STUDIES ON THE FLORISTIC DIVERSITY OF PUTHUKULANGARA KAVU, PAYYANNUR, KERALA, INDIA

Maintenance of high level of biodiversity is essential for the stability and sustainability of an ecosystem. In natural habitats, the biodiversity represents an important pool of species and genetic material having immense potential use to human society. The floristic diversity of the Puthukulangara Kavu, situated in Karivellur - Peralam Grampanchayath of Payyannur Taluk, Kannur District and Kerala state was surveyed. A total of 108 plant species were recorded. Of this, 98 species belonging to 92 genera and 49 families constituted angiosperms. In addition, Gymnosperm and Pteridophytes were represented by one species each, Bryophytes and Fungi with 4 species each were recorded.