioners, elder people and their traditional healers. and only 6(4%) plants used Prostrate climbing the host Each of the plant material was assigned field book number plants (Fig. 2). The study reveals that, twining around the and reported as to family, botanical name of species, host plants was the most common and (50% of the local name (Tamil), part used, method of drug preparation, climbers in the study area adapted this climbing mode of application, dosage and duration were mechanism documented and medicinal uses, plant parts that were Some endemic species viz. collected from the study identified as having use in ethnobotany were collected area, which identified as Endemic to India constituted to and compressed plant species collected were identified Western Ghats. They are Argyreia pomacea (Roxb.) with the help of flora of [18, 19, 20]. Climbing mechanisms (Endemic to South India), A. sericea Dalzell & A. Gibson. were also studied for each species and classified them (Endemic to Western Ghats), Grewia heterotricha Mast. based on observations in the field and reliable references. (Endemic to Western Ghats), Jasminum trichotomum The voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium Heyne ex Roth. (Endemic to Western Ghats), Smilax of Botany Department, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, wightii A. DC., Ceropegia intermedia Wight., Argyreia Tamil Nadu (BUH) for verification of their identity, if cuneata (Willd.), the species Cucumis dipsaceus needed. Ehrenb. ex Spach. of the Cucurbitaceae family first recorded for India [21]; Occurrence of Cissus rotundifolia RESULTS AND DISCUSSION (Forsk) Vahl-Vitaceae in Peninsular India [22] and Ipomoea muelleri Benth. of the Convolvulaceae family is Floristic Composition: The climbing plants in temperate the newly record for Asian Continent were by forests make-up 7% of the regional flora while their respectively [23].

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Table 1: List of climbing species and economical uses. S.No Botanical Name Family Mode of climbing Occurrence Uses 1 Abrus precatorius L. Kundumani Fabaceae HC Throught the hills Seeds are administered to nervous disorders. 2 Acacia caesia Willd. Incha Mimosaceae WC Maruthamalai Stem bark decoction is taken for cough and dysentery. 3 Aerva scandens Wall. Amarathaceae TC Anaikatty - 4 Aganosoma cymosa G. Don. Seellakkodi Asclepiadaceae TC Maruthamalai and Anaikatty Whole plant is used as anthelmintic and ophthalmic. 5 Ampelocissus tomentosa (Heyne ex Roth) Vitaceae TlC Velliangiri - Planch. 6 Argyeria pilosa W. & A. Convolvulaceae WC Anaikatty Used as an ornamental purposes. 7 Argyreia elliptica (Roth) choisy. Convolvulaceae TC Maruthamalai and Anaikatty Fresh leaf juice mixed with dried ginger is applied Thaali vendaankodi externally to cure eye injuries and infections of cattle. 8 Argyreia hirsuta Wight & Arn. Convolvulaceae TC Through the hills - 9 Argyreia involucrata Cl. Convolvulaceae WC Anaikatty Used as ornamental purposes 10 Argyreia pomacea (Roxb.) Choisy. Convolvulaceae WC Through the hills Used as Ornamental purposes 11 Argyreia sericea Dalz. Convolvulaceae TC Anaikatty, Maruthamalai and Used as Ornamental purposes vellaiengiri 12 Argyreia bracteata Choisy Convolvulaceae WC Anaikatty leaves Fodder for goats 13 Argyreia cuneata Ker-Gawl. Convolvulaceae WC Anaikatty leaves Fodder for goats 14 Argyreia lawii Cl. Convolvulaceae WC Anaikatty leaves Fodder for goats 15 Argyreia nellygherrya Choisy Convolvulaceae WC Anaikatty and vellaingiri Used as ornamental purposes 16 Argyreia speciosa Dalz. Convolvulaceae WC Vellaiengiri Used as ornamental purposes 17 Aristolochia bracteata Lam. Aritalochiaceae TC Throught the hills Whole plant juice is applied through nose to cure headache, cold and fever. 18 Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae TC Throught the hills Fresh roots and leaves are ground and mixed with water and given against snake bite. 19 Aristolochia tagala Cham. Aristolochiaceae TC Maruthamalai and Vellaingiri Fresh root is grounded and applied externally against poison bites. 20 Argyeria cymosa Sweet Convolvulaceae TC Madhukkarai - 21 Asparagus asiaticus L. Liliaceae HC Maruthamalai Paste of tender leaf is applied topically on swellings. 22 Asparagus fysoni Macbr. Liliaceae HC Maruthamalai Tuber powder used as a tonic and root eaten as a water purposes 23 Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae HC Throught the hills Ornamental and medicine 24 Atylosia scarabaeoides (L.) Benth. Fabaceae PC Maruthamalai and vellaingiri Fruit used as Vegetable 25 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. Caesalpiniaceae WC Maruthamalai Leaf extract is taken orally to cure dysentery. 26 Calopogonium mucunoides Desv. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai and Madhukkarai - 27 Canavalia mollis Wallich. Fabaceae WC Maruthamalai and Vellaiengiri Fruit used as a food preparation 28 Canavalia virosa (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Fabaceae WC Maruthamalai and Vellaiengiri Fruit used as a food preparation 29 Capparis roxburghii DC. Capparaceae WC Anaikatty - 30 Capparis sepiaria L. Capparaceae WC Maruthamalai, Anaikatty and Leaf and root extract is used to cure skin diseases. Madhukkarai 31 Capparis zeylanica L. Adonodai Capparaceae WC Throught the hills Root paste is applied to snakebite, boils and swellings. 32 Cardiospermum canescens Wall. Sapindaceae TC Throught the hills Fresh leaf juice is taken internally to relieve joint pain. 33 Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Sapindaceae TC Throught the hills Crushed roots are applied on legs to cure swellings. 34 Carissa spinarum L. Capparaceae HC Anaikatty and Maruthamalai Green leaves Fodder for goats and Fodder for sheep 35 Cayratia mollissima (Planch.) Gagna. Vitaceae TLC Vellaiengiri - 36 Ceropegia candelabrum L. Asclepiadaceae TC Madhukkarai Tubers for bowel complaints of children 37 Ceropegia intermedia Wt. Asclepiadaceae TC Anaikatty - 38 Ceropegia juncea Roxb. Asclepiadaceae RC Maruthamalai and Madhukkarai Stem is crushed and the extract is taken along with milk to cure stomach ulcer. 39 Cissampelos pareira L. Menispermaceae TC Throught the hills Leaf decoction is given orally to cure fever. 40 Cissus pallida Planch. Vitaceae TLC Vellaiengiri - 41 Cissus quadrangularis L. Pirandai Vitaceae TlC Throught the hills Tender stem extract is taken orally for stomach pain. 42 Cissus rotundifolia Vitaceae TLC Maruthamalai Used as a ornamental purpose. 43 Cissus setosa Roxb. Vitaceae TlC Madhukarai and Maruthalai Leaves used for washing cattle and vessels 44 Cissus trilobata Lam. Vitaceae TLC Velliangiri - 45 Cissus vitiginea L. Vitaceae TLC Velliangiri Leaves have medicinal value 46 Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mat. Cucurbitaceae TlC Maruthamalai Edible 47 Clematis gouriana Roxb. ex. DC. Ranuculaceae TC Vellaingiri - 48 Clitoria ternatea L. Fabaceae TC Throught the hills Root paste is taken orally cure snake bite. 49 Coccinia grandis (L.) Wight & Arn Cucurbitaceae TlC Throught the hills Fruits consumed orally to control diabetes. 50 Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels. Menispermaceae TC Throught the hills Roots direction is given to cure stomach problems. 51 Cocculus pendulus (J. R. & G. Frost.) Diels. Menispermaceae TC Maruthamalai, Madhukkarai and Anaikatty - 52 Corallocarpus epigaeus Clarke. Cucurbitaceae TlC Maruthamalai Dried root paste is applied externally for joint pains. 53 Cryptolepis buchanani R. & S. Asclepiadaceae TC Vellaingiri - 54 Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb. Cucurbitaceae TlC Maruthamalai Mature Fruit is directly eaten and young fruit is poisonous 55 Cucumis pubescens Willd Cucurbitaceae TLC Vellaingiri - 56 Cucumis trigonus Roxb. Cucurbitaceae TlC Maruthamalai Powdered leaves mixed with honey is taken daily for stomachache 57 Cuscuta campestris Yuncker. Cuscutaceae TC Maruthamalai and Madhukkarai - 58 Cuscuta chinensis Lam. Cuscutaceae RC Maruthamalai and Madhukkarai - 59 Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. Cuscutaceae TC Throught the hills - 60 Cyananccum glacum Asclepiadaceae TC Anaikatty - 61 Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. Menispermaceae TC Maruthamalai and Madhukkarai Root extract is given against snake bite.

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Table 1: Continued 62 Decalpis hamiltonii W. & A. Asclepiadaceae TC Vellaingiri - 63 Desmodium concinnum DC., Fabaceae TC Vellaingiri - 64 Dioscorea oppositifolia L. Dioscoriaceae TC Maruthamalai and Kanuvai The cooked tuber is taken internally for increasing body vigour. 65 Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) Jeffrey. Cucurbitaceae TlC Throught the hills Whole plant juice is given orally for cough. 66 Dolichos trilobus L. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai and Madhukkarai Ornamental purposes and fruit used as a vegetable 67 Dolichos labialis L. Fabaceae WC Vellaingiri Fruit used as a food preparation 68 Eleiotis sororia DC. Fabaceae PC Maruthamalai - 69 Galactia tenuiflora W. & A. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai - 70 Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae TlC Throught the hills Fresh root extract is given to 71 Glycine wightii Grah. Fabaceae TC Through the hills Fruit used as Food preparation 72 Grewia heterotricha Mast. Tiliaceae WC Through the hills Stem bark extract is given orally to cure cough. 73 Gymnema hirsutum W. & A. Asclepiadaceae WC Anaikatty - 74 Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sch. Asclepiadaceae TC Throught the hills Leaf decoction mixed with milk is taken internally to cure diabetes. 75 Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. Asclepiadaceae TC Throught the hills Decoction of roots is taken against snake bite. 76 Hewittia scandens Mabberley Convolvulaceae TC Marhtamalai - 77 Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R. Br. TC Through the hills Root decoction is taken orally to treat diabetes. 78 Ipomoea pes- trigridis L. Convolvulaceae TC Through the hills Powdered leaves are taken orally as an antidote to dog bites and boils. 79 Ipomea quinata R. Br. Convolvulaceae TC Kanuvai and Maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental purposes 80 Ipomoea aquatic Forsk. Convolvulaceae PC Anikatty Uses as Ornamental purposes 81 Ipomoea calycina Cl. Convovulaceae TC Vellaingiri Uses as Ornamental purpose 82 Ipomoea coptica (L.) Roth ex Roem. & Convolvulaceae TC Kanuvai Uses as Ornamental purposes Schult 83 Ipomoea eriocarpa R. Br. Convolvulaceae TC Throught the hills Dried and powdered leaves are given orally with milk to treat rheumatism. 84 Ipomoea hederifolia L. Convolvulaceae TC Maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental purposes 85 Ipomoea hirsuta R. Br. Convolvulaceae TC Maruthamalai, vellaingiri and - Madhukkarai 86 Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq. (Convolvulaceae) TC Maruthamalai and Mathukkarai Root powder is taken orally to control diabetes. 87 Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth Convolvulaceae TC Madhukkarai and Vellaiengiri Whole plant cure ulcer and Used as a ornamental purpose 88 Ipomoea obscura (L.) K. Gawl. Convolvulaceae TC Throught the hills Fresh leaf juice is given to treat stomach ulcer. 89 Ipomoea quamoclit L. Convolvulaceae TC Maruthamalai and Kanuvai Used as Ornamental purposes 90 Ipomoea rumicifolia Choisy Convolvulaceae PC Maruthamalai - 91 Ipomoea sepiaria Koen. Convolvulaceae TC Throught the hills Whole plant used as fodder. 92 Ipomoea staphylina Roem. & Sch. Convolvulaceae WC Throught the hills Latex is applied externally to heal foot cracks. 93 Ipomoea wightii (Wallich) Choisy Convolvulaceae TC Maruthamalai and madhukkarai - 94 Jasminum angustifolium L. Oleaceae WC Maruthamalai and Anaikatty Uses as Ornamental 95 Jasminum auriculatum Vahl Oleaceae WC Throught the hills Uses as Ornamental and Flowers Extraction cure Urinary disorders hair-oil menstruation 96 Jasminum azoricum L. Oleaceae WC Maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental 97 Jasminum cordifolium Wallich Oleaceae WC Maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental 98 Jasminum cuspidatum Rottl. Oleaceae WC Maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental 99 Jasminum grandiflorum L. Oleaceae WC Maruthamalai, madhukkarai and Leaves boiled with water and the extract is used to Anaikatty cure headache. 100 Jasminum malabaricum Wight Oleaceae WC maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental 101 Jasminum sessiliflorum Vahl Oleaceae WC Maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental 102 Jasminum trichotomum Heyne Oleaceae WC Anaikatty Uses as Ornamental 103 Jasminum wightii Clark Oleaceae WC Maruthamalai Uses as Ornamental 104 Kedrostis foetidissima Cogn. Cucurbitaceae TlC Maruthamalai Root paste is taken internally to treat stomach problems. 105 Lantana camara L. Verbeniaceae HC Throught the hills Used as a Ornamental Purpose 106 Leptadenia reticulata (Rotz.) Wight. & Cucurbitaceae WC Maruthamalai Decoction of whole plant is used as restorative and Arn. 107 Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) Urb. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Fruit and seed used as Vegetable food preparation 108 Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai and Madhukkarai Legume it is cultivated for its seed and mostly eaten as Food. 109 Melothria perpusilla Cong. Cucurbitaceae TLC Vellaiengiri - 110 Merremia dissecta Hall. f. Convolvulaceae PC Throught the hills Used as ornamental and leaf used as cure cold. 111 Merrimea quinquefolia R. Br. Convolvulaceae TC Maruthamalai and Kanuvai - 112 Mikania micrantha Kunth. Astraceae TC Anaikatty Stem squeezed, mixed with ginger rhizomes and eaten to give relief to colds, malaria, stomachache and headache. Leaf juice applied on cuts and wounds; 113 Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae TlC Maruthamalai and Vellaiengiri Fruit used as vegetable 114 Mucuna monosperma DC. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai - 115 Mucuna pruriens Baker Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Dried pod powder is given to remove intestinal worms. 116 Mukia maderaspatana (L.) Roem. Cucurbitaceae TlC Throught the hills Used as edible and medicinal purpose. 117 Olax wightiana Wall. Olacaceae WC Maruthamalai 118 Operculina turpethum S. Manso Convovulaceae WC Maruthalaia 119 Pachygone ovata Miers Menispermaceae WC Anaikatty and Maruthamalai 120 Parthenocissus neilgherriensis Planch. Vitaceae TLC Vellaiangiri

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Table 1: Continued 121 Passiflora edulis Sims. Passifloraceae TlC Velliangiri Fruits edible and ornamental purposes 122 Passiflora foetida L. Passifloraceae TlC Throught the hills Leaf paste is applied topically on the forehead to cure headache. 123 Passiflora lascenaultii DC. Passifloraceae TLC Velliangiri Used as ornamental purpose. 124 Passiflora subpeldata L. Passifloraceae TLC Velliangiri Used as ornamental purpose 125 Pentatropis microphylla W. & A. Asclepiadaceae TC Anaikatty - 126 Pentatropis capensis (L. f) Bullock. Asclepiadaceae TC Anaikatty - 127 Pergularia daemia (Forsska) Chiov. Asclepiadaceae TC Throught the hills Leaf juice is given orally to cure asthma and its decoction is used to treat insect bites. 128 Pseudarthria viscida W. & A. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai and Velliangir Whole plant decoction is taken internally to treat fever, asthma and diabetes. 129 Pterolobium indicum A. Rich. Mimosaceae WC 130 Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Fruit used as food preparation 131 Rhynchosia capitata DC. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Seed used as food preparation 132 Rhynchosia densiflora DC. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Dried root powder mixed with honey is taken orally for dysentery. 133 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Seed are cooked and eaten as food 134 Rhynchosia vicosa (Roth.) DC. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai and Velliangiri - 135 Rivea hypocrateriformis Choisy. Convolvaceae WC Throught the hills Leaf and stem extract is taken internally to relieve cough and headache. 136 Sarcostemma brevistigma W. & A. Asclepiadaceae RC Velliangiri - 137 Sarcostemma brunonianum W. & A. Asclepidiaceae RC Maruthamalai Latex is applied on the wound of snake bite. 138 Sarcostemma secamone (L.) Bennet Asclepiadaceae RC Maruthamalai - 139 Secamone emetica R. Br. Asclepiadaceae TC Throught the hills Leaf juice given along with milk to treat joint pains. 140 Stephania japonica Miers Menispermaceae TC velliangiri - 141 Teramnus labialis DC. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Fruit are cooked and eaten as vegetable 142 Tetrastigma lanceolarium (Roxb.) Planch. Vitaceae TlC Maruthamalai - 143 Thunbergia alata Boj. Acanthaceae TC Anaikatty Used as ornamental 144 Thunbergia fragrans Roxb. Acanthaceae TC Throught the hills Roots and leaves are used to treat rheumatism and cough. 145 Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. Menispermaceae WC Throught the hills Whole plant juice is taken orally to treat rheumatism and urinary diseases. 146 Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Rutaceae HC Throught the hills Leaf powder is taken orally for indigestion and cough. 147 Tragia involucrate L. Euphorbiaceae TC Velliangiri and Maruthamalai Root is crushed and the extract is taken orally to get relief constipation.148 Tragia plukenetii R. Euphorbiaceae TC Vellaingiri Root used as cure scorpion 149 Tylophora fasiculata Ham. Asclepiadaceae TC Anaikatty - 150 Tylophora indica (Burm. f) Merr. Asclepiadaceae WC Throught the hills Fresh leaves are eaten daily to cure asthma. 151 Tylophora iphisia Done. Asclepiadaceae TC Anaikatty - 152 Tylophora mollissima Wighti Asclepiadaceae TC Anaikatty - 153 Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal. Fabaceae PC Maruthamalai Seed used as food production 154 Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczok. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Fresh root juice is taken internally for improving digestion and constipation. 155 Vigna trilobata (L.) Verd. Fabaceae TC Maruthamalai Leaf extract mixed in boiled 156 Ximenia americana L. Olacaceae WC Maruthamalai Fresh fruit juice is taken to treat rheumatism. TC- Twining Climber; WC- Woody Climber; PC- Prostrate Climber; TLC- Tendril Climber; HC- Hook Climber; RC- Root Climber

Fig. 2: Analysis of Dominant familey from the study area

1317 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 15 (7): 1312-1322, 2015

Fig. 3: Analysis of Climbing mechanism of the study area

Fig. 4: Analysis of the economic utillity of the study area

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Fig. 5a: Climbing species of the Colimbatore District

Fig. 5b: Climbing species of the Coimbatore District

Ethnomedicinal and Economic Uses: Most economic of people around the world. Non-timber forest products appraisals of tropical forests focus on timber as the major include all wild animal and plant products that are product. Large number of forest species provides a large harvested from natural and planted forests [24]. No variety of non-timber products that are used by millions comprehensive work is available for climbers in the

1319 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 15 (7): 1312-1322, 2015 present study area. Therefore, the objective of the present biodiversity and have high ecological significance in study was to document the angiosperm climbers of their respective ecosystems. They can constitute to the Coimbatore. carbon budget of tropical forests with as much as 10% of Climbers are used by local people in many different fresh above-ground biomass. Therefore conserving the ways. The principle uses of lianas viz. medicine, food, biodiversity of climber within their respective ecosystems artisan work, construction of traditional houses, etc. It is is highly important for supporting healthy functioning of clear that climbers are an important resource for local the forest ecosystems [28]. communities, particularly for medicinal reasons. The climbing plants used for different ailments or CONCLUSIONS otherwise in the present study belong to 57 are medicinal (include ethnoveterinary), 29 Ornametal, Edible 14 and Many climber species are added to the floristic 7 multiple purposes e as well as of economic utility composition of the region through deliberate human (Table 1; Fig. 3). The most commonly used 57- medicinal introduction for ornamental and economic purposes. climbers were recorded from the study area viz. Abrus There are escapes from cultivation and running wild or precatorius L., cymosa G. Don., Bauhinia vahlii naturalized while some climbers turned invasive. These Wight & Arn., Capparis sepiaria L., Capparis zeylanica are to be watched of their deeper entry into the natural L., Cardiospermum canescens Wallich, Corallocarpus ecosystems of the region. The climbing plants have an epigaeus Clarke., Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Jeffrey, obvious role to play, apart from ecological, in the heath Kedrotis foetidissima Cogn., Rivea hypocrateriformis and economics of local people. There is a need to Choisy, Sarcostemma brunonianum Wight & Arn., etc. document the threats to local deciduous forests due to They are using these plants to cure skin diseases, cough, invasive climbers with increasing biotic interference and fever, headache, diabetes, rheumatism, asthma, dysentery climatic change. Over exploitation of some climber species and poison bites. particularly collection of roots and underground parts The study also recorded some of the 14-species of from the climbers e.g. Asparagus racemosus L., Tinospora edible climbers viz., Bauhinia valhii W & A, Citrullus cordifolia L. etc. causes severe damage to these plants. lanatus (Thunb.) Mat, Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb, Mukia Therefore, there is a need to create awareness among the maderaspetana (L.) Roem, Passiflora edulis Sims, local people for the sustainable utilization as well as Rhyncosia capitata DC, Rhyncosia minima (L.) DC, conservation of these climbers in their original habitat. Teraminus lablab DC. and Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal, Atylosia scarbaeoides (L.), Canavalia mollis ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Wallich, Canavalia virosa (Roxb.), Cucumis trigonus Roxb; Glycine wightii (Grah.), Macroptilium We are highly thankful to Prof. & Head, Department atropurpureum (DC.), Momordica charantis L., Vigna of the Botany, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore for radiate (L.), Vigna trilobata (L.) Verd. and Pueraria providing necessary facilities. Our sincere thanks to all phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth. are note worthy to Irulars and rural people for rendered their valuable help mentioned. during our field trips to collect the ethnobotanical data. The present study identified the species Argreia pomacea (Roxb.) Choise, Glorius suberpa L., Jasminum REFERENCES cuspidatum Rottl., Jasminum grandiflorum L., Passiflora edulis Sims., Thunbergia fragrans Roxb. and Tinospora 1. Gentry, A.H., 1991. The distribution and evolution of cordifolia Miers ex Hook., can be used as wild ornamental climbing plants. In: The Biology of Vines (Putz, F.E. purposes (29-species). and Mooney, H.A., eds), Cambridge University Some of the climbers are used for multiple purposes Press, pp: 3-49. like Aritolochia indica L, Asparagus racemosus Willd., 2. Den Dubbelden, K.C. and B. Oosterbeek, 1995. The Canavalia virosa (Roxb.) W.&A., Cardiosperm availability of external support affects allocation halicacabum L., Coccinia grandis (L.) Voight, Dolicus patterns and morphology of herbaceous climbing trilobus L., Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. plants. Funct. Ecol., 9: 628-634. In recent studies, from Indian Union, floristic 3. Champion, H.G. and S.K. Seth, 1968. A Revised diversity of angiosperm climbers was reported by several Survey of the Forest Type of India, Oxford & IBH, workers [25, 26, 27). Climbers contribute significantly to New Delhi.

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