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Original Research | Botany | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 581 - 585 | India
Divine Flora of Anakapalli District: Need for Documentation and Conservation
Abstract: India's plant biodiversity has long been intertwined with culture, spirituality, and traditional medicine, forming the backbone of indigenous healthcare and ritual practices. In southern India, several species regarded as ?divine flora? occupy a unique position linking religion, ethnomedicine, and ecological stewardship. This study documents sacred plant species in Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh, with emphasis on their taxonomy, ethnobotanical uses, and conservation importance. Data were collected through field surveys, interviews with local informants, and review of regional floristic and ethnobotanical literature, focusing on sacred groves, temple premises, and ritual landscapes. The study records a diverse assemblage of culturally significant species, including Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) and Aegle marmelos (Bael), along with several lesser-known plants integral to local worship, festivals, and primary healthcare. These findings highlight the role of traditional knowledge systems in integrating sacred flora into daily life, thereby supporting cultural identity and ecological resilience. However, threats such as habitat loss, urbanization, over-exploitation, and erosion of traditional knowledge endanger these resources. The study emphasizes the need for systematic documentation and culturally sensitive conservation strategies to ensure the sustainable management of sacred plant diversity.
Keywords: Sacred plants, Ethnobotany, Traditional medicine, Biodiversity conservation, Indigenous knowledge
How to Cite?: G. Narayana Murthy, "Divine Flora of Anakapalli District: Need for Documentation and Conservation", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 581-585, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26509101230, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26509101230