A Preliminary Floristic Exploration in Penna Ahobilam Sacred Grove, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh State

Background Sacred groves in Andhra Pradesh are known as Pavithravanas. A total number of 730 sacred groves have been documented till date. These Pavithravanas or sacred groves are dedicated to various local deities and also to Hindu gods and goddesses. Some of the deities to whom the sacred groves are dedicated are Shiva, Rudrakoteswara, Hanuman, Saraswathi, Thimmaraya Swamy, Gangamma, Nagadevatha, Chennakesava, Narasimha and Akkamma (WWF Andhra Pradesh, 1996). Results During study of sacred grove of Andhra Pradesh State, India various field trips were conducted and were GIS Photographic from various natural populations during the period 2018-2026. Collected Sacred groves identifications activities data and plants specimens collected flowering or fruiting seasons. Specimens critically observed and identified. In the present study, a total of 378 wild and naturalized species were recorded from Penna Ahobilam Sacred Grove, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. These 378 wild and naturalized species belong to 220 genera and 54 families. Of the 378 wild and naturalized species, 49 trees, 56 shrubs; 235 herbs; 38 Climbers. Conclusion Sacred groves in Andhra Pradesh are deteriorating at an alarming rate due to changes in religious beliefs and developmental pressure. Many temples associated with sacred groves have been modernized by removing the vegetation. Some of the species commonly found in the sacred groves of Andhra Pradesh are black plum, tamarind, mango, jackfruit, neem, beechwood and pipal. Some of the species have unique abilities such as nitrogen fixation etc. Such Species are variously known as keystone species or functional groups.