Grasslands of Kerala have been classified into two types i.e., Low elevation grasslands and high elevation grasslands.
The grasslands on the laterite hills of north Malabar are classified under low elevation dry grasslands, characterised by remarkable diversity.
This type of natural grassland is the characteristic feature of the laterite hills of Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod districts and the lower parts of Wayanad district.
These grasslands are highly seasonal and interspersed with other herbaceous plants and scrub jungles.
A total 55 species of grasses are recorded from Madayipara hills, many more remaining to be fully identified.
The common grass species are the Eragrostis uniloides, Ischaemum indicum, Heteropogon contortus, Pennisetum polystachyon, Cynodon dactylon and species belonging to the genera Arundinella, Dimeria, Panicum, Themeda, etc.
Species of Arundinella form the commonest grasses during the months of October and November.
The pinkish inflorescence of these grasses makes the area appear as if burnt mixed here and there with green shades.
According to Agarwal (1961), Arundinella form a higher stage in the succession.
So it can be safely stated that Arundinella grasses represent a higher stage in grassland development in the areas where they occur.
Recent plant explorations revealed some more new species of grasses from the laterite hills of north Malabar (Sreekumar and Nair, 1991), 11 out of 37 endemic grasses of Kerala are reported from this kind of locality.
Thus, these hillocks are isolated ecological niches of conservation importance.
However, a detailed account of the species association is lacking.
Grasses control erosion, and several species are well known for their rich fodder value.
When the monsoon recedes, the local people start cutting grasses for use as fodder for their cattle.
A small plot, containing a thick growth of Themeda and other species of grasses fetches about rupees three thousand per season for a landowner.
Grasslands of Kerala have been classified into two types i.e., Low elevation grasslands and high elevation grasslands. The grasslands on the laterite hills of north Malabar are classified under low elevation dry grasslands, characterised by remarkable diversity. This type of natural grassland is the characteristic feature of the laterite hills of Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod districts and the lower parts of Wayanad district. These grasslands are highly seasonal and interspersed with other herbaceous plants and scrub jungles. A total 55 species of grasses are recorded from Madayipara hills, many more remaining to be fully identified. The common grass species are the Eragrostis uniloides, Ischaemum indicum, Heteropogon contortus, Pennisetum polystachyon, Cynodon dactylon and species belonging to the genera Arundinella, Dimeria, Panicum, Themeda, etc. Species of Arundinella form the commonest grasses during the months of October and November. The pinkish inflorescence of these grasses makes the area appear as if burnt mixed here and there with green shades. According to Agarwal (1961), Arundinella form a higher stage in the succession. So it can be safely stated that Arundinella grasses represent a higher stage in grassland development in the areas where they occur. Recent plant explorations revealed some more new species of grasses from the laterite hills of north Malabar (Sreekumar and Nair, 1991), 11 out of 37 endemic grasses of Kerala are reported from this kind of locality. Thus, these hillocks are isolated ecological niches of conservation importance. However, a detailed account of the species association is lacking. Grasses control erosion, and several species are well known for their rich fodder value. When the monsoon recedes, the local people start cutting grasses for use as fodder for their cattle. A small plot, containing a thick growth of Themeda and other species of grasses fetches about rupees three thousand per season for a landowner.
Madayi