Abstract

Francis Xavier. T , Arun. V. R and Freeda Rose. A

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out to collect information on the use of medicinal plants in Meenagadi region of Wayanadu District, Kerala, India during December 2006 to February 2007. Information presented in this paper was gathered from the different tribal communities of the present study area. It is an integrated approach of questionnaires and interviews. A total of 55 ethnomedicinal plant species distributed in 34 families are documented in this study. The medicinal plants used by the tribal communities are listed with botanical name, family, local name, parts used and medicinal uses. The documented medicinal plants mostly used to cure skin diseases. The results of the present study showed that these tribal communities still depend on medicinal plants in Meenagadi region of Wayanadu District, Kerala.