Floristic Study of Kalbhairavanatha Sacred Grove, Terungan, Ambegaon Taluka, Pune

Abstract

Abstract
Sacred groves are the forest patch preserved in their original form on the religious grounds. Sacred groves maintain the unique diversity of life forms. Present study deals with the floristic richness of the ‘Kalbhairvanatha’ sacred grove of Terungan village, Ambegaon taluka, in Pune district. It covers an area of ca. 5.5 ha. A total 180 angiosperm species from 157 genera under 63 families are enumerated from the sacred grove. The present grove, acts as a unique resource of important medicinal plant, Entada rheedei Spreng. subsp. rheedei. There is a need to support the ethnic peoples to traditionally preserve such important natural habitats.
Keywords: floristic, kalbhairvanatha sacred grove, traditional preservation