Kerala’s first fernarium was opened at Eravikulam National Park on April 20, 2023. The fernarium is located near the orchidarium at Ancham Mile, which is the entrance to Rajamala. It is a 500 square feet area that houses over 40 varieties of ferns, including some rare and endangered species. The ferns are planted in a variety of settings, including on the ground, on rocks, and in hanging baskets. The fernarium is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
The purpose of the fernarium is to educate visitors about the diversity of ferns in Kerala. Ferns are an important part of the ecosystem, and they play a role in water conservation, soil erosion control, and air purification. The fernarium also provides a habitat for butterflies and other insects.
The fernarium is a great addition to Eravikulam National Park. It is a beautiful and informative place to learn about ferns, and it is a great way to spend a day in the hills of Munnar.
Here are some additional details about the fernarium:
- It was set up by the Kerala Forest Department in collaboration with the Kerala Agricultural University.
- The ferns were collected from the forests of Eravikulam National Park and other parts of Kerala.
- The fernarium is designed to provide a suitable climate for the ferns, with plenty of shade and moisture.
- The ferns are labeled with their scientific names and common names.
- There is a small information center at the fernarium that provides information about ferns.
