Abstract

The present state of the Indian forests, their extent, types etc. in general and floristic elements, species diversity etc. of the forests of Kerala in particular are reviewed. The ethnobotanical uses of the forest flora are also discussed in the paper. The need for the conservation of the endemic and exotic species in the area are stressed. The various conservation strategies adopted in the past/present to protect the forest biome and their impacts are highlighted along with some basic steps to be implemented to conserve our valuable floral heritage