Medicinally Valuable Plants from Sacred Groves of Jabalpur Forest Division (Madhya Pradesh)

Sacred groves are the protected forest patches dedicated to local gods and goddess by the tribal communities and forest dwellers. These small forest patches play an important role in conservation and protection of the biodiversity. Any disturbance like cutting the trees or harm any animal is strictly prohibited in the sacred groves. The survey work carried out in Jabalpur forest division during 2013-2016 to identify existing sacred groves and its biodiversity. 105 sacred groves are identified from 7 ranges of Jabalpur forest division. Inventory of medicinally valuable plants has also been made. Total of 164 plant species representing 71 families and 140 genera are recorded from the sacred groves and discussed in this paper with reference to their botanical name, local name, family and medicinal uses