A Review on Endemic Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Diversity in Southern India

Southern Indian region covered in the article comprising Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, has a tropical climate with the major part of monsoons impact the climatic conditions of this area. The southwest monsoon accounts for most of the rainfall in the region and much of it occurs from June to September. In the northern parts of the region temperatures can fall below 10 °C on occasions at night. Days are very hot in summer when temperatures can surpass 40 °C. Despite, its adverse geo-climatic conditions, the region a remarkable diversity of Medicinal and Aromatic plant species. During the compilation of literature total 63 plants species have been found to be the endemic and reported by various workers in the southern region (Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) of India. There are 28 reserve forests, national park, sanctuaries also reviewed with their flora specifically medicinal plants diversity of Southern India. The cultivation of medicinal plants endemic to southern region of India should be promoted as the most of the raw material is coming from wild sources that is destructive collection which is harmfrul for biodiversity of the region. The authorties should take call or focus on cultivation of endemic plant in the region for supplying the demand of herbal industry. The socio-economic upliftment of farmers collectors would be automatically increased which would work to improve economy of India.