Study highlights role of sand dune flora

The importance of sand dune flora in the coastal ecosystem has been emphasised by environmentalists and researchers time and again.

However, till recently, there was no detailed documentation done on the sand dune flora in Visakhapatnam.

For the first time, a study conducted by a researcher of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, recorded 103 species of sand dune flora from the region. The study was done by Aparna Surampudi under Prof. P.S. Raja Sekhar, Head of Department, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University. The paper was published in the Asian Journal of Plant Sciences. Some of the important species recorded were

Ipomoea pes-caprae ,

Pendanus facsicularis , and

Spinifex littoreus .

“Sand dunes are very critical to the coastal areas and sand dune flora have specific role in maintaining the ecological balance. Apart from having medicinal properties, they act as sand binders, protecting the coast from natural hazards and also help maintain coastal aquifers (an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well),” said Aparna Surampudi. The study also highlighted the rapid expansions of invasive flora species like

Mimosa pudica , Calotropis gigantea , Lantana camara , and Pendanus facsicularis , leading to loss of native species in INS Kalinga area. In areas like R.K Beach and Rushikonda, the study found that some species like Ipomoea pes-caprae and Spinifex littoreus have been degrading gradually from the past three years. “The reasons behind this are anthropogenic activities like tourism, recreational projects, road constructions, and other disturbances. The other factor leading to loss of native species are natural disasters like cyclones. For instance, during cyclone Hudhud many of the sand dune flora have been lost,” Aparna added.

Since the Visakhapatnam coast is prone to cyclones, researchers are stressing on developing alternative restoration methods to maintain and sustain the dune ecosystem. “Sand dune restoration, fencing, and dune nourishment, and plantation in leeward dunes are most preferable methods for maintaining and sustaining the dune ecosystem,” she said.