Studies on the phytodiversity of a sacred grove and its traditional uses in Chitrakoot Dham, Karwi district (Uttar Pradesh) India

Abstract

India is a country with a wealth of natural resources and a long history of protecting the environment. Trees, climbers, epiphytes, and other shade-loving flora are among the diverse species found in the sacred groves, which constitute the epitome of climax vegetation. Sanctuary to endangered species, well-preserved sacred groves are repositories of rare medicinal and other economically valuable plants. The goal of this research is to chronicle the traditional therapeutic applications of angiosperms and examine their floristic composition in a sacred grove in Chitrakoot Dham, Karwi district. Additionally, the current study clarifies the species makeup of 48 flowering plant species that are distributed among 44 genera and 27 families. The herbs from the sacred grove were being used by many rural residents in the district to treat a variety of common illnesses. Such degraded sacred groves should be promptly restored or regenerated through the use of suitable technologies and by educating the rural populace about the value of sacred groves and their preservation.