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Ethno Medicinal Forest
The Ethno Medicinal Forest is an important
component of the Pitchandikulam Medicinal Plant Conservation Park which
is an area of 50 acres within the green belt of the Auroville
International Community.
Prior to the first planting in 1973 the area was a
dry eroded plateau the main vegetation being scattered palmyra trees.
Erosion control, watershed management and extensive reforestation work
has continued during the last 26 years.
The area has evolved into a self generating forest
ecosystem with more than 600 species of plants, a sanctuary for a wide
range of fauna. In 1992 Pitchandikulam began its collaboration with the
Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) and has
since developed training, documentation and demonstration programs to
help with the reestablishment of the TDEF and Local Health Traditions of
the region
Some features of the EMF:
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Stone signages show the different elements of the
ecosystem and explain the medicinal uses of individual species and also
groups of plants that cure poisonous bites, bone fractures, headaches
and stomach problems.
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Seed collection in Auroville sanctuaries, remnant
forests and sacred groves with local people particularly traditional
healers.
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Many of the TDEF species have not been propagated
in nurseries before. Various treatments are tried in order to develop
standard methods of germination for more than 180 species grown in
Pitchandikulam..
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Live hedges of more than 50 species are grown
around the EMF forming a protective, productive edge and providing a
fauna habitat and corridor.
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Rare, Endangered or Threatened (RET) species from
the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest and other floristic zones of south
India are represented in the EMF
Species Composition
Medicinal Plants - 357
Live Hedge - 57
Demo garden – 189
Nonmedicinal - 128
RET Species – 20
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