Studies on the coastal sand dune phytoresources at Visakhapatnam, Bay of Bengal, India

The coastal sand dunes (CSD) are unique and dynamic ecosystems between marine and terrestrial realms. They are the coastal armouring with bind of biota and sand grains. The coastal sand dune flora has ecological significance and socio-economic values. Thus the present study provides the Phytoresources of coastal sand dune flora with reference to ecological, economic and medicinal importance of each plant species. Altogether a total of 103 species belonging to 94 genera 37 families was recorded during November 2010 to December 2014. The survey has been done by adopting appropriate methodology by conducting direct interviews and information gained from native villagers of traditional base and Ayurvedic practitioners. As per distribution of sand dune flora is most abundant and richness in species composition at leeward dunes (37%) rather than hinterland dunes (28%), foredunes (18%) and marshy/saline areas (17%). In view of the greater ecological significance and socio-economic importance conservation management plans have been suggested for the protection, of this importance of sand dune flora of Visakhapatnam coast from natural and anthropogenic threats i.e. coastal erosion, cyclonic storms, developmental recreational projects.

Author(s): S. Aparna and Raja Sekhar P. S.

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