Ethnomedicinal importance of fern and fern allies traditionally used by tribal people of Palani Hills (Kodaikanal), Western Ghats, South India

Abstract

Numerous studies have focused on the medicinal properties of angiosperms; however, only limited amount
of studies have explored the medicinal potentials of fern and fern allies. The present study focuses on the
ethnomedicinal values of fern and fern allies that are traditionally used by the tribal people of Palani hills in South
India through a survey of the area. In the present study, information on 50 species belonging to 35 genera in
19 families were recorded for their medicinal values with their botanical name, family, habitat, and manner of
using recipes have been recorded.