Published Paper Details:

Kodaikanal is located on the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2,100m. It includes mainly shola forests because of the most diverse ecosystem. Foliicolous fungus provides a good platform for the fungal diversity in the tropical region. The present study involves the collection, identification and documentation of foliicolous fungi of various sholas which are called as living fossil and has resulted in recording 30 species of Asterinaceae. From the collected species, 4 are new species belonging to genera Asterina, namely A. dhivaharanii, A. kukkalensis, A. polygalae and A. viburnii. Species of these fungi are preferably called as Black Mildews. The chemicals produced as a result of host-parasite interaction is used for the benefit of human. The host of these fungi namely Impatiens viscida, Premna sp., Polygala arillata, Viburnum cylindricum is used as a natural calmative, to cure stomach disorders, as anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory agents. Hence to know much about these fungi and their interaction, an organized study is essential, as the fungal wealth of this region is not fully studied.