Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (MS)

Sullia, May 1: Panchashree medicinal forest that is grown in Markanja of Subrahmanya in the taluk is attracting visitors as it enhances the knowledge on the plant species which have medicinal properties.

This unique forest gives information to people living in the modern world about the ayurvedic treatment that can be given through these plants. In addition, it has a sprinkler system to provide water to the plants during summer, stone benches for children and elderly people to sit, a welcome tower and rest house.

This medicinal forest is built by the social forest department of Sullia on the land that belongs to Markanja government high school, with the active participation of gram panchayat and grant provided under Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee scheme. There are 200 types of plants in this forest, out of which 160 have medicinal properties. Around 40 varieties of non-medicinal plants are also grown in this forest.

A name board is put in front of every plant, which gives the scientific name of the plant and the medicinal property of that plant. In addition, the plaque also gives information on the diseases that can be cured by the respective plant.

In this Panchashree medicinal forest five Daivi Vanas or forests namely Navagriha Vana, Rashi Vana, Shiva Panchakshari Vana, Nandana Vana and Saptarshi Vana are grown. In the Rashi Vana plants that suit 12 Rashis of people are grown. The name board clearly states the Rashi to which that particular plant is suited.

Uttarane, Atti, Muttuga, Ashwatha, Ekka, Kadira, Darbe, Shami, Doorva, Garike, Bore Hannu, Vathura, Tulasi, Avisa, Lemon, Ragi, blue berry, Ala, sandalwood, Kadamba, Mandara, Chootha, Karaveera, Bilvapatre, Ashoka, Nagasampige, Sarpagandhi and Nela Nelli plants are there in this forest. In addition, there are fruit trees like jackfruit, mango, blueberry, star fruit, Birinda Huli, Manthu Huli, Ote huli, Hebbalasu, almond, Seetha Ashoka, Surahonne, Antuwala, Hole Dasavala, Nelli, Rambutan, Abluka and Renje.

Ganesh Tantri, zonal forest officer, social forest zone, Sullia says, "This forest is complementary to the medicinal plants that are on the verge of extinction. This forest is helpful in knowing the plants. In the coming days, we are planning to have washrooms, a drinking water facility and security room."