Flora in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The rich and diverse flora and fauna, and the fascinating terrain at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu make it a much sought after destination for wildlife enthusiasts and regular tourists. The flora in Mudumalai is very diverse and differs from one part of the wildlife reserve to another.

Mudumalai National Park is blessed with a varied terrain, comprising flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and ‘nullas’. Flora in Mudumalai is mainly in the form of tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests. Tropical evergreen forests, moist teak forests, dry teak forests, grassy woodlands, shrubs and swamps are also found in parts of the sanctuary. Even mixed vegetation types are present in certain parts of Mudumalai.

A moderate climate and varied geographical features result in a rich and diverse flora in Mudumalai. The western Benne Block of Mudumalai Sanctuary experiences more rainfall than the other blocks. Hence, tropical mixed and moist deciduous forests constitute the vegetation in this part. While the central and western parts of the sanctuary are thickly forested, the eastern part is marked by scanty flora in Mudumalai.

Bamboos (Bambusa Arundinacea) Natural teak (Tectona Grandis), Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia, Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Grewia, and flowering trees like the Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, and Solanancea are some of the flora in Mudumalai. Rosewood and Teak (Tectona Grandis), two of the most valuable timber trees of India, grow abundantly in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Other commonly found flora in Mudumalai includes Sandalwood, Jacaranda (a hardwood timber tree with purple flowers), Mango, Jamun, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal, and Plumeria.

The breathtaking natural beauty and abundant Flora in Mudumalai make it one of the most visited Wildlife reserves in India.