Flora of the sacred groves

Riparian tree, stabilises stream banks within groves.

Understorey tree of moist groves; declining in the wild.

Sacred to Shiva; often planted in temple groves.

Large deciduous tree of the grove canopy.

Massive canopy with aerial roots; vital roosting habitat.

Distinctive palm of moist Ghats groves.

Brilliant orange blooms; nectar source for birds.

Forms dense clumps; stabilises soil and stream banks.

Endemic Western Ghats tree; sap can irritate skin.

Nitrogen-fixing; common along grove water bodies.

Evergreen understorey shrub-tree of laterite groves.

Large fruiting tree; feeds people and wildlife alike.

Fruiting tree important for frugivorous birds and bats.

Endemic to the Western Ghats; fruit prized locally.

Flowers are a critical seasonal food for wildlife.

Common grove edge species; flowers feed pollinators.

Hardy tree; natural pest repellent properties.

Keystone species; supports numerous birds and insects. Considered sacred and never felled.

Grove tree with highly toxic seeds.

Long-lived shade tree at grove margins.