Field identification key to the tree species of Shola forests of Idukki district, Kerala

Abstract

A study was conducted in three shola forests of Idukki District in Kerala namely Mannavan shola, Pambadum shola and Mangladevi shola to document the vegetative characters of the tree species seen in these forests and to develop a field identification key for the same. A total of 86 species were recorded during the study – 81 from Mannavan shola, 77 from Pambadum shola and 34 species from Mangladevi shola. The most dominant family was Lauraceae with 13 species. A field identification key for these 86 species was prepared based on dichotomous characterization and elimination with the aid of vegetative characteristics like phyllotaxy, shape, size, structure and texture of leaves, stipules etc. The key is user friendly and enables identification of arborescent tree species of shola forests in the field itself even in the absence of reproductive structures. This key is not an exhaustive one. Possibly some more species might not have been recorded during this study. Also shola forests in other Districts have not been considered for this study. Therefore, the key is of limited value. Also, features like bark, blaze character, habitat, phenology etc. may be included to further enhance the precision to identify the tree species of shola forests. Hence, there is further possibility to widen the scope of this key.