Abstract

ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY AND ECOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION OF DIPTERACANTHUS PROSTRATUS (POIR) NEES (ACANTHACEAE) IN SOUTHERN INDIA

Nathiya R., Revathy S., Shoba K.*

ABSTRACT

Dipteracanthus prostratus (syn. Ruellia prostrata), a prostrateherb of the Acanthaceae family, is widely distributed acrossvarious habitats in India. Although traditional botanicalliterature and herbal practitioners have long recognized itsmedicinal value, comprehensive documentation of itsethnobotanical uses and ecological distribution in the SouthernIndian landscape remains limited. This study aims to documentindigenous knowledge associated with D. prostratus, includinglocal medicinal uses, vernacular names, preparation methods,and cultural significance among tribal and rural communities ofSouthern India. In parallel, we map its ecological distributionacross diverse ecosystems (deciduous forests, scrubland, andshaded plains), assess habitat preferences, and analyzeenvironmental correlates of its occurrence. Field surveys,structured questionnaires, and ecological niche assessmentswere conducted across key districts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.This work provides critical baseline data to inform conservation strategies and supports thescientific validation and sustainable utilization of this under-studied medicinal species.

Keywords: Dipteracanthus prostratus; Ethnobotany; Ecological distribution; Traditional knowledge; Medicinal plants; Southern India; Habitat diversity; Indigenous practices.