Kumarakom

The Mangrove Forests and Related Flora and Fauna

A large variety of mangrove species can be found at Kumarakom. Of these, three species of the forest variety are unique to this place. These are Brugiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia officinalis, and Hebiseus taeliatious. The other major species are Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia caseolaris, Acanthus illicipholius, Kandelia candel, Baringonea recemosa, Thespesia populnea, Calophyllum inophyllum and Ceribera odollam.

The mangrove forests provide a suitable habitat for various species of aquatic flora and fauna, including the otter (Lutra lutra). Apart from the mangroves, there are a variety of plants that grow in marshy areas and are very similar to the mangrove. These include the Ardis littoralis Andr, the Canavalia obtusifolia and so on. A variety of hydrophytes and common plants including weeds and garden plants are also found in Kumarakom.

Flavours of Kumarakom