Activities

The Biodiversity Club of KAHM Unity Women’s College, Manjeri, has taken a significant step in promoting ecological conservation by developing a butterfly garden on the college campus. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, create a habitat for butterflies, and provide a natural learning space for students interested in entomology and botany. Objectives of the gardening are following: To attract and conserve butterfly populations by providing suitable host and nectar plants, To enhance campus biodiversity and ecological balance, To serve as an educational resource for students and researchers, To raise awareness about the importance of pollinators in ecosystems. The butterfly garden was carefully designed and developed with a variety of flowering plants known to attract butterflies. These plants provide nectar as a food source and serve as host plants for butterfly larvae. The selected plant species include:

Lantana (Lantana camara) – A highly attractive nectar source for butterflies.

Cosmos (Cosmos spp.) – Known for its bright flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators.

Cuphea (Cuphea spp.) – A preferred nectar source for small butterflies.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.) –  Marigolds attract butterflies with their vibrant blooms.

Ixora (Ixora spp.) – Produces clusters of flowers rich in nectar.

Crotalaria (Crotalaria spp.) – A vital host plant for butterfly larvae.

Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) – Provides nectar throughout the year.

Clitoria (Clitoria ternatea) – Serves as a host plant for certain butterfly species.

 

The butterfly garden attracts various butterfly species, contributing to the ecological health of the campus. The presence of butterflies enhances pollination, which benefits the surrounding flora. Additionally, the garden serves as an outdoor learning space where students can study butterfly behavior, plant-pollinator interactions, and conservation strategies.