In a first, Eravikulam National Park gets a fernarium

Source: The post is based on the article “In a first, Eravikulam National Park gets a fernarium” published in The Hindu on 3rd April 2023

What is the News?

A Fernarium has been set up inside the Eravikulam National Park(ENP). This is the first time such a fern collection has been established in the hill station.

What is Eravikulam National Park(ENP)?

Located in: Kerala

It is the first National Park in Kerala. It was declared as a National Park in 1978.

It is situated in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats.

The highest peak in South India– The Anamudi (2695 meters) is situated in this park.

This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve years.

The park is a natural habitat of Nilgiri tahr.

What are Ferns?

Ferns are part of the Epiphytic family. They grow naturally in a soilless condition. The plants obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees. 

Note: Epiphyte also called air plant is any plant that grows upon another plant or object merely for physical support. Epiphytes have no attachment to the ground or other obvious nutrient sources and are not parasitic on the supporting plants.