Guess what a sand dune walk in Goa’s Caranzalem revealed

SAND DUNE TRAIL

WWF-Goa recently hosted a sand dune ecology walk at Caranzalem Beach, North Goa, ahead of the City Nature Challenge (CNC), with expert insights from botanist Dr Ashish Prabhugaonkar.

JEEPERS CREEPERS

Dr Ashish Prabhugaonkar spoke about the different layers of vegetation such as creepers, followed by shrubs, and then trees, of which creepers play an important role in building of sand dunes.

DUNE FRIENDLY

Creepers like Ipomoea pes-caprae, with their pretty pink flowers are commonly seen on our beaches, and help in sand dune formation by trapping sand and helping to prevent erosion.

THE NEW GREEN

Due to changes in land use and the seepage of sewage water, invasive species like Wedelia urticifolia — originally garden plants — have begun to overrun the area and replace the region’s natural vegetation.

NATURE'S REMEDY

The headache tree (Premna serratifolia), commonly found in sandy coastal soil, is known for its unique property — its leaves release a heady scent when touched, and are traditionally believed to help relieve headaches.

SMALL WONDER

Sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum), a vital creeper in sand dune ecosystems, helps trap sand with its leaves and stems. It also grows in mangrove areas, and its leaves are edible.

SCENTED SANDS

Screw pine, or kewda, is an integral part of sand dune vegetation. Its strongly scented flowers are used in perfumery.

MARINE LIFE

Sargassum (a seaweed common on Goa’s beaches) and barnacles (related to crabs and lobsters) are other things that were seen during the walk.

NEXT: Take a look at Goa's fragrant blooms and colourful trails