An account of the ‘useful weeds’ associated with wetland paddy fields (Vayals) of wayanad, Kerala

This study conducted in Wayanad District of Kerala has documented the usefulness of the vascular flora associated with wetland paddy fields (Vayals). The plants were recorded from the paddy fields and paddy levees (bunds) and associated habitats. 65 farmer participants of the study, through a total of 945 sightings, have identified 95 useful plants species each from Paddy Fields/Levees (dominated by the members of Cyperaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae) and Paddy Associated habitats (dominated by the members of Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae). 33 species were common to these habitats. The study reveals the importance of the plant diversity associated with paddy fields, in meeting the multiple requirements of the rural and tribal people of Wayanad.