Source: The Hindu
Context: Eravikulam National Park (ENP), the natural habitat of Nilgiri tahr in Munnar, has a new attraction — a Fernarium set up inside the park.
Fernarium:
- A fernarium is a type of botanical garden or greenhouse that specializes in cultivating and displaying various species of ferns.
- Ferns are part of the Epiphytic family. They grow naturally in a soilless condition. The plants obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees.
- Ferns are a diverse group of plants that do not produce flowers or seeds but instead reproduce through spores.
About Eravikulam National Park:
- Declared a Sanctuary in 1975 and later a National Park (1978) with the intention of protecting the indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr (highly endangered mountain goat).
- “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve years grows here.
- The highest peak south of the Himalayas – the Anamudi is located here.
