ABSTRACT
The forests along the Southern Western Ghats are the most species-rich ecological regions in peninsular India with respect to species diversity and endemism. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) in the southern Western Ghats is a major genetic estate with an enormous biodiversity of ancient lineage. The members of Araceae (Arum family) have a significant role in ethnopharmacognostic and biodiversity conservation point of view. A review of the family Araceae in the context of the proposed project “Kerala part of South Western Ghats endemic plants” has yielded several interesting specimens. This study has brought to light some novelties with special reference to new distributional record of Arisaema madhuanum and Alocasia longiloba to flora of Kerala. In the standard taxonomic treatment of Araceae of ABR, identification keys of all genera, their species characterization along with correct name, distribution, phenology, and conservation status are included.
