4. Habitwise distribution of medicinal plants
- Analysis of habitwise distributions of medicinal plants in Maradavally and Devarayanadurga forests indicates that the trees constitute nearly 50% of the plant population. Herbs form 11%, shrubs form 30% and climbers form 10% of the population.
- One impact of the distribution is that trees are most vulnerable due to their multiple uses. In the process of harvesting a tree for any one use, e.g. extraction of bark, the remaining value of the tree is eliminated.
- Shrubs, herbs and climbers are probably better suited to cultivation even in small holdings. This phenomenon does not appear to occur in these study areas. The habitwise distribution of medicinal plants in Maradavally & Devarayanadurga Forest is shown in Figure 4.