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Virendra Nath , A. K. Asthana , Reesa Gupta

Abstract

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR), situated in Madhya Pradesh, India is well known for its biodiversity. Moss flora of the region is immensely significant considering the fact that mosses are abundantly found here. Most abundant families include Bryaceae (9), Pottiaceae (8), Dicranaceae (7) and Fissidentaceae (6) totaling 30 taxa. Interestingly, all the four moss families are acrocarpous indicating the dominance of erect mosses in the region. Further, Fissidens Hedw., Bryum Hedw., Campylopus Bridel. and Hyophila (Hook.) Jaeg. are the most abundant genera of these families. While Pottiaceae is dominant in terms of frequency of occurrence of its genera in different localities of PBR, Bryaceae shows maximum representation with 9 members. The mosses account for both epiphytic and terrestrial members and contribute substantially to the ecology and diversity of PBR.

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A. K. Asthana ¹, Reesa Gupta ¹, Vishwa Jyotsna Singh ¹, V. K. Hile ², G. T. Dabhade ³

Affiliations
1 Bryology Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, IN
2 Department of Botany, Somani College, Mumbai 400 007, IN
3 Department of Botany, Birla College, Kalyan 421 304, IN

Abstract

Anthoceros macrosporus Steph., an endemic and threatened hornwort which was known from its type specimen only from Borghat, Maharashtra, India has recently been re-discovered from Maharashtra and Gujarat from a second location in restricted pockets. Hence, it is proposed to designate the taxon as endangered and to be included in the Red List of Plants by the IUCN. Morphotaxonomic details of the recently collected plants have been studied.

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