Myristica Swamps

Climate change and human intervention threaten the Myristica swamps of Kerala.

• Myristica swamps are freshwater swamps predominated by members of the Myristicaceae family.

• The evergreen trees have evolved to live in the waterlogged conditions of the swamps.
• They have two types of roots, knee roots (pneumatophores) and stilt root.
• They have evolved over millions of years and are comprised of old-growth trees.
• Location – In India, these unique habitats occur in the Western Ghats and a smaller distribution exists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Myristica swamps are seen next to rivers and help in retaining water and act as a sponge, ensuring perennial water availability.
• Important Species – Gymnocranthera canarica and Myristica fatua — belonging to the primitive Myristicaceae family.