The flora of Palakkad district is characteristically tropical, owing to the seasonal rainfall, moderate temperature and the mountainous eastern border. Major portion of the district comes under the midland region and is under cultivation. Some of the dominant trees in the region are Eppothi (Macaranga Indica), Mavu (Mangifera), Paragimavu(Ancardium Occidentale), Pilavu (Artocarpus Integriofolia), Elavu (Cieba Pentandra), Ezhilampala (Astomia Scholoris), Urakkam Thoongi (Enterolobium Saman), Mullumurikku (Erythrina Indica) and Aranamaram(Polyalthia Longifolia) . Intermingled with these are other trees like Osboekia Ostandra, Lantana Sculeata, etc. Rubber and teak plantations are common in the hills. The midland region gradually merges with hilly forests.
No animal can be mentioned peculiar to this district. Elaphants are common in almost all parts of the forest. Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Bear, etc are sometimes found in the thick forests. Sambar and Spotted Deer are seen in large numbers.
Nilgiris langur, bonnet monkey, slender loris, jungle cat, different types of mongoose, jackals, squirrels, hares, etc. are found in the forest. Birds are represented by the jungle crow, king crow, myna, woodpeckers, sunbird, king fishers, skylark, paradise fly catchers, parrots, peacocks, pigeons etc. Poisonous and non – poisonous snakes are common in the district.
The Silent Valley area, 40kms.from Mannarghat town, has the distinction of being a rain forest, very rare in the world. It is spread over an area of about 9000 hectares. This thick forest is rich in some of the rare species of plants and animals.
Quotable Quotes:
“Rules and regulations are for the guidance of wise people
and the blind obedience of fools.”