Kerala’s flora is incredibly diverse, and it includes a wide range of plant species due to its varied geography and climate. Below is a list of some of the prominent flora found in Kerala:
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
- Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)
- Sandalwood (Santalum album)
- Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
- Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
- Bamboo (Bambusoideae family)
- Indian Laurel (Terminalia elliptica)
- Indian Kino Tree (Pterocarpus marsupium)
- Black Dammar (Canarium strictum)
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
- Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
- Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
- Areca Palm (Areca catechu)
- Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)
- Banana (Musa species)
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Cashew (Anacardium occidentale)
- Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
- Pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Arecanut Palm (Areca catechu)
- Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)
- Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
- Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa)
- Wild Fig (Ficus racemosa)
- Indian Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica)
- Screw Pine (Pandanus tectorius)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
Kerala’s Western Ghats region, in particular, is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to numerous endemic and rare plant species. This list is by no means exhaustive, as Kerala’s flora encompasses a vast array of flowering plants, medicinal herbs, orchids, and ferns, among others. The state’s forests and wildlife sanctuaries are vital in preserving and protecting this rich botanical heritage.
