The Kasaragod Botanical Garden and Research Centre (KBGRC) of the Central University of Kerala has established a fernery featuring 35 species of ferns collected from various states of India and countries including China, Taiwan and Nepal.
The collection features several varieties, including toothed maiden fern, peacock fern, lemon butter fern, fishtail fern, monarch fern and crocodile fern. The initiative aims to provide students of biological sciences with an opportunity to explore fern diversity and gain practical knowledge of these plants.
Ferns are non-flowering plants that reproduce through spores rather than seeds. They generally thrive in cool, shady and moist environments and are valued for their ornamental appeal, air-purifying properties, role in soil erosion control and medicinal uses.
The botanical garden also houses a medicinal plant garden, a collection of traditional fruit trees, a bambusetum, a cactus house and an arboretum, offering visitors and students opportunities to explore diverse plant species.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur inaugurated the fernery. Registrar Dr. R. Jayaprakash, Finance Officer (i/c) Prof. Minimol M.C., Dean of the School of Biological Sciences Prof. Sudha Kappalli, Head of the Department of Plant Science Prof. K. Arun Kumar, Joint Director of KBGRC Dr. M. Jasmine M. Shah, Prof. Dennis Thomas, Dr. Pramod K. Kandoth, Dr. Jinny Antony, Dr. Chithra Manisseri and Smt Padmini Kanhangad attended the event.
