Flora of the Southern Western Ghats and Palnis

Book excerpt: - An extremely useful field guide for general readers and nature lovers - This book provides a list of more than 200 species of trees, herbs, and shrubs that can be found in the region, accompanied by over 400 color images This field guide is the result of the author's intense study of the flora of the southern western Ghats as well as those of Palni hills for several years. The book lists more than 200 species of trees, herbs, and shrubs that can be found in the region. The author names the genus, the species, the short name of the botanist who classified the plant, and the family name of the plant, in all the cases. She also takes great pains to provide the common English names as well as the local names of the species in various regional languages of India. Not only is the distribution of the species in various parts of the world explained, but the author also gives a physical description of the species, including its leaves, flowers, and fruits. Medicinal as well as general uses of any part or parts of the plant is also explained in most cases. The author, however, warns the reader that use of any species for medicinal purposes must be preceded by doctoral advice. Contents: Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Trees; Shrubs; Herbs; Line Drawings; Glossary; Bibliography; Indices - Trees, Shrubs, Herbs; Index.