Role of Sacred Groves in Conservation of Ethno - Medicinal Plants in Dapoli Tehsil of Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra (india)

Forest pockets preserved on religious beliefs are playing vital role in conservation of different plant species. Sadavli, Kudavle, Pachavli, Bondivli and Burondi sacred groves of Dapoli tahsil are the best examples in having rare ethnomedicinal plants. These sacred groves cover an area of 58.40 ha. and consist 48 rare ethno-medicinal plants. Out of 48 species, 36 species from 34 genera belongs to 24 families of dicotyledons while 11 species from 8 genera belongs to 3 families of monocotyledons and 1 species belongs to gymnosperms. Eleven plant species are reported as threatened to Maharashtra and 12 species are endemic to Maharashtra. These rare ethno-medicinal plants are conserved due to religious beliefs and are not found generally in surrounding area.