Climbing Species Infestations on The Roadside Flora of Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala, India: An Inventory

Author(s): R.D. Arun Raj*

Abstract: The present study was conducted to give an insight into climbing mechanism and taxonomic diversity of climbing plants grown as a part of roadside vegetation of the urban landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala state, India. The survey recorded 36 species of climbers including 2 subspecies under 32 genera belonging to 19 families. Two “Red listed” Vitaceaen members i.e., Ampelocissus indica (L.) Planch. and Cayratia pedata (Lam.) A.L. Juss. Ex Gagnep. var. pedata were also recorded. Climbers that were encountered in the study site were broadly categorized as Twiners, Tendril climbers and scramblers & hook climbers. Among them, vines were pronounced with 31 species and 2 subspecies and only five species of Lianas were recorded from the study site. The result also shows the study site is prone to the infestation of 16 weed species with invasive nature which can smother and kill the native plants in this region. The findings of the study can be used constructively in planning steps to have better natural environment with minimum disturbance in the city.

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