The flora in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep includes Banana, Colocasia,
Drumstick, bread-fruit, jack fruit and wild almond. Coconut is the only
crop of economic importance in Lakshadweep. These are found in different
varieties such as Laccadive micro, Laccadive ordinary, green dwarf etc. Some of
the shrub jungles and plants like Kanni, punna, chavok and Cheerani are
unevenly grown throughout the islands. Two different varieties of sea grass are
seen adjacent to the beaches. They are known as Thalassia hemprichin and
Cymodocea isoetifolia. They prevent sea erosion and help accumulation of the
beach sediments.
The marine life is quite elaborate. The commonly seen vertebrates are cattle
and poultry birds. Oceanic birds generally found in Lakshadweep are
tharathasi and Karifetu. They are generally found in one of the uninhabited
island known as Pitti. This island has been declared as a bird sanctuary.
Mollusean forms are also important from the economic point of the islands.
The money cowries (cyprea monita) are also found in abundance in the shallow
lagoons and reefs of the islands. Other cypraeds found here are cyprea
talpa and Cypraea maculifera. Among crabs, hermit crab is the most common.
Colourful coral fish such as parrot fish (Callyedon Sordidus), butterfly fish (Chacetodon
Suriga) and Surgeon fish (Acanthurus Lineotus) are found in abundance
The following animals, bird and tree are symbols of Lakshadweep.
Tree : Bread fruit
Animal : Butterfly fish
Bird : Sooty tern.
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