Abstract

This is the final report of the project 'Preservation of Dalbergia L.f. (Fabaceae) in Kerala by establishment of a germplasm bank' sponsored by the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of India. In this study, a total of 18 species and one variety of the genus Dalbergia is reported from the state. In the introductory part of this report, information on the taxonomic background of the genus is given in addition to details on geographical distribution, endemism, cytology, palynology, phenology uses and conversation status of various taxa known from Kerala with specific recommendations on those which deserve protection measures for their continued survival. The taxonomic part constitutes a detailed systematic account of all the 19 taxa ofthe genus recorded in Kerala with their up-to-date nomenclature, revised descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps and details of distribution. Further, to facilitate easy identification of each taxon, a dichotomous key also is provided at the species level in the beginning of the systematic part