Full text of "Nelumbo"
NELUMBO
THE BULLETIN OFTHE BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA VOLUME 51 2009
NELUMBO
VOLUME-51 2009
NELUMBO
VOLUME-51 2009
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BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
KOLKATA
N E L U M B O
Bulletin of the Botanical Survey of India : volume - 51
ISSN : 0976-5069
Editor-in-Chief
M. Sanjappa
Director
Botanical Survey of India
Phone: 033 2334 4963
e-mail : m_sanjappa@yahoo.co.in
Editor
P. Singh
In-charge, Publication Section
Botanical Survey of India
Phone : 033 2358 4240
e-mail : bulletinbsi@gmail.com
© Botanical Survey of India
Date of Publication : 31st December, 2009
No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a
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without prior written permission of the
Director, Botanical Survey of India.
Editorial Board
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N.P. Balakrishnan, coimbatore
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S.S. Bir, Patiala
H.J. Chowdhery, Dehradun
P. Daniel, Nagercoil
P.K. Hajra, Dehradun
S.K. Jam, Lucknow
M.K. Janarthanam, Goa
P. Lakshminarsimhan, Hawrah
T.N. Lakhanpal, shimia
P.V. Madhusudanan, Calicut
A. A. Mao, Itanagar
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C. Manoharachary, Hyderabad
V.J. Nair, Coimbatore
D. Narasimhan, chennai
M.P. Nayar, Thiruvanthapuram
P. Pushpangadan, Thiruvanthapuram
R.R. Rao, Bangalore
A.R.K. Sastry, Kakinada
J.R. Sharama, Dehradun
D.K. Singh, Kolkata
K.P. Singh, Allahabad
S.C. Srivastava, Lucknow
S.K. Srivastava, Howrah
D.K. Upreti, Lucknow
P. Venu, Hyderabad
Cover Photograph :
Nelumbonucifera Gaertn.
(Photo : Dr. D.K.Singh)
National Flower of India
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CONTENTS
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Editorial v
NOTES ON MEDINILLA GAUDICH. (MELASTOMATACEAE) FROM 1 - 4
GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND, INDIA
J. Jayanthi, K. Karthigeyan, R. Sumathi and RG. Diwakar
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE ABORIGINES IN ANDAMAN & NICOBAR 5 - 40
ISLANDS, INDIA
R. P. Pandey, L. Rasingam and G. S. Lakra
PHYTODIVERSITY OF THE NARAYAN SAROVAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, KACHCHH, 41-98
GUJARAT, INDIA
R.P Pandey, V. Singh and P. J. Parmar
LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS (TAMIL NADU), INDIA - A CHECKLIST 99 - 122
A. Alam and S.C. Srivastava
TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 123 - 156
S. S. Dash
GENUS COLOLEJEUNEA (SPRUCE) SCHIFFN. IN NILGIRI HILLS (WESTERN GHATS) 157 - 160
P. K. Verma
TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF PACHMARHI 161 - 174
BIOSPHERE RESERVE (MADHYA PRADESH), INDIA
V Nath and R. Gupta
OBSERVATIONS ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF PORPHYA VIETNAMENSIS 175 - 178
TANAKA & P.H.HO (BANGIALES, RHODOPHYTA) AT
VISAKHAPATNAM COAST, INDIA
S. Ghosh and J. P. Keshri
TWO MOSSES NEW TO THE BRYOFLORA OF THE INDIAN MAINLAND 179 - 182
A.E.D. Daniels and J. L. Mabel
TAXONOMIC IMPLICATION OF CONDUCTING ELEMENTS IN THE 183 - 190
ACROCARPOUS MOSSES
S. Sinha, H. Govindapyari, S. Suman and P. L. Uniyal
THREE NEW RECORD OF LIVERWORTS FOR HIMALAYAN REGION FROM MEHAO 191 - 198
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
S. Das and D.K. Singh
THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE NAMES FOR A FEW WELL KNOWN 199 - 210
ANGIOSPERM FAMILIES VIS-A-VIS FABACEAE VERSUS PAPILIONACEAE:
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
R.L. Mitra, V. S. Raju and P. Singh
COMBRETUM TETRAGONOCARPUM KURZ VAR. TETRALOPHUM 211 - 212
(C.B.CLARKE) M.GANGOP. & CHAKRAB. (COMBRETACEAE) - A NEW RECORD
FOR INDIA FROM NICOBAR ISLANDS
L. Rasingam and R.P. Pandey
NOTES ON RECOLLECTION OF THREE LESS KNOWN ENDEMIC PLANTS 213 - 216
OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
S.S. Dash and R. C. Srivastava
THE ENDEMIC AND RARE NOTOTHYLAS ANAPORATA UDAR & D.K. SINGH 217 - 218
(NOTOTHYLACEAE: ANTHOCEROTAE) REDISCOVERED
A.E.D. Daniels and R. Felix
iv NELUMBO [Vol.51
16. LESS KNOWN ETHNIC USES OF PLANTS OF SOUTH SIKKIM 219 - 222
A.K. Sahoo and A. A. Ansari
17. ON THE CORRECT IDENTITY OF WESTERN HIMALAYAN PLAGIOGYRIA
(KUNZE) METT. 223 - 224
B. S. Kholia
18. PHALLUS CALONGEI G. MORENO & KHALID - A NEW RECORD FOR INDIA 225 - 226
K. Das and D. Mishra
19. THREE NEW COMBINATIONS IN PHOTINIA ARGUTA LINDL. (ROSACEAE) 227 - 228
C. Ghora
20. RECOLLECTION OF ARMODORUM SENAPETIANUM PHUKAN & A. A. MAO
(ORCHIDACEAE) 229 - 230
S. J. Phukan
21. A NEW VARIETY OF SCOPARIA DULCIS L. (SCROPHULARIACEAE ) 231 - 232
FROM MUMBAI (MAHARASHTRA), INDIA
S.N. Pardeshi and T. Srinivasu
22. ON THE IDENTITY OF ARUNDINARIA CLARKEI GAMBLE EX BRANDIS 233 - 240
(POACEAE : BAMBUSOIDEAE) - ITS RECOLLECTION AND TAXONOMIC POSITION
P. Kumari and P. Singh
23. NOTES ON FLOWERING IN SCHIZOSTACHYUM ARUNACHALENSIS 241 - 244
H.B. NAITHANI (POACEAE: BAMBUSOIDEAE)
S. S. Dash, P. Kumari and P. Singh
24. WESTERN HIMALAYA - A NEW RANGE OF DISTRIBUTION FOR A CRITICALLY 245 - 248
ENDANGERED FERN DRYOPSIS MANIPURENSIS (BEDD.)
HOLTTUM & P.J. EDWARDS
B. S. Kholia and K. Bhakuni
25. VALIDATION OF THE SECTION MABA OF DIOSPYROS L. (EBENACEAE) 249
V. Singh and V. S. Kumar
26. CONTRIBUTION TO LITSEA LAM. (LAURACEAE) IN NORTHEAST INDIA 250 - 253
T. Bhuinya and P. Singh
27. NOTES ON THE NEWLY PUBLISHED SPECIES PERSEA HIMALAYAENSIS 254
M. GANGOP. (LAURACEAE)
M. Gangopadhyay and V. S. Kumar
28. BOOK REVIEW : PLANTS AFFECTING HUMAN MIND (PSYCHOACTIVE PLANTS) 255
29. BOOK REVIEW : SUPPLEMENT TO FLORA OF ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA 256
30. BOOK REVIEW : MUSHROOMS OF SIKKIM - I :
BARSEY RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY 257
31. LETTER TO THE EDITOR 258
32. AUTHORS INDEX 259
33. NEW TAXA AND NEW COMBINATIONS 260
34. INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRIBUTORS 261 - 262
EDITORIAL
The first issue of the in-house journal of the Botanical Survey of
India, the 'Bulletin of the Botanical Survey of India', initiated to facilitate
publications of the researchers and botanists of the Survey, universities and
other research institutes, appeared in 1959 under the editorship of Fr. H.
Santapau, the then, Director of the Survey The journal went on for 50 years
publishing research articles concerning taxonomy and allied fields with
contributions coming from the scientists of the Survey and also from other
institutions. In the last fifty years, priorities and mandate of the Survey have
evolved with changing situations/needs and a broad based Editorial Board
was felt necessary to assist in improving the quality of articles and quicken
the pace of reviewing and publishing. Further, it was felt appropriate to
give a name to the journal. The Survey being the only national organization
exclusively mandated for taxonomy, the name NELUMBO, the genus to which
the national flower belongs to {Nelumbo nucifera), was felt appropriate. The
present volume, numbered 5 1 , is thus appearing under this name with a new
Editorial Board.
The authors and contributors are encouraged to route their papers
through any of the members of the editorial board for prompt reviewing.
NELUMBO, as an international journal of plant and fungal taxonomy, will
continue the earlier tradition of publishing articles from traditional taxonomy
as well as from new and emerging allied branches. The journal henceforth may
be referred to as Nelumbo instead of Bull. Bot. Surv. India in all citations.
The feedback from the readers is solicited to improve the quality of
the publication.
M SANJAPPA
Director Editor-in-Chief
Botanical Survey of India
m_sanjappa@yahoo.co.in
NELUMB0 51: 1-4.2009
NOTES ON MEDINILLA GAUDICH. (MELASTOMATACEAE) FROM
GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND, INDIA
J. Jayanthi, K. Karthigeyan, R. Sumathi and P. G. Diwakar 1
Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair 744 102
'Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune 411 001
ABSTRACT
A new species viz. Medinilla balakrishnanii, allied to M. coriacea Merr., is described. Medinilla
speciosa (Reinw. ex Blume) Blume is reported for the first time as an addition to the Flora of India. Detailed
descriptions, ecological notes with illustration are provided.
Keywords : New species, New record, Great Nicobar Island, India.
INTRODUCTION
The genus Medinilla Gaudich. comprises epiphytic and terrestrial shrubs and climbers
and includes about 400 species. It is found throughout tropical Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand,
South China, Islands of South-East Asia, New Guinea, Northern Australia, Micronesia, Solomon Islands,
Vanuatu and Fiji with its maximum diversity in the Malaysian region (Regalado 1990, 1995). In India,
this genus is represented by 7 species namely Medinilla erythrophylla Lindl., M. beddomei C.B.Clarke,
M. himalayana Hook, f, M. pauciflora Hook.f, M. malabarica Bedd., M. sahyadrica Sasidh. & Sujanapal
and M. anamalaiana Sasidh. & Sujanapal distributed in the Himalayan and Peninsular regions (Sasidharan
& Sujanapal, 2005).
During the fioristic survey of Mt. Thullier, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a beautiful epiphytic shrub
was collected from the dense evergreen forests. On studying the specimens it is found to be different and distinct
from the alliance of M. coriacea Merr., of Philippines and hence described as new species. Medinilla speciosa
(Reinw. ex Blume) Blume is reported as an addition to the Flora of India. Descriptions and illustrations are
provided for easy identification of these species.
1. Medinilla balakrishnanii Jayanthi, Karthigeyan, Sumathi & Diwakar sp. nov. (Fig. 1).
Medinillae coriaceae proxima, petiolis et inflorescentiss hypanthiisque furfuraceis, laminis elliptico-
oblongis apice acuminato nervis supra impressis venis transversalibus prominentibus, petiolis floribusque
majoribus differt.
Type : India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands : Great Nicobar, Mt. Thullier, Evergreen forest, + 600 m,
2 June 2002, J. Jayanthi, K. Karthigeyan & R. Sumathi 19354 (Holo. : CAL, Iso. : PBL).
Closely allied to M. coriacea Merr., differing in the furfuraceous petioles, inflorescences and hypanthium,
longer elliptic-oblong leaves, acuminate at apex, nerves impressed above, transverse veins prominent, larger
petioles and larger flowers.
Epiphytic, scandent shrub, 3-5 m high; bark whitish; branches terete, glabrous, lenticellate, c. 1 cm
in diam.; young branchlets slightly quadrangular, setose. Leaves opposite or ternate, elliptic-oblong, 10-18 x
5-9 cm, exstipulate, coriaceous, drying greyish-blackish green above, chocolate brown below, acuminate at
apex, entire along margins, cuneate at base, 5-7-nerved, nerves impressed above, raised below; transverse
veins prominent on both surfaces; petioles ridged, 1.8-5 cm long, slightly furfuraceous. Inflorescence axillary,
fascicled, few-flowered cymes, arising on leafless nodes; peduncles ridged, reddish-brown furfuraeous,
1-2.3 cm long. Flowers creamy white, c. 3x 2.5 cm, 5-merous. Pedicels ridged, pink, 3-5 mm long, reddish-
brown furfuraceous. Hypanthium campanulate, green with pinkish tinge, reddish-brown furfuraceous, 1-1.3 x
0.8-1 cm, 5 -denticulate. Petals 5, creamy white with pink tinge along margins, membranous, imbricate, obliquely
broadly elliptic-obovate, 2.5-2.8 x 1-1.5 cm. Stamens 10, unequal, isomorphic; short stamens 5; filaments
Date of publication : 3 1st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
N ELUMBO
[Vol.510
c. 1 .4 cm long; anthers c. 1 .2 cm long, with 2.5-3 mm long lateral appendage and c.3 mm long plectrum; longer
stamens 5; filaments c. 1 .7 cm long; anthers c. 1 .8 cm long with c. 2 mm long lateral appendage and c. 2 mm long
plectrum. Ovary 5-6-celled, placentation axile; style c. 1 .5 cm long, 1-2 mm wide; stigma punctiform. Fruits not seen.
Fl. : May -June.
Habitat : Found in dense evergreen forests, exposed to partial sunlight, clilmbing on Knema andamanica
(Warb) de Wilde at an elevation of + 600 m.
The difference between Medinilla balakrishnanii and M. coriacea are elucidated below :
Characters
Medinilla balakrishnanii
Medinilla coriacea
Indumentum
Petioles, inflorescences and
hypanthium furfuraceous.
Leaves
10-18x5-9 cm, elliptic-oblong,
acuminate at apex.
Venation
Nerves impressed above,
transverse veins prominent.
Petioles
2.5-2.8 cm long.
Flower
c. 3 x 2.5 cm.
Petioles, inflorescences and
hypanthium glabrous.
11-12 x 5.5-6.5 cm, broadly elliptic-ovate
to suborbicular, rounded to apiculate at apex.
Nerves faint above, transverse veins
inconspicuous.
Up to 1.2 cm long.
c. 2 x 1.5 cm.
Fig.l. : Medinilla balakrishnanii Jayanthi, Karthigeyan, Sumathi & Diwakarsp. nov.
A. Habit; B. L.S. of flower; C. Short and long stamens.
2009]
JAYANTHI & AL : NOTES ON MEDINILLA GAUDICH. FROM GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND
Etymology : This species is named after Dr. N.P. Balakrishnan who has greatly contributed to the flora of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. Medinilla speciosa (Reinw. ex Blume) Blume in H.C. Hall, Bijdr. Nat. Wet. 6:256. 1831; Maxwell in Gard.
Bull. Singapore 31:185. 1978; Regalado in Blumea 35:19. 1990. Melastoma speciosa Reinw. ex Blume
in Flora 14:515. 1831. (Fig. 2).
Epiphytic shrub, 2-3 m high. Branches terete to slightly angular, c. 7 mm in diam., glabrous, bark whitish;
nodes covered with stiff setaceous bristles. Leaves ternate or quaternate, thickly coriaceous, exstipulate,
narrowly to broadly elliptic, 5.5-15 x 2-7 cm, acute-acuminate at apex, entire along margins, cuneate and
slightly unequal at base, decurrent to petiole, 5 -nerved; nerves raised above and below, slightly winged above;
transverse veins faintly visible on lower surface; petioles 0.6-1 cm long. Inflorescences terminal or sometimes
axillary penicles of cymes, many -flowered, up to 17 cm long and 7 cm across; rachis and side branches dark
pink, quadrangular, winged; peduncles 5-7 cm long, quadrangular, winged, dark pinkish. Bracteoles linear, c.
1 mm long. Flowers not seen. Berries globose, dark pink-purplish, c. 1 cm across; stalk 4-7 mm long, slightly
angular. Seeds numerous, embedded in pulpy mass, less than 1 cm long.
Fig. 2. Medinilla speciosa (Reinw. ex Blume) Blume : A. Habit; B. Fruit; C. Seeds.
4 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. &Fr. : May -June.
Habitat : Found abundantly in the evergreen forest at an altitude of + 600 m.
Specimen examined : India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands : Great Nicobar, Mount Thullier, 2 June 2002,
J. Jayanthi, R. Sumathi & K. Karthigeyan 19354 (PBL).
Notes : Medinilla speciosa Blume is known to be distributed in Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Lesser
Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Moluccas and Borneo (Maxwell, 1978). Occurrence of this species in Great Nicobar
extends its range of distribution to India. It is to be noted that the Great Nicobar specimens are smaller when
compared to that of Bornean counterpart. This plant could be cultivated as an ornamental for its dense panicle
of delicate pink flowers.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Dr. M. Sanjappa, Director, BSI for facilities, Dr. P. Lakshminarasimhan,
IBLO, RBG, Kew for comparing our specimens at Kew, Dr. J.F. Veldekamp, National Herbarium Nederland,
Leiden for his suggestions and the Latin diagnosis, Dr. T Chakrabarty for going through the manuscript and
Dr. P. Dayanandan, Dr. C. Livingstone and Dr. D. Narsimhan, Department of Botany, Madras Christian College
for encouragement.
REFERENCES
Hooker, J.D. 1879. The Flora of British India. Vol. 2. London.
Maxwell, J.F. 1978. A revision of Medinilla, Pachycentria and Pogonanthera (Malestomataceae), from the Malay
Peninsula. Gard. Bull. Singapore 31:139-216.
Regalado, J.C. Jr. 1990. Revison of Medinilla of Boreneo. Blumea 35:5-70.
Regalado, J.C. Jr. 1995. Revision of Philippine Medinilla. Blumea 40(1): 1 13-193.
Santapau, H. and A.N. Henry. 1 973 . A Dictionary of the Flowering plant of India. Publication Information Directorate,
(CSIR). New Delhi.
Sasidharan, N. and P. Sujanapal. 2005. The genus Medinilla Gaudich. ex DC. (Melastomataceae) in Peninsular India.
Rheedea 15(2):\03-U2.
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N E L U M B O 51 : 5- 40, 2009
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE ABORIGINES IN
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA
R. P. Pandey, L. Rasingam and G. S. Lakra
Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair 744 102
ABSTRACT
The paper deals with ethnomedicinal uses of 289 plant species belonging to 233 genera under 116
families, which include 247 species of angiosperms (1 98 genera of 87 families), 6 species of gymnosperms
(4 genera of 4 families), 35 species of pteridophytes (30 genera of 24 families) and a solitary species of alga
used by the aborigines in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The uses of different plant species by the aborigines
are rendered in a tabular form, where plants have been arranged alphabetically with their botanical names,
local names, followed by family, habit of plant, plant parts used, names of diseases and tribes.
Keywords : Aborigines, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Ethnomedicinal plants, Diseases, Tribes.
INTRODUCTION
Traditional healthcare practices of indigenous people pertaining to human health are termed
"Ethnomedicine" . Ethnomedicine is the mother of all other system of medicines. Medicinal plants provide
an efficient local aid to healthcare and disease-free life. Traditional ethnomedicinal studies have in recent
years received much attention for their wide local acceptability and rendering clues for new or lesser known
medicinal plants (Tripathi, 2000). Over 17,000 species of flowering plants under c. 320 families are reported to
occur in India, of which about 9,000 are economically useful. Whereas, 7,500 of these species are reported to
be used for healthcare by various ethnic communities in India, 3,900 are reported to be edible, 700 culturally
important, 525 used for fibre, 400 for fodder, 300 for pesticide and insecticides, 300 for gums, resins and dyes
and 100 provide incense and perfumes. Besides 17,000 flowering plants, the floral diversity also included 64
gymnosperms, 1,200 pteridophytes, 2,850 bryophytes, 13,000 fungi and 12,500 algae. In all, India has about
48,000 floral and 80,000 faunal species (Anonymous, 1994; Arora, 1997). Only about 2,500 plant species
of medicinal value have been well documented in Indian system of medicine and under ethnobotany (Jain,
1991). However, some medicinal plants database lists out more than 4,700 species used in Indian system of
folk medicine (Anonymous, 1998).
The role of indigenous knowledge in the realm of medicinal plants is noteworthy. Indigenous communities
associated with the wild plants of the forests and they nurture rich knowledge about medicinal plants developed
over generation by bold experimentation through trial and error methods (Sahi, 2003). The Andaman & Nicobar
Islands (Map 1), the hotspots of biodiversity, representing a great emporium of ethnobotanical wealth are
an abode of six different aboriginal native tribes. In spite of floristic, socio-economical and anthropological
interests in these islands, studies on the folk medicinal utilities of plants are limited and meagre (Dagar &
Singh, 1999).
The tribes of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands fall under two ethnic groups. The Andaman group of
Islands are inhabited by the tribes Great Andamanese, Onges, Sentinelese and Jarawa and are of the Negrito
stock. The population of Great Andamanese and Onges are dwindling and they have been rehabilitated on
the Strait Island and Little Andaman Island respectively. Sentinelese occupying the North Sentinel Island, are
still hostile. The Jarawas inhabit the Jarawa Reserve located along the western parts of the South and Middle
Andamans. They have recently become friendly.
The Nicobar group of Islands are inhabited by the tribes the Nicobarese and the Shompens, belonging
to the Mongoloid stock. The former are in the mainstream, the latter represent another dwindling tribe. The
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
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2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 7
Ranchi and Karens are the tribal communities of mainland India and Myanmar respectively. They were brought
here for timber extraction work during the British period. They inhabited in the remote areas of Andaman
Islands and they have also vast knowledge of medicinal plants. Most of the non- indigenous plants reported
here are mainly used by these communities.
The Andaman & Nicobar archipelago consisting of about 350 islands and over 200 islets lies in the Bay
of Bengal between 6°-14° N latitudes and 90°- 94° E longitudes. Almost all the islands and islets oriented in
north - south directions simulate an arch and stretch over a length of about 912 km. With a total geographical
land area of about 8290 sq km, the terrain of most of the islands is hilly with undulating small mountains and
narrow valleys. The highest peak in the Andaman groups is Saddle Peak (732 m above m.s.l.) in the North
Andaman Islands and in the Nicobar group Mount Thullier (642 m above m.s.l.) in the Great Nicobar Island.
There are two volcanic islands, viz. Narcondum Island and Barren Island on the eastern side in the Andaman
sea. While the volcano of Narcondum Island is inactive, that of the Barren Island is still active, and is the only
active volcano in India.
The general climatic condition of the islands is of warm and humid tropics with the temperature ranging
between 22°Cto 30°C. The islands receive heavy rainfall from both the south-west and north-east monsoons,
the former from May to September and the latter from October to December with the average annual rainfall
ranging from 3000 to 3800 mm. The cyclonic winds accompanied by thunder and lightning frequent in the
islands. January to March show fairly dry weather with scanty rainfall. The mean relative humidity is rather
high and usually remains between 82% to 85% throughout the year. All these climatic factors lead to lush
green, dense luxuriant and rich phytodiversity in these islands.
The territory, physical isolation between the islands and from the neighbouring continental land masses
through millions of years has resulted in the evolution of a rare and distinct flora. The flora shows much closer
affinity with Myanmar, Malesian and Indonesian flora. The vegetation comprises tropical evergreen forests,
deciduous forests, littoral forests, mangroves forests and open grasslands. The total forest area is about 84.42%
of the land area at present (Anonymous, 2005).
Hitherto, nearly 2631 indigenous and non-indigenous vascular plant species are recorded and many
of them are either unexploited or under-exploited while a few are over exploited. The tribes of Andaman &
Nicobar Islands have very good knowledge of the plants growing around them and in the forests. They are
using a number of wild plants for treating various physical ailments. The important medicinal plants and their
uses are enumerated in a tabular form {Table 2). Plants have been arranged alphabetically with their botanical
names, local names (H-Hindi name, N-Nicobarese, O-Onge, GA-Great Andamanese, J-Jarawas, S-Shompens)
followed by family name and habit of plant, parts used, diseases and tribes (GA = Great Andmanese; J =
Jarawas; O = Onge; N = Nicobarese; S = Shompens; All = all the tribes except Sentinelese; R = Ranchi
people; K = Karens (Minor ethnic).
PREVIOUS WORK
Recently a review paper on the Ethnobotany of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands by Chakraborty &
Balakrishnan (2003), wherein they have reviewed the literature and different uses of plants by the aboriginals.
They dealt with comprehensive lists of plants and their uses. They listed 21 plant species as ethnomedicinal
value for the tribals. Other contributors viz. Dagar & Dagar (2003) dealt with plant used by the Nicobarese;
Sharief & al., (2005) studied the traditional phytotherapy among Karens and Gupta, & al, (2004) published
indigenous knowledge on some medicinal plants among Nicobari tribe of Car Nicobar Island. Very recently
Kaushal Kumar, & al. , (2006) dealt with 1 97 plant species used by Nicobarese, out of which 153 species are of
medicinal use.The authors undertook the present study to provide up to date knowledge on the ethnomedicinal
plants of Andaman & Nicobar Islands aboriginals. Further, the ethnomedicinal uses of plants by the aborigines
8 NELUMBO [Vol.51
dealt in this paper urgently require thorough clinical, chemical, medicinal and pharmaceutical investigations
by the modern research laboratories working in this field.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study is based on more than fifteen botanical explorations in different islands of the region,
personal experience of the authors and previous published literature. During the floristic survey contacts were
made with several experienced and elderly men, women, forest dwellers, chief of tribal personal and other
knowledgeable settlers who are living in contact with aboriginal native tribes. The ethnomedicinal plants data
presented in this paper also include earlier published literature on this subject as well as authors own observation
made during the plant explorations marked by asterisks (*). Most of the specimens were collected, identified
and deposited in the Herbarium of Botanical Survey of India, Port Blair (PBL). This report is prepared for
scientific purposes only. Due to the noxious effects of some plant species, there is possibility of adverse effects
from certain uses, which require thorough clinical and pharmaceutical analysis. The authors neither affirm nor
deny the efficacy of the medicinal plants.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The present study comprises ethnomedicinal account of 289 plant species belonging to 1 16 families and
233 genera, comprising 247 species of Angiosperms (belonging to 198 genera under 87 families), 6 species
of gymnosperms (belonging to 4 genera under 4 families), 35 species of pteridophytes belonging to 30 genera
under 24 families) and a solitary species of Alga (Table 1), which also includes 111 species of trees, 44 shrubs,
36 herbs / undershrubs, 32 climbers / twiners, 35 ferns species, 20 rhizome bearing species, 7 epiphytic, 3
grasses/sedges and a solitary algal species (Fig.l). The plants of some families viz. Euphorbiaceae (19 spp.),
Moraceae (16 spp.), Apocynaceae (14 spp.), Zingiberaceae (10 spp.), Fabaceae (8 spp.) , Convolvulaceae
(6 spp.), Verbenaceae (6 spp.) and Rubiaceae (5 spp.) etc. are widely used by the aborigines of Andaman &
Nicobar Islands. These eight families also coincide with the ten dominant families in the flora of Andaman
& Nicobar islands.
The maximum use of trees (111 spp.) as ethnomedicines by the tribals stand first and it is being followed
by shrubs (44 spp.), herbs/undershrubs (36 spp.), ferns (35 spp.), climber (32 spp.), rhizomatous species
(20 spp.), epiphytic (7 spp.), grasses / sedges (3 spp.) and a solitary species of algae (Fig.l).
Table. 1: Showing total number of taxa of different plant groups used by the aborigines in A & N Islands.
SI. no. Taxa Families Genera Species
1 Angiosperms 87
2 Gymnosperms 4
3 Pteridophytes 24
4 Algae 1
Total 116 233 289~
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are the common plant species extensively used by the different aborigines: Donax
cannaeformis (G. Forst.) K. Schum., Alstonia kurzii Hook, f, A. macrophylla Wall, ex G.Don, Amomum
aculeatum Roxb., Hornstedia fenzlii (Kurz) K. Schum., Ardisia oxyphylla Wall, ex DC, A. solanacea
(Poir.) Roxb., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Byttneria andamanensis Kurz, Chromolaena odorata (L.)
King & Robinson, Calophyllum inophyllum L., Claoxylon indicum (Reinw. ex Blume) Hassk., Costus
198
247
4
6
30
35
1
1
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
Plate 1-6 : Aborigines of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
speciosus (Koen.) J. E. Sm., Cyperus rotundus L., Ficus spp., Exoecaria agallocha L., Ganophyllum
falcatum Blume, Globba marantina L., Glochidion calocarpum Kurz, Knema andamanica (Warb.) de
Wilde, Macaranga tanarius (L.) MuelL- Arg. , Mallotus peltatus (Geisel.) MuelL- Arg., Morinda citrifolia
L., Myristica andamanica Hook, f., Ocimum teuniflorum L., Ophiorrhiza nicobarica N.P Balakr., Peperomia
pellucida Kunth, Phyllanthus emblica L., P. debilis Klein ex Willd., Piper betle L., Pongamia pinnata
(L.) Pierre, Premna pyramidata Wall, ex Schauer, Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr., Scaevola sericea Forst. f.
ex Vahl, Semecarpus kurzii Engler, Sterculia rubiginosa Vent., Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. &
Perry, Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) O.Kuntze, Thottea tomentosa C. Blume) Ding Hou, Thespesia populnea
(L.) Sol. ex Corn, Wedelia biflora (L.) DC, Zingiber squarrosum Roxb., Z. zerumbet (L.) Rose, ex J. E. Sm.
etc. If some of the above species may scientifically be evaluvated and cultivated / planted by the departments
viz. Agriculture, Forest, and CARI, it may improve the socio - economic conditions of these islands.
10
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
0J
'u
&
III
OJ
-D
E
120
100
80
SO
40
20
i=i
Trees
Shrubs
Herbs/Undershrubs
Ferns
Climbers/Twiners
Rhizomato us/Stolon ifero us
Epiphytes
Grasses/Sedges
Algae
Habits of plant species
Fig.l. Showing habit-wise classification of different plant species used by the
aborigines in A & N Islands.
Table 2: Showing important medicinal plants used by the tribals of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
SI.
No.
Name of plant, local name,
family & habit
Part of plant used
as medicines
Name of Disease/
ailment
Name of Tribe *
1
2
3
4
5
Abelmoschus moschatus Medic.
l Kim -pong' (N)
(MALVACEAE) Undershrub
Abrus precatorius L.
(FABACEAE) Climber
Plant sap and
crushed leaves.
Boar and pig bite.
The pounded leaves of
this plant and the leaves
of Tabernaemontana
crispa, with water
taken orally.
Leaves and lime are
mashed between palms
and squeezed to get an
extract which is mixed in
coconut oil and applied
with the help of hen's
feather.
Blood discharge
in urine.
Burns and
blisters of skin.
N
N
N
* GA = Great Andamanese, J = Jarawas, N = Nicobarese, O
K = Karens (Minor ethnic) and All = Except Sentinelese.
Ongese, S = Shompens, R = Ranchi People,
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 11
I 2
"T
T~
3. Acalypha indica L. - 'Kulching' (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Herb
4. Achyranthes bidentata Blume
'Panuko' (N)
(AMARANTHACEAE) Herb
5. Acorus calamus L. - 'Laniti'
(ARACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
6.
9.
Adenia penangiana (Wall, ex G. Don)
de Wilde - 'Tincham' (N)
(PASSIFLORACEAE) Climber
Adenostemma lavenia (L.) O. Kuntze
'Mi - top' (N)
(ASTERACEAE) Herb
Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
'Kama - ha — la ' (N)
(AMARANTHACEAE) Herb
Aganosma marginata (Roxb.) G. Don
(APOCYNACEAE) Climber
10. Ageratum conyzoides L. - 'Topinyom\
So - Pak - re' (N), 'Aakte' (J).
(ASTERACEAE) Herb
1 1 . Aglaonema simplex Blume
var. malaccense Schott- 'PumroK (N)
(ARACEAE) Herb
12. Allamanda cathartica L.
(APOCYNACEAE) Straggling shrub
1 3 . Allium cepa L. - 'Pyaf (H)
(LILIACEAE) Herb
*Crushed leaves taken
orally.
Root extract taken
orally.
Paste of rhizome along
with Piper betel leaves
fresh Kaempferia
rotunda rhizome,
Peperomia pellucida
plant and cloves by
adding salt or sugar is
applied externally on
forehead or sometimes
all these plants are
boiled and vapour is
inhaled.
*Leaves paste rubbed
on chest.
Pounded leaves applied
on affected parts.
Leaves mixed with
Ocimum tenuiflorum are
crushed in the blood of
pig and hen and taken
orally.
Gastro - intestinal
troubles and cuts -
wounds.
Stomach pain.
Headache, fever,
gastric problems.
Chest pain.
Chronic chest
pain and
toothache.
To cure severe pain
of breast or chest.
N
N
All
N
N
N
*Pounded leaves
smeared on body.
Fever.
N
Decoction of the leaves
taken orally.
Urinary troubles &
as emmenagogue.
N&S
*Juice of leaves
dropped in eyes.
Tender shoot tied
around neck.
Eye infection.
Fever and
throat pain.
N&S
J
The pounded leaves in
coconut oil, which
rubbed on the body of
pregnant woman.
Leaf juice is taken
orally.
To keep baby in
normal position.
For painless and
easy delivery.
N
Bark and leaves
decoction taken orally.
Used as a hydrogogue.
N
*Bulbs eaten as such.
Blood pressure and
R
as an antidiabetic.
12
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1
2
3
4
5
14.
Allium sativum L. - 'Lahsun' (H)
Bulbs roasted in
Earache, cold, fever
R
(LILIACEAE) Herb
vegetable oil and also
its juice applied
externally.
and skin diseases.
15.
Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G. Don
(ARACEAE) Herb
*Plant sap applied
externally.
Against scorpion sting.
All
16.
Alpinia manii King ex Baker
(ZINGIBERACEAE) Herb
Plant extract smeared
on the body.
As bee - repellant.
A, S & N.
17.
Alstonia kurzii Hook. f.
l Taungmeok' (S)
*Extract of leaves, bark
and roots taken orally.
Fever and cold - cough.
N&S
(APOCYNACEAE) Tree
Plant extract taken
orally, also known as
"saptachada" in
Ayurvedic medicine.
Used in epilepsy,
fever and filaria.
N
18.
Alstonia macrophylla Wall, ex G. Don
Extract of leaves & root
Stomach ache and
N&S
'Tachoroi' (S), Chuharof (N)
bark applied externally.
bone fracture.
(APOCYNACEAE) Tree
Leaf juice in water taken
orally.
Painful menstruation.
N
*Leaf paste applied
For relief after delivery.
N
externally on the vaginal
area.
Bark extract taken orally.
As tonic, febrifuge,
anthelmintic and
galactagogue.
N&S
19.
Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.
Bark extract taken orally.
As tonic.
N
'Chatian' (H)
Latex applied externally.
On sores, ulcers,
N&S
(APOCYNACEAE) Tree
tumors and rheumatic
swellings.
20.
Amomum aculeatum Roxb.
l Viyam' (J)
Leaf and stem tied
around chest.
Cough and fever.
J
(ZINGIBERACEAE) Herb
*Leaf juice applied
externally.
Fresh plant sap applied
on body.
On scars and scabies.
J
21.
Ampelocissus barbata (Wall.)
Planch. - 'Pinuh'
(VITACEAE) Climber
Fresh leaf -juice
dropped in eyes.
Conjunctivitis.
N
22.
Ancistrocladus tectorius (Lour.)
Merr. - ' Tealpathow' (K)
(ANCISTROCLADACEAE) Climber
Paste of leaves and stem-
bark with Centella
asiatica, Schefflera
elliptica leaves, Oxalis
corniculata plant and
Curcuma longa rhozome.
Bone fracture.
K
23.
Annona muricata L. - 'Kofi' (N)
Leaf paste applied
Skin sores and
N
(ANNONACEAE) Small tree
externally.
eruptions.
* Seeds, powdered.
As fish poison.
N
24.
Annona reticulata L.
'Olka, Eang, AW (N)
(ANNONACEAE) Small tree
Leaf paste tied on
fractured bones.
Bone fracture.
N
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 13
7. Boesenbergia siphonantha (King ex Baker) Sabu & al.,
11. Zingiber squarrosum Roxb.
8. Costus speciosus (Koen.) J. E. Sm.
12. Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng.
9. Thottea tomentosa (Blume) Ding - Hou
13. Tabernaemontana crispa Roxb.
10. Gnetum gnemon L.
14. Hibiscus tiliaceus L.
14
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1 2
3
4
5
25. Anodendron paniculatum (Roxb.) DC.
Raw leaves eaten by
To cause abortion.
GA, N & S
'Pharako' (GA)
pregnant women.
(APOCYNACEAE) Climber
The watery - milky juice
of the plant applied
externally.
Said to be antiseptic
GA
26. Antidesma coriaceum Tul.
Paste, juice and vapours
As honey bees -
GA
'Ray' (GA), l Niyaf, 'Miyoto'
(N)
obtained from chewing
repellant.
27.
28.
29.
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
Aporusa villosa (Lindl.) Baill.
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
Ardisia oxyphylla Wall, ex DC.
'Mikuhon' (N)
(MYRSINACEAE) Small tree
Ardisia solanaceae (Poir.) Roxb.
'Minkuon', 'Chafum' (N),
'Khari PhalV (H)
(MYRSINACEAE) Shrub
30. Areca triandra Roxb.
l Kah Koh' (N), l Jungli - suparf (H)
(ARECACEAE) Tree
31. Argemone mexicana L.
' ' Satyanashf (N)
(PAPAVERACEAE) Undershrub
32. Argyreia hookeri C. B. Clarke
'BMkhu' (GA)
(CONVOLVULACEAE) Climber
33. Aristolochia tagala Cham.
l Mincho — Koyen, Punkot ' (N)
(ARISTOLOCHIACEAE) Climber
the leaves are sprayed
by mouth on honey bees
to disperse them during
honey collection.
Decoction taken orally.
To cure acute cough
and cold.
N
*Leaf juice taken orally
To increase
N
and rubbed on the body
fertility.
of ladies.
Decoction of leaves
To increase fertility.
N
taken orally.
*Pounded leaf paste
To achieve early
N
boiled in water taken by
pregnancy.
both husband and wife,
who are not having chile
*Paste of leaves
Mumps.
N
smeared.
*Crushed leaves
To check abortion
N
infusion in water in
and mensus
water taken orally.
disorder.
Roots boiled in water.
The extract used for
washing uterus after
delivery and wounds-
an antiseptic.
S
*Endosperm chewed
As mouth freshener and
N
with Piper betel leaf.
stomachic.
Yellow sap of stem and
In conjunctivitis.
N
branches.
* Yellow plant juice taken To cure dropsy, jaundice,
orally. cutaneous affection,
diuretic, relieve blisters,
heals excoriations and
ulcers.
N, S&J
Extract of leaves applied Hydrocele.
GA
externally.
*Decoction of leaves. Gynecological
N
problems.
Pounded leaves warmed To cure abdominal -
N
and mixed with hen's chest pain and
blood pasted on stomachache.
stomach around naval.
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 15
m
15. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre
19. Sterculia rubiginosa Vent.
16. Myristica andamanica Hook. f.
20. Pandanus leram Jones ex Fontane
1 7. Glycosmis mauritiana (Lam.) Tanaka.
21. lpomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. spp. brasiliensis (L.) Ooststr.
V
*«*
^ .1-^%
7$. ieea aequata L.
22. Canavalia cathartica Thou
16
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
23. Gloriosa superba L.
27. Morinda citrifolia L. in flowering
24. Hornstedia fenzlii (Kurz) K. Schum.
28. Scaevola sericea Forst. f. ex Vahl
25. Orophea katschallica Kurz
29. Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) O. Kuntze
26. Morinda citrifolia L. in fruiting
30. Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corr.
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 17
I
2
3
4
5
34.
Artocarpus communis J. R. Forst. &
*Milky latex used
Head wounds,
N&S
G. Forst. - 'Pompu' (N),
externally.
ulcers and abscesses.
'Bilaiti kathal (H)
(MORACEAE) Tree
35.
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.
Milky latex applied
On swellings,
N&O
'KathaF, l Tokavoko'(N)
externally.
abscesses and wounds.
(MORACEAE) Tree
36.
Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.
*Powdery bark applied
Cure pimples, crakes
N&S
'Barhal' (H)
externally.
and sores.
(MORACEAE) Tree
37.
Asparagus racemosus Willd.
' Kanyoplur, Kanyammur' (K)
Paste of fresh root with
sugar and water.
Jaundice.
K
(LILIACEAE) Climber
*Roots paste applied
externally.
As cooling agent and
as appetizer.
J&O
38.
Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.
Leaf paste applied
To cure cuts and
N
' Kachchmaf (N), l Khatta — PhaF (H)
externally.
wounds.
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Small tree
*Seeds powder.
As fish poison.
N
39.
Basella alba L. - 'Poi' (H)
(BASELLACEAE) Climber
Leaves extract,
taken orally.
Against constipation.
40.
Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.
(IRIDACEAE) Herb
Rhizome powder taken
orally.
In cough.
H&O
41.
Bixa orellana L. - 'AkveP (N)
(BIXACEAE) Shrub
Plant sap and resin used
externally.
To cure skin diseases.
N
42.
Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC.
'Hotlik' (N)
Pounded leaves.
Chest pain and to
increase appetite.
N
(ASTERACEAE) Undershrub
43. Boesenbergia siphonantha
(King ex Baker) Sabu & al.
l Suu, Chu' (K)
(ZINGIBERACEAE)
Rhizomatous herb
44. Breynia racemosa (Blume)
Muell. - Arg. - 'Fanot, Pitcong,
Teong" (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Shrub
45. Bridelia tomentosa Blume
l Ka - noh, Ranam' (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Small tree
46. Byttneria andamanensis Kurz
'Lafech ' (N)
(STERCULIACEAE) Climber
47. Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. emend
Dandy & Exell. - ' Va-Knuato ' (N)
(CAESALPINIACEAE)
Scandent shrub
Fresh rhizome paste and Gastric and Giddiness. K
a pinch of salt and water
taken orally.
*Tuber powder applied Mumps. J&O
externally.
Macerated leaves and Swellings, skin N & J
leaf juice in water taken diseases body pain,
orally. as febrifuge and in
swollen testicles.
Leaf decoction taken
Dysentery.
N
orally.
Fruits eaten as such.
As health tonic.
N
Aqueous extract of
For painless delivery.
J, & GA
leaves taken orally by
ladies.
Paste of leaves mixed
Fever and body pain.
J&O
with coconut oil.
Leaf paste of this plant
To check early
J&O
with the leaf of Crinum
discharge.
asiaticum and Heritiera
littoralis is mixed in
coconut oil.
18
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[Vol.51
T
48. Calamus viminalis Willd.
l Ma - nyya, Kin - vi -ti' (O)
(ARECACEAE) Climber
*Dry seed powder tied Hydrocele.
on swollen testicles.
Seeds mixed with hen's To cure hydrocele.
egg albumen are applied
on swollen testicles.
Leaves are being used As genital covering
as a covering on genital and antiseptic,
parts (bul).
N
N&R
O
49.
Callicarpa longifolia Lam.
Paste of leaves applied
For cuts, wounds
N
l Kinvi — taong' (N)
externally.
and bone fractures.
(VERBENACEAE) Shrub
Leaves are made into
paste mixed with pig fat
and applied externally.
To cure severe cuts and
fever.
N
50.
Calophyllum inophyllum L.
*Latex from branches
Eye infection and bone
N
'Intanng, Lamonk, Inyang' (N)
and leaves.
fracture and killing lice.
(CLUSIACEAE) Tree
51.
Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br.
Milky latex applied
To cure ulcers, wounds
N
l Madar, 'Safed akvan' (N)
externally.
and sores.
(ASCLEPIADACEAE) Shrub
52.
Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.
*Milky latex used
To cure skin diseases
N&O
'Madar' (N)
externally.
and old wounds.
(ASCLEPIADACEAE) Shrub
53.
Camellia sinensis (L.) 0. Kuntze
Leaf paste applied
Centipede bite and
K
' Chaye patti' (K)
externally.
scorpion sting.
(THEACEAE) Tree
54.
Canna indica L. - ' Sudharsan' (H)
(CANNACEAE) Herb
Rhizome extract,
taken orally.
Fever.
N,0&S
55.
Canarium euphyllum Kurz
'Dhup' (0 & H)
(BURSERACEAE) Tree
*Fumes of the resin.
As mosquito repellent.
O&N
56.
Canavalia cathartica Thou.
' Minuhaeh, Burma same' (K)
Leaf extract taken
orally.
Fever.
N
(FABACEAE) Climber
Grounded seeds
powder with rice kanji
(gruel) and sugar
taken orally.
Skin diseases.
K
57.
Carica papaya L. -
'Papita' (H , GA),
Dried crushed leaves
Substitute in cigars.
GA
' Papaya ' (Eng.)
Bark extract taken orally. Urinary diseases.
N
(CARICACEAE) Tree
Milky juice of unripe
fruits applied externally.
To treat eczema,
ringworm, wounds,
malingnant tumors
and bleedings
hemorrhoids.
N&S
Milky latex with sugar
Enlarged liver, spleen
All
taken orally.
and whopping
cough.
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 19
I 2 3 4" 5
58. Casearia grewiaefolia Vent,
var. gelonoides (Blume) Sleumer
l Kul - tuong', ''Kill tuong' (N)
(FLACOURTIACEAE) Tree
59. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don
l Sa - dabahar' (N)
(APOCYNACEAE) Herb
60. Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.
'Tusa'(N)
(BOMBACACEAE) Tree
61 . Celosia argentea L. -MotiyrC (N)
(AMARANTHACEAE) Herb
62. Centotheca lappacea (L.) Desv.
'Kunhiol '(N)(POACEAE) Grass
63. Chisocheton longistipitatus
(F. M. Bolay) L. S. Sm. - 'Kinya' (N)
(MELIACEAE) Tree
64. Chromolaena odoratum (L.)
King & Robinson - ' Tukukala' (O),
'Chalechechmo' (GA), 'Euhben' (N)
(ASTERACEAE) Herb
65. Citrus medica L. - 'Miyaye' (GA),
'Limong'(N) (RUTACEAE) Shrub
66. Claoxylon indicum (Reinw. ex Blume)
Hassk. - l Sing - Are - ra ,
Hingkuwai' (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
67. Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn.
'Manny? (N)(VERBENACEAE) Shrub
68. Clerodendrum nutans Jack.
'Chamhar' (R), ' Manjayay ' (N)
(VERBENACEAE) Shrub
69. Clerodendrum paniculatum L.
' Tang - Vong, Yamon, Kalahoy ' (N)
(VERBENACEAE) Shrub
70. Cocos nucifera L.
'Taoko, Naria, Dob '(N,H)
(ARECACEAE) Tree
Paste of leaves mixed
Dysentery.
N
with tamarind leaves
and water.
* Leaves juice dropped
Eye infection.
N
in eyes.
Seeds powder taken
As health tonic.
N
orally.
Pounded leaves with
Cuts and wounds.
N
lime.
Decoction of rhizome
Rheumatic pains.
N
taken orally.
Bark powder applied
Sores, cuts and
N
externally.
wounds.
Paste of leaves and
Cuts and wounds.
K
twigs with Solarium
torvum and lime water
applied externally.
*Leaves extract.
Cuts & wounds and
in Leech - bite.
J, 0, N & GA
Leaves are pounded up
To cure wounds.
All
by hand and applied on
fresh wounds to stop
bleeding.
Fruits juice taken orally. To cure constipation.
Paste of leaves applied Pyorrhoea, cuts,
externally. wounds and head - ache.
Leaves mixed in coconut To cure sores pimples
oil and applied by hen's and fever.
feather.
Pounded leaves and
root-bark of Morinda
citrifolia.
Stem - bark powder
with water taken orally.
Ladies used leaf-
decoction orally.
Leaves paste used
externally.
Coconut oil is rubbed on
the body of baby and
woman after delivery
and also used in several
preparations.
Pericarp fumes.
Joint pains and
bone fracture.
Malarial fever,
headache and
cold - cough.
As abortifacient.
For washing ulcers
and sores.
As a health tonic.
GA&N
N
N
N
Ranchi
local
inhabitants.
N
N
0,N&S
As mosquito - repellant.
N
20
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3
4
5
71.
Codiocarpus andamanicus (Kurz)
Warm pounded leaves
Pains and swelling
N
Howard
in coconut oil tied on
of scrotum.
(ICACINACEAE) Tree
enlarged scrotum of
children.
72.
Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.
Leaves extract.
As abortifacient.
J&O
'Tahangen, Ghuiyan, Kamum' (N),
*Paste of leaves applied
For chest pain and bone
N, S, & J
'Arvi' (H)
externally.
fracture.
(ARACEAE) Tuberous herb
73.
Colubrina asiatica (L.) Brongn.
Fresh leaf juice of this
As emmenagogue.
N
(RHAMNACEAE) Stragling shrub
74. Cordia grandis Roxb.
'Minyap, Matka' (N)
(CORDIACEAE) Tree
75. Costus speciosus (Koen.) J. E. Sm.
'Kewa' (N)
(COSTACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
76. Crateva religiosa Forst. f.
'Holapoh' (N)
(CAPPARACEAE) Tree
77. Crinum asiaticum L. ' ' SudersharC (J)
(AMARYLLIDACEAE)
Rhizomatous herb
78. Crinum latifolium L.
(AMARYLLIDACEAE)
Rhizomatous herb
79. Crotalaria pallida Ait.
'Kulching' (N) , ' UhutesimiF (K)
(FABACEAE) Shrub
80. Croton argyratus Blume
'Mintimah ' (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
81. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.
(HYPOXIDACEAE)
Rhizomatous herb
82. Curcuma longa L. - 'Toiyakoo' (K)
(ZINGIBERACEAE)
Rhizomotous herb
plant and that of
Ochrosia oppositifolia
is taken with water.
Paste of leaves mixed
with Sterculia
rubiginosa leaves.
Stomachache.
Leaves paste applied Stomach disorder.
externally.
Rhizome decoction. Body pain.
Rhizome paste is applied Snake - bite, for
all over the body & chicken pox & to cure
decoction of rhizome urinary infection.
taken orally.
N
N
N,0&S
All
Pounded leaves mixed
Rheumatic pain.
N
with coconut oil, used
externally.
* Juice of leaves and
bulbs.
Cuts, wounds and
urinary troubles.
J, 0, N & S
Leaf juice dropped in
Earache.
O&S
the ears.
Leaf extract taken orally.
Stomach pain.
K
Leaf paste, applied
Centipede bite and
N,S&J
externally.
snake bite.
Leaf juice.
Beverages and body
pain.
N
Seeds powder.
Stomach - disorders.
S&N
Rhizome extract, taken
Jaundice.
N&S
orally.
Paste of fresh rhizome
Bone fracture.
K
and Schefflera elliptica
leaves, banana fruits,
eggs and honey applied
externally.
Rhizome powder used
Wounds and cuts.
N&S
externally.
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 21
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83. Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Rose.
(ZINGIBERACEAE)
Rhizomatous herb
84. Cyathostemma viridiflorum Griff.
(ANNONACEAE) (Climber)
85. Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw.
' Titolini' (K)
(ORCHIDACEAE)-Epiphyte
86. Cyperus rotundus L.
(CYPERACEAE) Sedge
Rhizome extract,
taken orally.
Pounded leaf paste in
water taken orally.
Fresh plant juice
smeared on the belly.
Plant extract put into
ears with the help of
hen's feathers.
Tubers eaten as such.
Cooling agent. O
As emmenagogue N
to check excessive
bleeding.
As an abortifacient. N
Ear pain. K
Bowel or intestinal N, O & S
ulcers complaints and
as an aphrodisiac.
87.
Daemonorops manii Becc. & Hook, f
'Tamoyen, Tomonje' (0)
(ARECACEAE) Climber
Crushed vegetative
shoot apex.
As mosquito repellent.
88.
Datura metel L. - 'Kata - kuV (N)
(SOLANACEAE) Undershrub
Leaf- paste applied
externally.
Snake - bite.
N
89.
Daucus carota L. - 'Gajar' (H)
(APIACEAE) Tuberous herb
*Tuberous roots eaten
as such.
As health tonic.
R
90.
Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.
(FABACEAE) Shrub
Crushed juice of the
plant, taken orally.
As antivenom.
N&S
91.
Desmodium laxinorum DC.
'Damle' (0) (FABACEAE) Herb
Chewing of leaves.
Fever.
92.
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb.
Leaf extract in water
For healing wounds
N
(DILLENIACEAE) Tree
taken orally.
and post natal wounds.
93.
Dioscorea alata L.
(DIOSCOREACEAE) Climber
Plant extract in water
taken orally.
Piles and leprosy.
J&O
94.
Dioscorea bulbifera L.
'Lai - Long ' (N)
(DIOSCOREACEAE) Climber
Plant extract along with
tubers, taken orally.
Piles & ulcers.
J&O
95.
Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burk.
'Lai - Long ' (N)
(DIOSCOREACEAE) Climber
*Plant paste applied
externally.
Against swellings.
J&O
96.
Dioscorea glabra Roxb.
(DIOSCOREACEAE) Climber
Leaf decoction taken
orally by ladies.
As contraceptive.
Roasted tubers eaten
To regain vigour and
All
after delivery.
health.
97.
Dioscorea pentaphylla L.
(DIOSCOREACEAE) Climber
Plant paste applied
externally.
Swellings.
J&O
Leaf decoction taken
As contraceptive.
orally.
98.
Diospyros undulata Wall, ex G. Don
Leaf extract taken orally.
Fever.
N&O
'Linton' (N)
Leaf- paste warm and
Back pain.
N
(EBENACEAE) Tree
applied externally.
22
N ELU MBO
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[Vol.51
99. Dischidia benghalensis Coleb.
'Talima' (N)
(ASCLEPIADACEAE) Epiphytes
100. Dischidia major (Vahl) Merr.
(ASCLEPIADACEAE) Epiphytes
Pounded twig paste
tied externally.
Bone fracture.
Leaves juice is dropped Earache,
in ear.
(ELAEOCARPACEAE) Tree
106. Eria bractescens Lindl.
var. affinis (Griff.) Hook. f.
(ORCHID ACEAE) Epiphytic orchid
107. Erythrina variegata L. - 'Lam' (GA),
l Dandap, Mandara' (H)
(FABACEAE) Tree
108. Eulophia nicobarica N.P Balakr. &
N. G. Nair
(ORCHID ACEAE) Terrestrial orchid
Infusion of leaves, taken Malarial fever.
orally.
Bark boiled in tea and
taken orally.
To cure fever.
Tubers extract smeared Tumours and glands
as well as taken orally. in the neck.
N
Root juice, taken orally.
Cough & Cold.
N&S
Donax cannaeformis (G. Forst.)
Extract of leaves.
Abdominal and spinal
O
K. Schum. - 'Ragle' (O),
pains.
'Leethir' (GA), 'Amok' (N)
Rhizome extract.
Malarial fever.
N,0&S
(MARANTACEAE) Shrub
*Leaf decoction taken
To check
O
orally.
Gynaecological
disorders particularly
pre and postnatal
periods.
Pregnant woman also
For pre and postnatal
N
takes before and after
periods diseases.
delivery.
Leaves pounded
To regain appetite.
N
in coconut oil and pigs
blood are smeared on the
body.
Leaves are placed in
To purify, preserve
GA
drinking water.
and cool the water.
Dracaena angustifolia Roxb.
Leaf juice, taken orally.
Stomachache.
O&N
l Zibak'(P),'ridba'(J)
(AGAVACEAE) Tree
Tender twigs as brush.
For cleaning genitals
and wiping menstrual
cycle blood.
J
Dracaena brachyphylla Kurz
Leaf juice, taken orally.
Stomachache.
O&N
(AGAVACEAE) Shrub
Tender twigs as brush.
For cleaning genitals
and wiping menstrual
cycle blood.
J
Dracaena pachyphylla Kurz
Leaf juice, taken orally.
Stomachache.
0,N&J
(AGAVACEAE) Shrub
Tender twigs as brush.
For cleaning genitals
and wiping menstrual
cycle blood.
J
. Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb.
Leaf juice in water taken
Urinary troubles.
N
'MinreV (N)
orally.
N
GA
N
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 23
1
2
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4
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109.
Euonymus javanicus Blume
(CELASTRACEAE) Tree
Leaf juice in water, taker
orally.
i Spermatorrhoea.
N
110.
Euphorbia atoto Forst. f.
Pounded leaves, applied
Skin diseases, rheumatic
N
'Mu-pef (N)
externally.
pain, ulcers, wounds-cuts
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Herb
and sores.
Plant paste in water
For reconditioning of
N
taken orally.
belly after child birth.
111.
Euphorbia hirta L.
'Raihipot' (N), l Dudhi'(U)
Pounded leaves used
externally.
Skin infections.
N
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Herb
Plants burnt along with
hen's feathers into ashes
and mixed with coconut
oil and applied on the
body of child.
To cure fever.
N
Milky latex applied
To cure wounds and
N
externally.
warts.
112.
Euphorbia thymifolia L. - \
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Herb
DudhV (H)
*Latex applied externally.
To cure warts.
N, S&O
113.
Excoecaria agallocha L.
Latex with coconut oil
As purgative, emetic,
N&S
' Blinding tree' (Eng.)
taken orally.
abortifacient and also
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
as fish poison.
114.
Ficus andamanica Corner
Aerial roots tied on the
To have a mending
GA
'Rengo' (GA)
point of bone fracture.
effect, cure is claimed
(MORACEAE) Tree
within one night.
115.
Ficus benghalensis L.
*Milky latex applied
To cure rheumatism and
O&N
'Bar, Bargad' (0 & N)
externally.
lumbago pains.
(MORACEAE) Tree
116.
Ficus benjamina L.-'Pakur'
(O&N)
Milky juice dropped in
For eye diseases and
O&N
(MORACEAE) Tree
eye.
whitening of the cornea.
117.
Ficus hispida L.-Katgularic
'' (O),
*Fresh aerial roots
To cure paralytic parts
S,N&0
l MatiyaV (N)
crushed and made into
of the patient.
(MORACEAE) Tree
a paste applied
externally.
118. Ficus microcarpa L. - 'Kamrup' (H)
(MORACEAE) Tree
119. Ficus racemosa L.-'Gw/ar' (J & O),
'Amrakha' (N)
(MORACEAE) Tree
120. Ficus religiosa h.-PipaV (N & O)
(MORACEAE) Tree
121 . Ficus rumphii Blume 'Pa/car' (J & N)
(MORACEAE) Tree
Plant juice taken orally.
Leaf decoction taken
orally.
Milky latex taken orally.
Latex applied externally.
*The milky latex with
turmeric, pepper and
pure cow's ghee taken
orally.
Leaves boiled in coconut
oil rubbed on the
abdomen of the woman
having perpetual bleeding
To cure enlarged liver
and other related diseases.
To check bleeding.
S&N
To cure fever.
N&J
Bleeding piles and
N&S
diarrhoea.
To cure wounds and
N&O
sores.
To kill intestinal worms
J&N
and to cure asthma.
N
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[Vol.51
122. Ficus tinctoria Forst. f.
(MORACEAE) Tree
123. Ganophyllum falcatum Blume
(SAPINDACEAE) Tree
*The root-bark powder
with water taken orally.
Leaf juice taken orally.
The leaves of this plant
and of Lepisanthes
rubiginosa are pounded
and squashed in water
taken orally.
As stomachic.
S
Dysuria.
N
As contraceptive.
N
124.
Garcinia nervosa Miq. - 'KintuF (N)
(CLUSIACEAE) Tree
Leaf- decoction taken
orally.
Fever.
N
125.
Garuga pinnata Roxb.- l Ghogar' (N &
S)
Plant sap with honey
Asthma. N
&S
(BURSERACEAE) Tree
taken orally.
126.
Genianthus laurifolius (Roxb.) Hook, f
(ASCLEPIADACEAE) Climber
Leaf extract in water
taken orally.
Urinary obstruction.
N
127.
Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.) Schltr.
(ORCHID ACEAE) Terrestrial Orchid
Tubers eaten as such by
the domestic animals.
As veterinary medicine.
O&S
128.
Globba marantina L. - 'Rosukedar' (N)
(ZINGIBERACEAE)
I Leaves juice dropped in
eyes.
Cure eye infections
N
Rhizomatous Herb
Rhizome extract, taken,
orally.
Asthma.
N, S, & J
129.
Glochidion calocarpum Kurz
'Hintiv' (N)
Pounded bark and seeds
applied externally.
Skin diseases
S&N
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
Paste of leaves.
Cuts and wounds.
S&N
Leaves decoction,
Fever.
N
taken orally.
130.
Gloriosa superba L.
'Kalihari' (H)
*Tubers paste applied
externally.
As abortifacient.
J&O
(LILIACEAE) Tuberous climber
131. Glycosmis mauritiana (Lam.) Tanaka
var. insularis (Kurz) Tanaka
'Kuy — anvo' (O)
(RUTACEAE) Tree
132. Grewia acuminata A. L. Juss.
(TILIACEAE) Shrub
133. Guettarda speciosa L.
' Tu-ma-halus' (N)
(RUBIACEAE) Tree
Pounded leaves applied Chronic headache,
externally.
Fresh decoction of
leaves taken orally.
For relieving post-natal
pains and swollen
abdomen and cleaning
parturition waste after
delivery.
Leaf- juice taken orally. As carminative.
O&N
N
N
134. Heliotropium indicum L.
Crushed leaves with
Chest pain in heart
N
'Achnoof (N)
coconut oil, applied
troubles.
(BORAGINACEAE) Herb
externally.
135. Hedyotis biflora (L.) Lam.
Whole plant, used as
Malarial fever, body pain
N
'Infech' (N)
such.
and cuts and wounds.
(RUBIACEAE) Herb
Leaves warm in coconut
To cure malarial fever,
N
oil and hen's blood and
bodyache, etc.
applied on the body.
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 25
I 2 3 4" 5
136.
137.
Heritiera littoralis Dryand ex W. Ait.
'Mow' (O), 'Sundri' (H), 'Kamreouf (N)
(STERCULIACEAE) Tree
*Boiled leaves.
Leaf paste of this plant
with the leaves of
Caesalpinia bonduc
and Crinum asiaticum
is mixed in coconut oil
and rubbed before sexual
intercourse by both sexes.
As beverage.
To delay discharge,
also used in
headache and body pains.
O
N
Hernandia peltata Meissn.
'Minhont ' (N)
(HERNANDIACEAE) Tree
138. Hedychium coronarium Koen.
(ZTNGIBERACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
139. Hibiscus tiliaceus L. - 'To-u-Ku' (N),
'Koibo" (O), 'Bole' (GA)
(MALVACEAE) Tree
140. Homalomena cordata Schott.
l Laman' (N)
(ARACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
141 . Homonia riparia Lour.
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Shrub
142. Hornstedia fenzlii (Kurz) K. Schum
(ZTNGIBERACEAE) Herb
143. Horsfleldia glabra (Blume) Warb.
'Jugane' (O)
(MYRISTICACEAE) Tree
144. Ichnocarpus volubilis (Lour.) Merr.
(APOCYNACEAE) Climber
145. Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.
l Kalmi sag' (H)
(CONVOLVULACEAE)
Aquatic stoloniferous herb
146. Ipomoea batata Lam.
l Sakar kand' (H)
(CONVOLVULACEAE)
Tuberous herb
147. Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br.
spp. brasiliensis (L.) Ooststr.
Paste of leaves used
Curing headache, cut,
N
externally.
wounds, sores and ulcers.
Rhizome paste applied
Against rheumatic pains.
R
externally.
Extract of leaves, taken
Urinary infections.
N
orally.
Boiled leaves taken
As beverage (Tea).
orally.
Fresh leaf juice taken
In bleeding discharge in
N
orally.
urine.
Mature leaves extract
Used for stomach
GA
taken orally.
disorders. Prepare tea
also from mature leaves.
Tubers paste applied
Skin diseases.
N&S
externally.
Fresh leaves extract
Diarrhoea.
N
taken orally.
Milky latex applied
To heal wounds and
N
externally.
sores.
Rhizome extract taken
Malarial fever.
N&S
orally.
Paste of stem, leaves
Bee-repellant.
N&S
and flowers applied
externally.
Raw fruits eaten as such.
Abdominal pain.
Crushed leaves in water Menstrual disorder. N
taken orally.
Fresh plant juice taken To reduce opium and S & N
orally. Arsenial poisoning
and as emetic.
Tubers eaten as such to As health tonic. R
regain vigour.
Paste of leaves applied Headache and for easy N
externally. delivery.
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'Lanankap' (N), 'Dopatilata' (S)
(CONVOLVULACEAE)
Stoloniferous herb
Leaf extract in water
taken orally.
The juice of plant applied
externally.
Dried juice taken orally.
For easy delivery and
Stomach disorder.
For skin diseases and
bites and stings of
fishes.
As purgative.
N
N
S&N
148.
Ipomoea quamoclit L. - 'Kamalata'
(CONVOLVULACEAE) Twiner
(H)
i Fresh plant juice with
hot ghee is taken orally.
Bleeding piles.
N
149.
Ixora brunnescens Kurz
l Hama - ok ' (N)
(RUBIACEAE) Tree
Pounded leaves applied
externally.
Pounded leaves with
hen's blood and applied
on forehead.
Headache.
Headache.
N
N
150.
Jasminum syringifolium Wall, ex G.Don
(OLEACEAE) Climber
Pounded leaves of this
plant with the leaves of
Genianthus laurifolius
and Sterculia rubiginosa
in water taken orally.
Obstruction of urine.
N
151.
Jatropha curcas L.
'Bagherend' (H)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Shrub
Plant juice applied
externally.
* Tender branches.
Scabies, eczema and
ringworms.
As tooth brush to relieve
pain from swollen gums
and teeth.
N&S
O&J
152.
Knema andamanica (Warb.) de Wilde
l Oro, Aurue' (J)
(MYRISTICACEAE) Tree
Bark and leaves paste
applied externally.
On wounds and cuts.
J
153.
Leea aequata L.
(LEEACEAE) Shrub
Paste of leaves with pig
oil applied externally.
On wounds. A stick of
the plant is also used for
N
154. Leea angulata Korth ex Miq.
'Kototo' (N)
(LEEACEAE) Shrub
155. Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr.
'2b- kitinyu, Kurkur - jiwah' (N)
(LEEACEAE) Shrub
156. Lepidopetalum jackianum
(Hiern.) Radlk.
(SAPINDACEAE) Tree
157. Lepisanthes rubiginosa (Roxb.) Leenh.
l Cham-Yev, Chamraw' (N)
(SAPINDACEAE) Tree
Paste of leaves mixed
with pig oil, applied
externally.
Paste of leaves, used
externally.
Leaves with the leaves
of Syzygium
samarangense are
pounded and mixed in
pig blood and applied
on the body.
Leaf juice with Breynia
retusa in water taken
orally.
killing the snakes and
it is believed that snake
remains away from this
plant.
Antiseptic for wounds.
Antiseptic for cuts,
wounds and sores.
As febrifuge and to cure
body pain.
To check irregular
menstrual cycle and
pregnancy, stomach-ache,
fever and other
gynaecological disorders.
N
N
N
N
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 27
I 2 3 4" 5
158. Macaranga indica Wight
'Kinsul, KinniF (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
Warm decoction of
leaves.
Leaf paste smeared
externally.
159. Macaranga tanarius (L.) Muell.- Arg. Decoction of leaves
l Petwang' (S), 'Alle' (GA) , 'Panah ' (N) taken orally.
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree Raw meat is placed
between the leaves of
this species and baked
by means of heated
stones.
The chief concern
appears to be that the
whole leaves should be
wrapped so that none of
the juices to be dried up.
A paste is made by the
leaves, coconut oil and
sea water collected from
puddles after low tide is
being massaging on the
belly during delivery.
Gastric disorders and
stomachache.
Hydroecele.
Stomach disorder.
Meat thus prepared is
said to remains fresh
for several days.
Antibacterial.
N
N
S
GA
N&S
Maesa ramentacea (Roxb.) A. DC.
'Hing - Kwai' (N)
(MYRSINACEAE) Tree
To facilitate easy,
painless delivery.
N
Magnolia andamanica (King)
Raju & Nayar 'Soye' (GA)
(MAGNOLIACEAE) Tree
Mallotus peltatus (Geisel.) Muell. -Arg.
'Patage' (O), 'Kalokvak' (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
Meat is baked in leaves
To keep it fresh
GA
of this species.
for several days , also
antibacterial and
antifungal.
Raw leaves taken orally.
Abdominal pain
*The tender soft leaves
For easy parturition
O&N
are spread by the Onge
and for painless menses.
women between hips and
beneath back at the time
of delivery and also put
beneath her genital part
(bul) during menses.
Leaf - paste rubbed on
body.
As muscular relaxant.
N
Manilkara littoral is (Kurz) Dub.
'Sikata' (GA)
(SAPOTACEAE) Tree
Bark is being tied around To restore the normalcy
the belly after delivery, of the abdomen in women.
Melastoma malabathricum L.
'Tinrok' (N)
(MELASTOMATACEAE) Shrub
Women sometimes use
an apron, consisting of
one to six leaves, to
cover their genital area.
The leaves are not
spread out so as to cover
a wide surface, but are
laid one above the other
and removed separately
as each becomes stiff
and shrivelled.
Pounded leaves boiled
with coconut oil and
used externally.
To look beautiful and
fresh for longer time than
others and also as
antibacterial.
O&N
GA
In rheumatic pain.
N
28
N ELU MBO
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[Vol.51
165. Millingtonia hortensis L. f.
'Ihitie' (K)
(BIGNONIACEAE) Large tree
166. Mimusops elengi L.
'Bakul' (J & S)
(SAPOTACEAE) Tree
167. Mirabilis jalapa L.
(NYCTAGINACEAE) Herb
168. Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour)
Spreng .- 'Kankara' (O) & (H)
(CUCURBITACEAE) Twiner
169. Morinda citrifolia L. - 'Nibase,
Lurong' (N), 'Surangi, Noni' (H)
(RUBIACEAE) Tree
170. Musa paradisiaca L. - 'Kela' (H)
(MUSACEAE) Rhizomatous shrub
171. Musa textilis Nees
(MUSACEAE) Rhizomatous shrub
172. Myristica andamanica Hook. f.
'Kinhanmo' (N), 'Oro'(J)
(MYRISTICACEAE) Tree
173. Nervilia aragoana Gaud.
(ORCHIDACEAE) Terestrial orchid
Leaves paste with fresh
leaves of Kaemferia
rotunda and bark of
Citrus medica. In this
mixture add paste of
Dugong (Pacini soova)
bone, Whale bone
(Bada machi) and
self holing stone
(Cheda patthar) is
mixed. The diluted above
mixture in water applied
externally on the head
and temples with the
help of needle prepared
with bat's bone.
Fresh tender twigs used
as such.
Headache, bodyache
and intermittent fever.
K
Leaves paste applied
externally.
*Tender fruits paste is
used externally.
As tooth brush to relieve
pain in swollen gums and
toothache.
For boils and burns.
For lumbago, fracture
and ulceration.
J&S
O
O&S
Pounded leaves with
Stomach disorder.
S&N
leaves of Alstonia
macrophylla and fruit
sap of Cocos nucifera
taken orally.
Its leaves mixed with
Applied in the form of a
N
leaves of Colubrina
bandage on fractured
asiatica and young
bone.
plant of Ficus ampelas
and boiled in pig fat
and coconut oil.
Stem juice used
For otalgia.
J, O&S
externally.
Juice of spadix mixed
To check bleeding in
N
with sugar and taken
urine.
orally by women.
Roots powder in water.
As anthelmintic.
J&O
Pounded bark and seed
Skin diseases and in
s&o
decoction taken orally.
fever.
Leaf and twigs made as
Relief in sickness.
J
garland and worn.
*Leaves paste.
Cuts and wounds.
S, J&O
Tubers extract taken
As a cooling agent.
J, 0, N & S
orally.
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 29
I 2 3 4" 5
174.
175.
176.
177.
178.
179.
Nicotiana tabacum L. - 'Tambaku' (H) Pounded dried leaves
(SOLANACEAE) Undershrub with lime and honey
used externally.
Nymphaea pubescens Willd. l KamaF (H) Rhizome extract taken
(NYMPHYACEAE) Aquatic herb orally.
Ochrosia oppositifolia (Lam.) K. Schum.
(APOCYNACEAE) Shrub
Ocimum tenuiflorum L.
'Tulsi'(H), 'Likpop- (N)
(LAMIACEAE) Undershrub
Ophiorrhiza nicobarica N.P. Balakr.
(RUBIACEAE) Undershrub
Oplismenus compositus (L.) P. Beauv.
'Kiyop' (N)
(POACEAE) Grass
The leaf juice mixed in
equal parts with
Colubrina asiatica
leaf juice and water,
taken orally for 3 to
5 days.
Tender leaves and buds
are pounded with
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza
leaves and coconut oil
and smear or massage is
done on the belly.
The leaves of this and
of Melastoma
malabathricum and
Dendrobium
crumenatum are mixed
with ashes of hen's
feather and coconut oil
and rubbed on the body
twice or thrice a day.
Paste of leaves applied
externally.
Plant paste applied on
effected portion of the
body.
Wounds and leech bites.
Diarrhoea.
To release and
regularise menstrual
discharge.
To relieve labour pains.
O
N
N
To cure malarial fever.
N
Used as antiseptic for
cuts and wounds.
Snake bite.
N
180.
Orophea katschallica Kurz - l Toyoge,
Leaves paste, juice of
As honey bees
0,N&S
Tanjoge, Tonyoge' (0), 'Tapileialo' (N)
plant and vapours.
repellant.
(ANNONACEAE) Shrub
Leaves mixed with pig's
blood are applied on the
body.
As febrifuge.
N
181.
Oxalis corniculata L.
' Tapopuri' (K), l Amrul sag' (H)
(OXALIDACEAE) Herb
Plant paste with
Centella asiatica,
Ancistrocladus
extensus,
Schefflera elliptica
leaves and Curcuma
longa rhizome is
applied externally.
In bone fracture.
K
182.
Oroxylum indium (L.) Kurz
*Tender fruits & seeds
As stomachic and
GA&O
(BIGNONIACEAE) Tree
powder with water taken
orally in the early
morning.
purgative.
30
N ELU MBO
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[Vol.51
183. Pandanus leram Jones ex Fontane
'Kaverd (H), 'Keera ' (N),
' Thadow, Paliyu ' (J)
(PANDANACEAE) Tree
184. Pandanus odoratissimus L. f.
'Oro' (GA), 'Kewra'(H)
(PANDANACEAE) Tree
For relief in body pains.
To check venereal
diseases.
Leaf and roots tied to
body.
Roots are crushed in
coconut oil and paste is
applied externally on
urinogenital organs.
Leaves and inflorescence As a substitute for
are used to make cigar. tabacco in cigar.
it works as a renovating
and also applied to the
football players as it is
considered to be useful
for muscular strength.
188. Phrynium pubinerve Blume
(MARANTACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
189. Phyllanthus amarus K. Schum. &
Thonn. - 'KataF (GA), 'Kin - fiayem' (N),
'Bhuiamla ', Jaramla ' (H)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Herb
190. Phyllanthus emblica L.
l Aonla' (K), 'Kupu-utoh ' (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
191. Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd.
l Jar-amla, Bhui-amla' (K)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Herb
is claimed to be a good
antidote.
Leaf extract taken orally. Vomiting.
Fresh fruit paste with Weakness after abortion.
Acorus calamus and
Curcuma longa rhizome
in water taken orally.
Plant paste with sugar
candy and goat milk
mixtures taken orally
for 3 days in the
morning without taking
anything. During this
treatment there should
be complete prohibition
of frying food and non-
Jaundice.
J
N
GA
85.
Pangium edule Reinw.
Meat is baked in leaves
To keep well and fresh
N
'Dello' (GA)
of this species.
for several day - as
(FLACOURTIACEAE) Tree
antifungal and
antibacterial.
86.
Passiflora foetida L.
'Kin - vaaT (N)
Fresh pulp of fruits
paste applied externally.
As cooling agent.
J&O
(PASSIFLORACEAE) Climber
Leaf-juice dropped in
eyes.
Eye infections.
N
87.
Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth
' Voltok' (N), 'Mukhatbila'
Extract of plant juice
taken orally.
Urinary trouble.
N
'Paanpattf (K)
Plant paste applied
Cuts, wounds,
K
(PEPEROMIACEAE) Creeper
externally.
headache and fever.
Leaves are boiled in
Rubbed on the body
N
pig oil or coconut oil.
of newly born child,
*Rhizome extract taken
Intestinal diseases.
J&O
orally.
Plant decoction taken
Dysuria , stomachache
N
orally.
and liver disorders.
Leaf paste applied
Against the bite of
GA&N
externally.
centipedes and snake
K&N
All
K
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 31
I 2
T
192.
193.
194.
195.
196.
197.
Physalis minima L.
(SOLANACEAE) Herb
Pinanga manii Becc.
(ARECACEAE) Tree
Piper betle L.
'Pannpatf (K), l Intoto'(J)
(PIPERACEAE) Twiner
Planchonella obovata (R. Br.) Pierre
(SAPOTACEAE) Tree
Plumeria rubra L. 'Champa' (H)
(APOCYNACEAE) Shrub
Polyalthia jenkinsii (Hook. f.
Thorns.) Hook. f. & Thorns.
'Khibirtez' (GA)
(ANNONACEAE) Tree
&
198. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre
'Biochune' (0), l Thinwin' (N),
'Theep'(GA)
(FABACEAE) Tree
199. Pothos scandens L.
(ARACEAE) Climber
200. Premna corymbosa (Burm. f.)
Rottl. & Willd.
(VERBENACEAE) Tree
vegetarian food for the
patient.
Milky latex applied
externally.
Sores and scabies.
Leaves and fruits extract As a purgative and diuretic,
taken orally.
Tender twigs, leaves
and petioles.
As antiseptic, earache
and to expel ringworms.
*Leaves wraped on body. For relief in body pain.
Leaves of this plant with Headache, cold, cough
boiled and the water is
used for bathing twice
or thrice daily.
Leaves mixed with pig's To make them healthy.
blood and given to pet
dogs.
Leaves are made into a
paste with pig blood
and applied on the body
during body pain.
To cure fever and also
in rheumatic pain.
GA&N
O
S&N
J
K
the leaves ofAcorus
and fever.
calamus boiled and
vapour inhaled in the
night.
Leaf juice taken orally
For painless delivery.
N
at the time of delivery.
Wood is burnt before
Fumes as antiseptic.
N
delivery.
The juice of the leaves
To protect the child
N&S
mixed with pig-blood
from evil spirit before
smeared on the belly
delivery.
of a pregnant woman.
Bark rubbed on the
As a tongue cleaner
K
tongue.
and mouth freshner.
Milky latex rubbed on
As toothache and
All
bleeding gums.
carious teeth.
Paste, juice and vapours
As honey bee repellant.
GA
obtained by chewing the
leaves and sprayed by
mouth on honeybees
Sometimes further use oi
the chewed stalks is made
to drive off the last
defenders of the hive.
*Bark and leaves extract
Intermittent fever,
0,N<S
taken orally.
malarial fever and as
tooth brush.
Fresh decoction of bark
As a toothache, mouth
K
gargle in the night and
freshener and in
morning.
pyrrhoea.
Bark and leaves are
To cure fever.
GA
N
N&O
32
N ELU MBO
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[Vol.51
201. Premna pyramidata Wall, ex Schauer.
'Tomonja' (N)
(VERBENACEAE) Tree
Paste of leaves with pig
blood, smeared on
effected body parts.
Body pain, cough and N
rheumatic pain.
202.
Premna serratifolia L.
Raw fruits eaten.
Cough.
'Tamonja' (O), l Chawro'
Leaf-paste is used
Against body pain.
GA
(VERBENACEAE) Shrub
externally.
203.
Pterospermum acerifolium Willd.
'Ong' (GA)
(STERCULIACEAE) Tree
Meat baked in leaves.
To keep fresh and well
for several days - as
antibacterial and antifungal.
GA
204.
Pseuduvaria prainii (King) Merr.
'Hoomal ' (J)(ANNONACEAE) Tree
Leaves wrapped around
body.
For cough & cold relief.
J
205.
Psychotria sarmentosa Blume
(RUBIACEAE) Root climber
Paste of leave with pig
blood.
For body pain.
N
Leaves paste in pig
To cure body pains.
N
blood is applied on
complete body.
206.
Rauvolfla serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz
Watery juice dropped in
To reduce opacity of
O&S
1 ChotachancT (O & S)
eyes.
the cornea.
(APOCYNACEAE) Shrub
207.
Rinorea bengalensis (Wall.) O. Kuntze
Bark is pounded into a
Chest pain, colds,
GA
'Tavo' (GA)(VIOLACEAE) Shrub
paste and some applied
externally.
coughs, dysentery,
headache, facial
application of leaves
is believed to aid in
finding one's way
through the jungle.
208.
Rinorea macrophylla (Decne) O. Kuntze
Bark and leaves are
Smear on breast to
GA
''Gene, takhkho' (GA)
powdered and made
promote lactation.
(VIOLACEAE) Tree
into paste with water.
209.
Ryparosa javanica (Blume) Kurz
Leaf decoction taken
To cure sensation of
N
(FLACOURTIACEAE) Tree
orally.
frequent urination.
210.
Salacia chinensis L.
Leaf paste of this plant
For relieving labour
N
l Lana - cho' (N)
and the leaves of
pains.
(CELASTRACEAE) Climber
Azadirachta indie a
along with coconut oil
is rubbed on the belly.
211.
Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.
' Too-na-ka' (N)
Extract of leaves
dropped in eyes.
Conjunctivitis.
N&S
(MIMOSACEAE) Tree
Leaf -juice applied
externally.
On cuts and wounds.
N
212.
Scaevola sericea Forst. f. ex Vahl
*Paste of leaves
Rheumatic pain and
O&N
' Kwyae' (N, O), 'Tujul' (N)
applied externally.
bone fractures.
(GOODENIACEAE) Shrub
Mature fruits eaten
as such.
Curing fever, cough
and headache.
N, S&O
213.
Schefflera elliptic;! (Blume) Harms.
Seed oil used externally.
Skin diseases.
S
'Daandaulase' (K)
Leaf paste with the
Bone fracture.
s
(ARALIACEAE) Tree
rhizome of Curcuma
longa, banana fruits,
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 33
I 2 3 4" 5
214.
215.
216.
eggs and honey
applied externally.
Semecarpus kurzii Engler
Paste of fruits applied
Cuts and wounds.
S
' Bip' (S), 'Pep' (N)
externally.Fruit eaten
Injuries.
N&S
(ANACARDIACEAE) Tree
as such.
Senna alata (L.) Roxb.
Leaves paste and leaf-
Sores and skin diseases.
N&S
' Thinbaw, PalaV (N)
juice applied externally.
(CAESALPINIACEAE) Shrub
Senna occidentalis (L.) Link
Pounded leaves in pig
Fever, boils and wounds.
N
' UhutesimW (K), 'Marohah' (N),
oil to make a paste on
'Kasondf (H)
the body.
(CAESALPINIACEAE) Shrub
Seed paste in water
applied externally and
taken orally also.
Against centipede bite.
N&R
217. Senna surattensis (Burm. f.) Irwin &
Barneby
(CAESALPINIACEAE) Shrub
218. Sida acuta Burm. f.
(MALVACEAE) Undershrub
219. Solanum erianthum D. Don
' Roiluvam' (N)
(SOLANACEAE) Shrub
220. Sphyranthera lutescens (O. Kuntze)
Pax - 'Nyaiyo' (N)
(EUPHORBIACEAE) Tree
221. Spilanthes paniculata Wall, ex DC.
' Gasoohatf (K)
(ASTERACEAE) Herb
222. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl
(VERBENACEAE) Undershrub
223. Stephania andamanica Diels
(MENISPERMACEAE) Twiner
224. Sterculia rubiginosa Vent.
'Shawni' (N), 'Fuk' (N)
(STERCULIACEAE) Tree
Bark and leaves powder To cure diabetes and
with water taken orally, gonorrhea.
and given orally.
*Extract of tubers taken Fever and urinary
orally. troubles.
Decoction of leaves For fever, asthma,
taken orally. cold and cough.
Pounded leaves with pig Fever.
blood.
A paste of this plant
along with the leaves of
Clerodendrum
paniculatum is mixed in
water and taken orally.
Leaves of this with the
leaves of Clerodendrum
To check bleeding in
urine.
To cure body ache,
fever and asthma.
O
The aqueous extract of
To cure urine
N
the leaves of this plant
obstruction.
and leaves of Ficus
gibbosa are taken orally.
Leaf -juice in water
For easy delivery.
N
taken orally.
Fresh decoction of
For fever and muscular
N
leaves taken orally.
pains.
Leaf-paste applied
On cuts and wounds.
K
externally.
*Boiled extract of plant
Toothache.
N, S&O
applied on the effected
gums and teeth.
Paste of the leaves is
To check fever after
N
boiled in coconut l tarf
delivery.
GA, J & O
N
S,N&0
N&S
N
34
N ELU MBO
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[Vol.51
225. Streblus asper Lour.
(MORACEAE) Tree
'Siora' (GA)
226. Strychnos andamanensis A. W. Hill
(STRYCHNACEAE) Tree
227. Syzygium samarangense (Blume)
Merr. & Perry -Mi-lul, Kalitngench ' (N)
(MYRTACEAE) Tree
228. Tabernaemontana crispa Roxb.
'Saunch, Thikaro - thung' (N, O),
Koraya' (H)
(APOCYNACEAE) Shrub
229. Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze
1 Saunch ' (N & S)
(TACCACEAE) Shrub
230. Terminalia bialata Steud.
(COMBRETACEAE) Tree
231. Terminalia catappa L. - 'Chap' (GA)
(COMBRETACEAE) Tree
paniculatum are mixed
with the pig blood and
smeared on throat,
chest and back.
Milky latex applied
externally.
Leaves decoction taken
orally.
As antiseptic and
astringent.
For curing urine
obstruction.
Leaf juice with coconut Rheumatic pain and
oil. lumbago.
Fruits juice taken orally. As a cooling agent.
Paste of fruits with water. Dysentery.
*Decoction of leaves Stomachache, body
taken orally. pain and ulcers.
Crushed leaves of this To check bloody
plant with the leaves of discharge in urine.
Abrus precatorius mixed
in water taken orally.
Milky juice applied To cure eye diseases,
externally.
Plant juice taken orally. As antipyretic.
Fresh kernels given after For recovery after
delivery. delivery.
Paste of leaves applied Skin infection.
externally.
Leaf juice of this with the As abortifacient.
leaf juice of Sygygium
samarangense and
Alchornea rugosa
with the juice of dry
endosperm of coconut
taken orally as well as
smear on the belly.
232. Teijsmanniodendron pteropodum
(Miq.) Bakh.
(VERBENACEAE) Tree
233. Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corr.
Tebokala' (O)
(MALVACEAE) Tree
234. Thottea tomentosa (Blume) Ding - Hou
'Udupet' (J)
(ARISTOLOCHIACEAE) Herb
235. Tinomiscium petiolare
Hook. f. & Thorns.
(MENISPERMACEAE) Climber
GA&N
N
N&S
N
N&O
N, S&O
N
N&S
N&S
GA&N
GA
N
Leaf decoction, taken
orally.
Used in abortion.
N
Raw leaves with water
taken orally.
Constipation.
*Almost whole plant
tied around body.
To cure fever, cold
and cough.
J
Milky sap applied
externally.
Dry fruit powder.
Seeds eaten.
Rheumatic pains.
As fish poison.
Edible and as tonic.
N
J
N&S
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 35
I 2 3 4" 5
236. Tournefortia ovata Wall, ex G. Don
'Ka-Vap'Qi)
(BORAGINACEAE) Shrub
237. Trema tomentosa (Roxb.) Hara
' Teu, Buckri-pathf (N)
(ULMACEAE) Tree
238. Trichosanthes bracteata (Lam.) Voigt
' Kula —chaul ' (N), 'Urubethe' (J)
(CUCURBITACEAE) Climber
239. Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq.
l Kasim - rioch, Thiathi' (N)
(TILIACEAE) Herb
240. Typhonium roxburghii Schott.
(ARACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
241 . Urena lobata L. - 'Kasinrih,
'Sapathra' (N, S, K)
(MALVACEAE) Herb
242.
243.
Fresh leaf extract taken
Against body pain.
N
orally.
Leaves are boiled in
To cure headache.
N & local
hen's blood and rubbed
Inhabitants
on forehead.
Extract of tender leaves
Inflammation.
N
applied externally.
Whole plant wrapped
To cure throat
J
around the throat.
infections.
The crushed leaves with
Asthma, cough,
N
rhizome of Zingiber
cold and as blood
officinalis, lemon juice
purifier.
and coconut oil.
Decoction of roots.
Cough and cold.
N, O&S
Tubers extract taken
To reduce strain.
orally.
Pounded leaves with
Cuts and wounds.
N&S
coconut oil applied
externally.
Leaves paste applied on
Check hair loss.
N&S
head.
*Leaf juice dropped in
Conjunctivities.
N&O
eyes.
One spoon of freshly
Conjunctivities.
K
Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.
(ASTERACEAE) Herb
boiled rice, rolled in
seven equal sized
leaves of this plant.
Through this roll, air is
whooped into the eyes
for seven times and
the same roll must be
thrown backside only.
Decoction of the leaves
of this plant and Cyclea
peltata taken orally.
'HopaP (N) Leaves with Modecca
cardiophylla,
Solanum incanum and
Scaevola sericea are
boiled in coconut oil
and pig fat, and rubbed
on the body.
To check post natal N
problems like pains
and reduces abdominal
swellings.
To cure the patient N
suffering from fever,
rheumatism and other
ailment for long time.
Wedelia biflora (L.) DC.
'Kotan' (N, O, S, J)
(ASTERACEAE) Herb
Leaf juice with lime
Antiseptic for cuts
N, 0, S & J
applied externally.
and wounds.
Leaves of Scaevola
As a febrifuge,
N
taccade are pounded
headache and fever.
and mixed in hen's
blood are rubbed on
the children body.
36
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
1
2
3
4
5
244.
Wrightia arborea (Denst.) Mabberley
Latex yield yellow dye
Dry latex used in
N, S&J
(APOCYNACEAE) Tree
and applied externally.
clouration to clothes
and to stop
haemorrahage.
245.
Zingiber odoriferum Blume
(ZINGIBERACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
Stem and petioles juice.
As a tranquilizer for
honey bee.
J&O
246.
Zingiber squarrosum Roxb.
(ZINGIBERACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
*Plant sap applied
externally.
As bee - repellant.
N, 0, S & J
Plant extract and
Chewed to quench
S, J&O
petioles taken orally.
thirst.
247.
Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Rose, ex
Powdered dried rhizome
Cold, cough, fever and
J. E. Sm. 'Pothako' (K)
inhaled.
giddiness.
(ZINGIBERACEAE) Rhizomatous herb
Rhizome extract taken
orally.
GYMNOSPERMS
As cooling agent.
KO
248.
Cycas rumphii Miq- 'Chatale' (GA)
'Turiella, Tiwan'(H), 'Arguna' (H)
Seeds pulp is applied
externally.
Stomach pain.
GA&N
(CYCADACEAE) Tree
Seeds eaten as such.
As health tonic.
N
249.
Gnetum gnemon L.
Leaf paste mixed in
Labour pains and other
N
(GNETACEAE) Tree
coconut milk is smeared
on abdomen.
gynaecological
disorders.
Leaf - paste applied
Against snake bite.
N&S
externally.
250.
Gnetum montanum Markgraf
Stems pieces taken as
As antiperiodic and
N
(GNETACEAE) Climber
such and its distillation
also beverages making.
251. Podocarpus neriifolius D. Don
(PODOCARPACEAE) Tree
252. Podocarpus wallichianus Presl.
(PODOCARPACEAE) Tree
253. Thuja plicata D. Don
(CUPRESSACEAE) Tree
for wine making.
Decoction of the leaves Rheumatism and painful
taken orally. joints.
Decoction of leaves
taken orally.
Joints pain.
254. Acrostichum aureum L.
'Khadi-bhaji ' (H)
(ACROSTICHACEAE) Terrestrial fern
255. Adiantum philippense L.
(ADIANTACEAE) Terrestrial fern
256. Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Hoffm.
(ANGIOPTERIDACEAE)
Terrestrial fern
257. Angiopteris lygodifolia Roscust
(ANGIOPTERIDACEAE)
Terrestrial fern
Distillation of twigs and Eye infections,
leaves yields an essential
oil which is dropped in
eyes.
PTERIDOPHYTES
Rhizome paste applied Wounds and boils,
externally.
Pounded leaves applied Wounds, swelling in
externally. the neck.
Leaf juice taken orally. Cough.
Fresh fronds tied around To cure cold and cough,
the chest.
N
N
R
N,0& R
N
N
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 37
I 2 3" 4" 5
258. Asplenium falcatum Lam.
(ASPLENIACEAE) Epiphytic fern
259. Asplenium nidus L.
(ASPLENIACEAE) Epiphytic fern
260. Blechnum orientale L.
(BLECHNACEAE) Terrestrial fern
261. Cephalomanes javanicum Blume
Terrestrial fern
262. Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.)
Ad. Brongn.
(CERATOPTEPJDACEAE)
Marshy fern
263. Dicranopteris linearis (Burm. f)
Undrew.
(DICPvANOPTERIDACEAE) Fern
*Leaves decoction taken Jaundice and malarial
264. Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.
(ATHYRIACEAE) Terrestrial fern
265. Drymoglossum heterophyllum (L.)
Trimen
(POLYPODIACEAE) Epiphytic fern
266. Drynaria quericifolia (L.) J. Sm.
(POLYPODIACEAE) Epiphytic fern
orally.
Rhizome powder with
water taken orally.
Pounded leaves mixed
with grated coconut.
fever.
As an anthelmintic.
Against feverish head
and hair care.
Pounded rhizome applied Antidote against
externally. swellings, boils and
anthelmintic.
Leaves mixed garlic and Skin complaint,
onion, it may be smoked.
O&N
N
N&O
N
N
Fronds as poultice and
Enlarged
applied externally.
abdomen, the bath to
clean newly borne baby
and mother having
venereal diseases.
N
Fronds & Rhizomes
As an anthelmintic,
N
fresh decoction taken
asthma, fever and
orally.
antibacterial properties.
Warm leaf paste in
Hydrocele & painful
N
coconut oil.
testicles.
Rhizome extract taken
As anthelmintic.
N&S
orally.
A decoction from
Haemoptysis cough and
N
rhizome and leaves
fever.
taken orally.
Plants pounded with
On itch and skin sores.
N
gypsum used externally.
Crushed leaves and sap
Styptic to stop capillary
N
of leaves taken orally.
hemorrhages, eczema,
coughs, constipation
and gonorrhoea.
Warm plant paste in
Relief in labour pains.
N
coconut oil applied
externally.
Fronds poultice tied
Swellings, headache
N
around affected body
and rheumatic pains.
parts.
Rhizome along with
Applied on bone
O&S
stem of Cissus
fracture in cattle.
and quadrangularis
Zingiber officinale in
paste form.
Rhizome extract taken
Fever, cough.
N
orally.
Leaves are pounded with As febrifuge.
N
pig's blood and smeared
on the body.
38
N ELU MBO
3
[Vol.51
267.
268.
269.
270.
Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook.
(HELMINTHOSTACHYACEAE)
Terrestrial fern
Lycopodium ccrnua (L). Franco. & Vase.
(LYCOPODIACEAE) Epiphytic fern
Lygodium circinatum (Burm. f.) Sw.
(LYGODIACEAE) Terrestrial fern
Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw.
(LYGODIACEAE) Terrestrial fern
Young fronds decoction
applied externally.
Fresh leaf juice.
Leaves decoction is
used as a lotion.
The sap from the roots
and leaves with a little
Curcuma longa made
into a paste, applied
externally.
Fresh roots paste is
used externally.
On boils, ulcers, N
stomachic and an
appetizer for babies.
Relieves blisters on N & S
the tongue.
Beri-beri, cough, skin N
eruptions and
uneasiness in the chest.
On sprained or bruised N
limbs and also applied
on wounds of bite of a
black terrestrial spider,
also used in rheumatic
pains.
For rheumatism, sprains, N
scabies cut wounds and
carbuncles. The spores
are reported to be
important in the treatment
of high fever.
271.
Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br.
Decoction of rhizomes,
Dysentery, skin
N&S
(LYGODIACEAE) Terrestrial fern
leaves taken orally and
leaves poultices applied
externally.
diseases, swellings,
colds and cough.
272.
Marsilea minuta L.
(MARSILEACEAE) Marshy fern
The whole plants extract
used orally.
Insemnial, sedative and
convulsion properties.
N,R&S
273.
Microlepia speluncae (L.) Moore
(DENNSTEADTIACEAE)
Terrestrial fern
Leaves decoction taken
orally.
Fever.
N
274.
Microsorium punctatum (L.) Copel
(POLYPODIACEAE)) Epiphytic fern
Whole plants paste
smear externally and
also taken orally.
Against snake bite.
N
275.
Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott
Fresh leaves juice and
Bleeding of cuts as
N
(NEPHROLEPIDACEAE)
decoction used
coagulate agent and
Epiphytic fern
externally.
cough.
276.
Onychium siliculosum (Desv.) C. Chr.
A decoction of the
Dysentery and falling
N
(PTERIDACEAE)
fronds & their juice
taken orally.
hairs.
277.
Ophioderma pendulum L.
The fronds are shedded
As an ointment in the
N
(OPHIOGLOSSACEAE) Epiphytic fern
into coconut oil and
applied externally.
scalp to improve the
hair.
278.
Phymatosorus scolopendria (Burm.)
The young fronds taken
Dysentery, gonorrhoea
N
Pich.-Ser.
orally and kept as such
and also to keep off bed
(POLYPODIACEAE)) Epiphytic fern
on beds.
bugs.
Paste of the plant along
To check bloody
N
with the leaves of
discharge in urine.
Clerodendrum
2009] PANDEY, RASINGAM AND LAKRA : ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS 39
I 2 3 4" 5
279.
280.
281.
282.
283.
284.
285.
Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link
(HEMIONITIDACEAE) Terrestrial fern
Psilotum nudum (L.) P. Beauv.
(PSILOTACEAE) Epiphytic fern
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn
(PTERIDACEAE) Terrestrial fern
Pteris ensiformis Burm. f.
(PTERIDACEAE) Terrestrial fern
paniculatum and
Sterculia rubiginosa
in water taken orally.
A decoction of roots and For dysentery, by
pounded fronds taken rubbing on the back of a
orally. person in malaria, and in
kidney trouble.
Pteris vittata L.
(PTERIDACEAE) Terrestrial fern
Pyrrosia adnascens (Sw.) Ching
(POLYPODIACEAE) Epiphytic fern
The oily spores.
Rhizome sap taken
orally.
Rhizome juice applied
externally.
*Decoction of the leaves
taken orally as well as
applied externally.
Rhizomes after boiling
taken with water.
Juice from the pounded
fronds taken orally.
Given to infants to check
diarrhoea.
Chronic disorders of
spleen.
On glandular swellings
of the neck.
For malaria, gonorrhoea
and externally it is wash
for boils, bodies and
hemorrhoides.
Acts as demulcent.
For dysentery and for
burns.
Selaginella ciliaris (Retz.) Spreng. An infusion of the plants High fever and also in
(SELAGINELLACEAE) Terrestrial fern taken orally. skin troubles and the
ashes are used in a
liniment for backache,
rheumatism & lumbago.
286. Sphaeropteris albo-setacea (Bedd.)
Tryon
(CYATHEACEAE) Terrestrial fern
287. Stenochlaena palustris (Burm. f.) Bedd.
(STENOCHLAENACEAE)
Terrestrial fern
288. Vittaria elongata Sw.
(VITTARIACEAE) Epiphytic fern
289. Sargassum wightii Grev.
' Chawpho' (GA)
(SARGASSACEAE) Algae
Decoction of leaves and For pregnancy, fever,
leaf juice taken orally. stomachache & skin
diseases.
Leaves extract taken
orally.
ALGAE
Rheumatism and stiffness
of swollen joints.
This Alga is rubbed on To treat acute malarial
whole body. fever, according to
tribals, relief is very quick.
N
N
A&O
N
N&J
N
N
N
Pounded leaves with Wounds and sores. N
black pepper.
N
N
GA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata for providing all facilities and
encouragement during the course of studies and also thankful to Shri M. Hamza, Sr. Photographer, BSI,
Andaman & Nicobar Circle, Port Blair for photographs.
40 NELUMBO [Vol.51
REFERENCES
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Anonymous. 1998. Editorial, Amruth 2 (6) : 1 - 3.
Anonymous. 2005. Forest statistics, Department of Environment & Forest, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Port
Blair. 1-96.
Arora, R. K. 1 997. Ethnobotany and its role in the conservation and uses of plant Genetic Resources in India. Ethnobotany
9:6-15.
Chakrabarty, T. and N. P. Balakrishnan. 2003. Ethnobotany of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, </. Econ. Taxon.
Bot. 27 (4) : 869 - 893.
Dagar, H.S. and J.C Dagar. 2003. Plants used in ethnomedicine by the Nicobarese of Islands in the Bay of Bengal,
India. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 27 : 773 - 784.
Dagar, J.C. and N.T. Singh. 1999. Plant resources of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Vol. I. BSMPS. Dehradun.
Gupta, S., M.C. Porwal and PS. Roy. 2004. Indigenous knowledge on some medicinal plants among the Nicobari tribe
of Car Nicobar Island. Indian J. Trad. Knowl. 3 (3) : 287 - 293.
Jain, S. K. 1991. Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine. Deep Publications. New Delhi.
Kaushal Kumar, B. Kumar, T. Selvun, B. Saiibala, R.S.C Jairaj, S. Mehrotra and P. Pushpangadan. 2006. Ethnobotanical
heritage of Nicobarese tribe. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 30 (2) : 331 - 348.
Sahi, S. 2003. Importance of Indigenous Knowledge. Indian J. Trad. Knowl. 2 (1) : 11 - 14.
Sharief, M.U., S. Kumar, P.G. Diwakar, T.V.R.S. Sharma . 2005 Traditional phytotherapy among Karens of Middle
Andaman. Indian J. Trad. Knowl. 4 (4) : 429 - 436.
Tripathi, Y. C. 2000. Ethnomedicinal treasure of tribals of Rajasthan, </. non Timber For. Products 1:11- 84.
3T3TTFT faebl«IK iftrenp', *THrT "Sf 311 R% <4 1 Rrl 4T "£ ^PcbrHcblil tf^
3JR.it. Wi, W- rf&FT W *ft. W- C7^f7
^FT Tfhm t}' 116 ^pff ^ 3Wfa 233 ^fcl ^rft 289 "WT ^41' ^ ^M^K^rfk <4m4) j |T ^ff
*IH<=mO tl ^ 3TTfcRt# ^ft 247 *1lPdi|T (87 ^ff ~% 198 ^J) , 3HH^4141 ^FT 6 ^1 1 Rl ^T (4 ^#' ~£
4 ^(I) , ifUKl^d ^FT 35 WfcPTT (24 ^eff ^F 30 ^T) TT«7T ^faM ^ft T^cfT ^ifcT *llPHd tl 3HRchHh4
^ft spFft wwi, wro tt^' ^FPd fi 3nP^ciir^iiT ^ra f^TFT wr ^nf^' ~£ wffr ^ft diPd-Fi 3
cl^lf^H 3 ""M ^F ^, ^PF <=H^Pd<F ^TFT, Vmft ^TFT, ^TcT ^F ^FT, ^ ^t ^FjcT, "qpT^T ^F wM
W], ITT tt^' 3TTf^rat ^TFT t^ m, t'l
NELUMBO 51 : 41-98. 2009
PHYTODIVERSITY OF THE NARAYAN SAROVAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY,
KACHCHH, GUJARAT, INDIA
R. P. Pandey, V. Singh and P. J. Parmar
^Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre, Jodhpur 342 008
ABSTRACT
The present paper deals with an account of vegetation, floral composition and analysis, forest types
and its associations. It comprises 455 species of vascular plants, under to 247 genera and 74 families.
Besides this, important economic plants of bioperspective nature, a list of 13 cultivated/ crop plants and
their 14 wild relatives, 39 rare, threatened and endemic taxa which need effective conservation measures
for maintenance of germplasm.
Keywords : Gujarat, Kachchh, Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, Phytodiversity, Rare, Threatened.
INTRODUCTION
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the western most part of the country, is locally known as
'Naransaf . It is a place of pilgrimage and is about 2 km from Koteshwar. Koteshwar is one of the 12th Jyoti
Linga of Lord Shiva in India. The temple of Lord Shiva constructed during 18th century is the main attraction
of the place. Narayan Sarovar is considered to be one of the five holy lakes in India whose importance is
narrated in the Hindu scriptures Shrimad Bhagwat, Vayu Pur ana, Vishnu Purana, etc.
The practice of conservation of natural resources in the Kachchh goes way back to the princely times
when certain resource rich areas were given legal protection by declaring them as "Rakhals" (reserve forests).
The objective behind this was to ensure the availability of big game as well as fodder to the livestock during
scarcity.
Period of 1970-1990 may be considered to be a period of serious attempts made by the government for
the preservation of wild living resources, when a number of areas were notified as Sanctuaries and National
Parks. Out of 21 Sanctuaries in Gujarat State, 4 are situated in Kachchh which shows the importance of the
area.
Recognizing its unique phyto-geographical position, uncommon ecosystem and its unique biodiversity,
in April 1981, State Goverenment notified 765.79 sq km area of 4 rakhals, viz. Gagariana, Ratipal, Kaniyara
& Mindhiari as wildlife sanctuary in Lakhpat taluka of Kachchh district, popularly known as Narayan Sarovar
Wildlife Sanctuary.
In 1993, an area of 94.87 sq km of Narayan Sarovar WLS, spread over 16 villages was denotified as
"Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary", as Chinkara is the key species of this region; this notification was quashed by
hon'ble Highcourt. In 1995, the areas in and around the boundary of the Narayan Sarovar WLS, bounded with
rich mineral deposites, forced the State Government to denotify about 321 sq km area and, thus, reduced the
Sanctuary to present extent of 444.23 sq km (including village Pakho). Narayan Sarovar is the first Sanctuary,
which was denotified by the Government. The settlement work in the Sanctuary is still going on and final
notification of the Sanctuary is yet to be issued (Annon., 2001).
The percentage geographical area in the State under the wildlife-protection areas is above the national
average of 4.3%. Rodgers & Panwar (1988) have classified India into 10 Biogeographic zones and 25 biotic
provinces. Accordingly, Gujarat has four Biogeographic zones and five biotic provinces. Narayan Sarovar
Wildlife Sanctuary comes under Biogeograohic zone-3 Indian Desert, Biotic province- 3- A Kachchh. This
Biogeographic zone comprises four sanctuaries, covering approximately 74% of the total area under protected
areas network in the State (Table 1).
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
Area
Sanctuary
Area
(sq km)
(sq km)
5000
1. Wild Ass Sanctuary
4953.70
10000
2. Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
7506.20
33000
3.Narayan Sarovar WLS
444.23
4.Kachchh Bustard Sanctuary
12906.10
42 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Table 1: Distribution of wildlife protected areas in Biogeographic Zone - 3 Indian Desert,
Biotic Province - 3 A Kachchh.
Biogeographic Sub-Div
Little Rann
Great Rann
Southern hills
AREA AND TOPOGRAPHY
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), lies between 23° 27' - 23° 42' N latitude and 68° 30' - 68°
57' E longitude in Lakhpat taluka of Kachchh district, having a total area of 436.77 sq km. Total forest area
is 152.95 sqkm,with 119.74 sq km reserved forest and 33.21 sq km unclassified forest. There are 3 1 villages
in the Sanctuary. The tract of the Sanctuary is mainly hilly lying in eastern, north- eastern, south- eastern and
with undulating areas interspersed with small hill range extending east- west. Western coastal region have
sand dunes and the hummocky plains, interspread with rocky- gravelly plains and gentle slopes towards the
sea- coast. Few water bodies like dams; ponds and puddles are also present in the Sanctuary area. The entire
western area is an ecotone of intertidal mangrove. The Kori creek surroundes the Sanctuary in the north- west
and the mangrove forest on the west. The altitude ranges from 2.7 meter above msl near coastal Tahera village
and 157 meter above msl in Manijal hill at Kaniyaro Rakhal.
GEOLOGY AND SOIL
The geological formations of Kachchh range is in age from middle Jurassic to late Tertiary periods with
unconformities breaking the succession between the middle cretaceous, supra- trappean, middle Kirthar, and
finally Miocene & Pliocene. Therefore, the entire Kachchh district may have an effect in epitome of Jurassic
and post Jurassic geology of India. Thus, Kachchh is considered to be an eastern extension of the mobile belt
then a part of the unfolded and stable peninsular foreland of India.
Geologically Narayan Sarovar WLS area exposes the following rock formations of Jurassic and
Cretaceous periods:
(a) Deccan trap is a basaltic rock, confined to Pandhro in the west and extended to east of Anjar. The
lava flows vary from medium grained to aphanites type at times being periphyritic.
(b) Tertiary formation is exposed in the central part of the Sanctuary and lying as a continuous horizon
all along the western, southern and south- eastern coast of Kachchh from Lakhpat in the west to
as far as Vandh on the eastern side. The numulitic limestone and shale are exposed bordering the
balastic rocks in south and go upto Lakapat.
(c) Pleistocene formations support coarse sandy limestone, which are massive with formeniferal shells,
sand grains and other rock fragments.
(d) Recent alluvium is recorded as a belt of 5 to 15 km along the coast. Few coastal stand dunes are
also present along the western boundary (Anon., 1971).
The Narayan Sarovar WLS represents three major types of soil, viz. sandy- alluvium, clay and black-
loam. Alluvium sandy type of soil is restricted to the western coastal bank areas, the clay deposition is present
on both northern and southern parts of the sanctuary. Bentonite clay is present in the southern part; it has poor
moisture retention capacity and very less permeability. As a result of this, vegetation is very poor in such type
of soil. Black loamy soil is found mainly in the central part of the sanctuary. Comparatively, this soil is fertile
due to better moisture retention capacity and thus supports better vegetation.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 43
CLIMATE
Narayan Sarovar WLS has a semi- arid climate, May and June are the hottest months with dusty storms,
and day temperature reaches upto 43°C, while December and January are the coldest months. The mean
maximum day temperature during winter is about 15°C. The mean annual rainfall is extremely erratic in the
region and there are only 8-9 rainy days in a year. The average annual precipitation is 200 to 350 mm. More
than 90% of total rain is received during south- west monsoon, which normally set over an area between last
week of June and remains active till September. There are considerable variations and fluctuations in the
temperature in different months and seasons. The humidity is also quite considerable in the Sanctuary area.
PREVIOUS WORK AND PRESENT STUDY
The earliest recorded information on plants of Kachchh, provided by Plain (1880). At the time of
publication of "Flora of Bombay Presidency" by Cooke (1901 - 08), Gujarat was a part of presidency, and
was the least explored part of the presidency, especially North Gujarat and Kachchh, which have been touched
only by few visits.
After Cooke, phytodiversity of Kachchh was explored by many workers viz. Blatter (1908 - 09), Thakar
(1926), Kapadia (1954a,b), Puri & al. (1959 - 1960), Jain & Deshpande (1960a,b), Jain & Kanodia (1960,
Chavan & Sabnis (1962), Bhandari (1965), Kanodia & Nanda (1966), Jain (1968), Rao (1970), Guha Bakshi
(1971), Rao & Sabnis (1977), Rao (1981 - 81a), Parmar & Singh (2003) etc, but, there is no published account
on phytodiversity of Narayan Sarovar, except an account on ecological status of Narayan Sarovar WLS (Annon.,
2001) which provides a list of 255 species of flowering plants. Shah (1978) published a comprehensive account
on the phytodiversity of Gujarat. Raghavan & al. (1981) updated this work in form of check list. Recently,
Pandey & Singh, (1999), Pilo & al. (1996), Singh & Prabia (2003) and Meena & Pandey (2004) studied the
floristic diversity of Gujarat as a whole.
Considering the importance of floral, faunal and its unique ecosystem value of this fragile arid region,
Botanical Survey of India, Jodhpur takes initiative to explore the phytodiversity of Kachchh region, with special
reference to Narayan Sarovar WLS. During the years 2000 to 2005, five exhaustive and intensive botanical
exploration tours of 15 days each, in different seasons have been undertaken. During these visits a total numbers
of about 10,000 plant specimens were collected, out of this about 3,500 specimens were only from Narayan
Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the present study a total number of 454 species of flowering plants belonging
to 246 genera and 73 families have been enumerated. The specimens have been deposited in the herbarium
of Arid Zone Circle of Botanical Survey of India, Jodhpur (BSJO) and Central National Herbarium, Howrah
(CAL). Species marked with an asterisk (*) are included on the authority of Anon., 2001.
VEGETATION
The Narayan Sarovar WLS represents a unique floral and faunal assemblage of arid ecosystem,
and the representative habitat of mixed thorn forest and grasslands / savannas which are well distributed mainly
in two zones, viz. Pipar and Mindhiari and partially in Ratipal. The vegetation near hills and the valleys appears
more dense and luxuriant during monsoon period; the herbaceous ground cover also flourishes well during
the rainy season. During summers and winters, only woody perennial species survive. A huge portion of the
area of the Sanctuary exhibits the edaphic climax of the Tropical thorn forest with average tree height 3 to 5
m, except in the areas where anthropogenic pressure or factors have decimated them. Thus, major portion of
the Narayan Sarovar WLS comes under thorny scrub jungles and interspersed with grasslands / savannas.
According to classification of forest types of India (Champion & Seth, 1968), the following forest types
may be recognised in Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Northern tropical dry deciduous scrub type (5B)
1. 5B/DS1 - Dry deciduous scrub forest.
2. 5B/DS2 - Dry Savannah type forest.
3. 5B/DSE3 - Babul forest (Acacia nilotica ssp. subalata type).
44 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Northern tropical thorn forest (6B)
1.
6B/C1
Desert thorn forest.
2.
6B/DS2 -
Tropical Euphorbia scrub type.
3.
6B/E2
Acacia Senegal type forest.
4.
6B/DS2 -
Euphorbia thorn forest.
5.
6B/ E2 -
Acacia Senegal forest.
6.
6B/C1
Desert thorn forest.
7.
6B/DS1 -
Ziziphus scrub forest.
8.
6B/E4 -
Salvadora scrub forest.
9.
6B/1S1 -
Desert dune scrub forest.
On the basis of edaphic factors, the vegetation of the Sanctuary may be classified in to following
habitats:
1 . Hills and valleys
2. Rocky gravelly undulating plains
3. Sandy hummocky plains with low sand -dunes
4. Western coastal mangroves and saline habitat
5. Marshy / aquatic habitat
6. Weeds
1. Hills and valleys: Narayan Sarovar WLS is surrounded from all four sides by hills and valleys with
some interspreading areas of hummocky sandy and gravelly rocky plains. A chain of considerable high hills
is situated at Mindhiari, Kaniyaro, Chamro, Daulatpar, Subhashpar, Khadak, Bitiyari and Dayapar etc in the
eastern side of the Sanctuary. Similarly, in western side, some hills and rock out -crops are also present at
Pipar, Ratipal, Nareda, Khirsara and Laxmirani etc. Northern side comprises hills at Narayan Sarovar, from
Verma Nagar to Pandhro and up to Dayapar. The southern side also has a continuous chain of hills ranging
from Dayapar to Mata-na- Madh and further east up to Nakhtarana.
The most dominating tree species on hills and valleys are: Acacia Senegal and Acacia nilotica ssp.
subalata, which predominate in the western side having lime stone formation in the gravelly- rocky plains or at
the base of hills. The lime stone formations were also recorded at Guhar nani, Guhar moti, Lakki, Gugariyana,
Kerwandh, Pipar, Bhutau, Khirsa, and Medi etc. In the hilly region and rocky- gravelly plateau of eastern
region, Acacia Senegal is dominant species and it covers major parts of the reserve forest at Haman Khudi,
Halapar, Mudia, Chamro, Mindhiari, Kaniyaro, Subhashpar, Daulatpar, Nareda, Bhudha etc. The common
associations observed in this habitat are:
(i) Acacia nilotica ssp. subalata with Salvadora oleoides, S. persica
(ii) Capparis decidua with Salvadora oleoides, Ziziphus nummularia
(iii) Ziziphus nummularia with Prosopis juliflora, Acacia Senegal
(iv) Acacia Senegal with Capparis decidua, Ziziphus nummularia, Salvadora oleoides
(v) Ziziphus nummularia & Capparis decidua
(vi) Acacia Senegal with Euphorbia caducifolia, Salvadora oleoides and
(vii) Ziziphus nummularia and Salvadora oleoides.
The other common trees and shrubs in these Rakhals are: Acacia leucophloea, A. eburnea, Balanites
aegyptiaca, Capparis decidua, C. grandis, Commiphora wightii, Cordia perrottetii, Euphorbia caducifolia,
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 45
Grewia tenax, G. villosa, Lycium barbarum, Premna resinosa, Prosopis juliflora, P. cinerarea, Salvadora
oleoides, S. persica, Ziziphus nummularia etc. At few places Acacia Senegal and A. nilotica ssp. subalata are
noted at the base of hills. The other associates of these are Acacia eburnea, A. nilotica ssp. indica, A. tortilis,
Calotropis procera, Senna auriculata, Salvadora spp., Prosopis spp. and Ziziphus nummularia. In some of
the areas of the Sanctuary, Prosopis juliflora spreads widely leading to declination of the grass cover and
herbaceous ground cover.
The common climber and twiners recorded from hills and valleys are: Asparagus dumosus, A.
racemosus, Cadabafruticosa, Dalechampia scandens var. codofana, Ipomoea spp., Rhynchosia minima, Rivea
hypocrateriformis etc. The ground cover, which is quite luxuriant during monsoon, comprises herbaceous annuals
and ephemerals like Digera muricata, Dipteracanthus patulus var. alba, Indigofera cordifolia, Pupalia lappacea,
Tephrosia purpurea, Tribulus terrestris, Vernonia cinerea, together with species of Amaranthus, Boerhavia,
Cassia, Cleome, Corchorus, Sida etc. The common grasses which sometimes cover a large area are: Apluda
mutica, Aristida adscensionis, Brachiaria ramosa, Chrysopogonfulvus, Cymbopogon martinii, Desmostachya
bipinnata, Dichanthium annulatum, Echinochloa colona, Heteropogon contortus, Melanocenchris jacquemontii,
Tetrapogon tenellus, Tragus roxburghii, and species of Cenchrus, Chloris, Eragrostis, etc.
2. Rocky- gravelly undulating plains: Rocky- gravelly and undulating plains are quit common and
are spread from Narayan Sarovar to Haman Khudi, Guhar, Kanoj, Sheh, Tahera, Halapar, Nareda, Vanyor
and Baranda etc. The common trees and shrubs recorded here are almost the same as recorded on the hills,
but they are very sparsely distributed. The thorny scrub type vegetation of these regions face a high biotic
pressure, particularly the ground flora (after monsoon) as most of the livestock is grazing on these plains. A
peculiar feature of this habitat was noted after 1 km of Narayan Sarovar along Haman Khudi, Nareda, Halapar
via Baranda and Vanyor, where the entire area of rocky gravelly plains are covered with a homogeneous
population of Helichrysum cutchicum which gives a terpentine like smell in the environment. A large purplish
pink- flowered rare species of Senera incana was also recorded here. The common associations recorded in
this habitat are:
(i) Acacia with Salvadora oleoides, S. persica
(ii) Capparis decidua with Salvadora oleoides, Ziziphus nummularia
(iii) Ziziphus nummularia with Prosopis juliflora, Acacia Senegal
(iv) Acacia Senegal with Premna resinosa, Capparis decidua, Ziziphus nummularia, Salvadora
oleoides.
The common trees and shrubs of this habitat are: Acacia Senegal, A. eburnea, A. leucophloea, A. nilotica
ssp. subalata, Capparis decidua, Cordia perrottetii, Commiphora wightii, Euphorbia caducifolia, Grewia
tenax, Lycium barbarum, Premna resinosa, Prosopis juliflora, P. cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, S. persica,
Ziziphus nummularia etc. The ground flora is similar to hills.
The common climbers of this habitat are: Asparagus racemosus, A. dumosus, Cadaba fruticosa,
Dalechampia scandens var. cordofana, Ipomoea spp., Maerua oblongifolia, Mukia maderaspatana, Rivea
hypocrateriformis, Rhynchosia minima etc.
The undulating plains are very rich in grass species called as "Savannah " (grasslands). The common
grasses are Aristida spp., Cenchrus spp., Chloris spp., Dicanthium annulatum, Eragrostis spp., Panicum spp.,
Sporobolus spp., Melanocenchris jacquemontii, Tragus roxburghii, Tetrapogon tenellus etc. Physiognomically,
Sanctuary predominantly supports mixed scrub thorn forest (58%) and grasslands (savannah) (25%) types.
3. Sandy hummocky plains with low sand dunes: The western part of the Sanctuary, particularly
from Narayan Sarovar to Haman Khudi, Lakki, Medi, Gangariana and in the east upto Lakhpat, is covered
with sandy hummocky plains with low dunes. This habitat is also intermixed with rocky / gravelly plains and
ends in mangrove forest.
46 NELUMBO [Vol.51
The common trees and shrubs are: Calotropis procera, Capparis decidua, Cordia perrottetii, Commiphora
wightii, Lycium barbarum, Acacia leucophloea, Prosopis cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, S. persica, Ziziphus
nummularia etc. The common ephemerals and undershrubs forming a green carpet during moonson season
are: Aerva javanica, Borreria articularis, Boerhavia diffusa, Citrullus colocynthis, Corchorus depressus,
Crotalaria burhia, Cucumis callosus, C. prophetarum, Enicostema axillare, Fagonia schweinfurthii, Gisekia
pharnaceoides, Heliotropium zeylanicum, Hibiscus micranthus, Indigofera cordifolia, I. linnaei, Leptadenia
pyrotechnica, Mollugo cerviana, Polygala erioptera, Pulicaria angustifolia, P. crispa, Seriscostoma pauciflora,
Sida cordata, S. ovata, Solarium nigrum, Tribulus terrestris, Trichodesma amplexicaule var. indica, Vernonia
cinerea, Withania somnifera etc.
The common grasses and sedges recorded are: Aristida spp., Cenchrus spp., Chloris spp., Dactyloctenium
aegyptium, D. scindicum, Dichanthium annulatum, Ochthochloa compressa, Panicum antidotale, P. typheron,
Sporobolus spp., Tetrapogon tenellus etc. Bolboschoenus maritimus, Cyperus conglomerates, Cyperus difformis,
C. iria, C. rotundus, Eleocharis geniculata, Fimbristylis bisumbellata, Schoenoplectus roylei etc are the
common sedges recorded here. Lactiferous Periploca aphylla climbs on the clumps of bushes in association
with Rhynchosia minima.
The common associations recorded in this psammophytic habitat are:
(i) Capparis decidua with Salvadora oleoides and Ziziphus nummularia
(ii) Aerva javanica with Crotalaria burhia and Leptadenia pyrotechnica
(iii) Ziziphus nummularia with Prosopis juliflor a and Acacia leucophloea
(iv) Cenchrus ciliaris with C. biflorus, C.setigerus, Aristida spp. and Eragrostis tremula.
4. Western Coastal Mangrove and saline habitat: The sandy hummocky and saline plains, which
ultimately end in mangrove and muddy rann are common from Lakki to Medi. The common species recorded
from saline habitat are: Ammannia baccifera, Artiplex stocksii, Bergia ammannioides, Cressa cretica, Glinus
lotoides, Heliotropium curassavicum, H. ovalifolium, Ecliptaprostrata, Blumea obliqua, Polygonum plebium,
Suaedafruticosa, Tamarix spp., Trianthema portulacastrum and Zygophyllum simplex etc. Sedges and grasses
are poorly represented in these habitats, like Scirpus tuberosus, Aeluropus lagopoides, Sporobolus spp.,
Urochondra setulosa etc in association with Ochthochloa compressa.
The coastal area of Kachchh is surrounded on the south by the Gulf of Kachchh and on the west by the
Arabian Sea. The coastal region in the west of Narayan Sarovar WLS rises gently and is fringed with mangrove
swamps from Lakki to Kori Creek. Xerophytic and salt tolerant species are the characteristic feature of this
mangrove forest, and dominating species having climatic climax is Avicennia marina, which reaches upto
Pakistan border (Kori Creek). Heliotropium ovalifolium, Peganum harmala var. stenophylla, Scaveola taccada
and Tamarix spp., are the other common elements of the permanent vegetation of mangrove forest. At tidal
creeks, Avicennia marina associated with a grass species of Urochondra setulosa forms a dense association.
5. Marshy / Aquatic habitat: There is no perennial river in the Sanctuary; Guhar dam is the only
permanent water source used for irrigation as well as drinking purposes. Though, the Sanctuary has eight
water bodies located at Haman Khudi, Pipar, Halapar, Mindhiari, Narayan Sarovar, Godhatal and Suvar, but
excepting Guhar dam all are ephemeral and have water only for few months after the rains. In relation to the
substratum, water and air, the hydrophytes of the Sanctuary may be grouped into following life forms.
i. Rooted with floating leaves: Potamogeton nodosus.
ii. Attached submerged: Vallisneria spiralis var. denseserrulata.
iii. Suspended submerged: Najas minor.
iv. Amphibious emerged: Typha domingensis, Bolboschoenus maritimus.
v. Marshy: The common plants of marshy habitat are: Alternanthera sessilis, Ammannia baccifera,
Bacopa monnieri, Bergia ammannioides, Blumea spp., Coldenia procumbens, Eclipta prostrata, Grangea
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH
47
maderaspatana, Heliotropium ovalifolium, Phyla nodiflora, Polygonum plebeium, Vernonia cinerea etc. The
sedges like Bolboschoenus maritimus, Cyperus pygmaeus, C. rotundus, Schoenoplectus roylei etc. and grasses
like Echinochloa colona, Eragrostis ciliaris var. brachystachya etc.
6. Weeds: Several characteristic weedy species forms a considerable part of the Sanctuary in association
with seasonal crops, fallow fields and in wastelands. Maximum weeds are noted in rainy season in comparision
to winter or summer season. The common winter season weeds with 'Rabi' crop are: Celosia argentea,
Chenopodium album, C. murale, Euphorbia hirta, Fagonia schweinfurthii, Polycarpaea corymbosa etc. The
common grass species associated with these are: Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eragrostis tremula etc.
The weed species associated with summer crops are Alhagi maurorum, Crotalaria burhia, Solarium
nigrum, Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera and Ziziphus nummularia etc.
Due to more humus and moisture contents during rainy season, maximum weed species are recorded,
sometimes forming a pure population and lush green carpet in fallow fields and wastelands. The common
rainy season weeds associated with 'Kharif crop are: Achyranthes aspera, Alternanthera sessilis, Aristolochia
bracteolata, Boerhavia diffusa, Catharanthus pusillus, Celosia argentea, Cleome gynandra, C. viscosa,
Commelina benghalensis, Corchorus trilocularis, Digera muricata, Euphorbia clarkeana, E. hirta, Gisekia
pharanaceoides, Heliotropium maurifolium var. wallichii, H. strigosum, Indigofera hochstetteri, I. linnaei,
Kohautia aspera, Launaea procumbens, Mollugo cerviana, Nothosaerva brachiata, Hedyotis corymbosa var.
linearis, Pulicaria angustifolia, Phyllanthus fraternus, P. maderaspatena, Physalis divaricata, Portulaca
oleracea, Sida cordifolia, S. ovata, Spermacoce hispida, S. pusilla, Tephrosia purpurea, Trianthema
portulacastrum, Trichodesma indica var. amplexicaule, Vernonia cinerea, Withania somnifera etc. The common
grasses competing with the crops in rainy season are: Aristida adscensionis, Cenchrus biflorus, C ciliaris,
C. setigerus, Chloris spp., Dactyloctenium aegyptium, D. scindicum, Desmostachya bipinnata, Dichanthium
annulatum, Echinochloa colona, Eragrostis spp., Ochthochloa compressa, Tetrapogon tenellus etc. Cyperus
rotundus is the only sedge showing its presence with these grasses.
SYNOPSIS OF THE FLORA
In the present work 455 indigenous and naturalized species belonging to 247 genera under 74 families
have been enumerated. {Table 2)
Table 2: Synopsis of the flora.
Taxonomic group
Families Genera
Species
No. % No.
%
No.
%
ANGIOSPERMS
Dicotyledons
Monocotyledons
GYMNOSPERMS
64
85.49
193
78.14
354
77.80
12.16
53
21.46
100
21.98
1.35
1
0.40
1
0.22
TOTAL
74
100.00
247
100.00 455
100.00
The phytodiversity of the Sanctuary shows that, among the dicotyledons, the class Polypetale dominates
and represented by 177 species (38.99%) belonging to 95 genera and 36 families. Fabaceae is the largest
family with 42 species and Malvaceae occupies second place with 21 species in Polypetalae. Gamopetalae
finds second place and represented by 130 species (38.63%), 73 genera and 20 families. Convolvulaceae is
the largest family with 22 species in gamopetalae followed by Asteraceae and Boraginaceae with 19 and 17
species. The class Monochlamydeae is represented by 47 species (10.35%) belonging to 25 genera and 8
families. Amaranthaceae is the largest family in Monoclamydeae with 16 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae
with 15 species.
48 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Monocotyledon & shows poor representation in the Sanctuary with only 1 00 species (22.02%) belonging
to 53 genera and 9 families. It is interesting to note that out of 100 species of monocots, Poaceae is represented
with 66 species and Cyperaceae with 18 species; the other 7 families of monocots have only 16 species.
Gymnosperm was represented by single taxa.
The ratio of species belonging to Monocotyledons to Dicotyledons is 1: 3.5, of genera 1: 3.6 and of
families 1: 7.1. The ratio of total number of genera to species is 1: 1.84 which is rather low in comparison to
the corresponding ratio for Flora of Gujarat which is about 1:2.2 (Shah, 1978), 1: 2.3 (Pandey & Singh, 1999),
1 : 2.4 (Singh & Parabia, 2003) and 1 : 2.5 (Meena & Pandey, 2004), but it is about equal to the ratio for Flora
of Kachchh 1: 1.8 (Thakar, 1926) and Flora of North Gujarat 1: 1.8 (Saxton & Sedgwick, 1918).
ECONOMIC POTENTIALITY OF PHYTODIVERSITY
The phytodiversity of the Sanctuary is quite rich in economic resources and many of them have
potentiality to add to the economy of the State.
Medicinal plants: The therapeutic properties of plant have created wide interest among people to learn
about plants and their parts, which may be used as a source for new drugs. The local inhabitants of the Sanctuary
have acquired a deep knowledge in this field due to their long association with the local plants in the forests.
Some important medicinal plants used by the inhabitants of Narayan Sarovar WLS for the treatment of various
diseases are: Abrus precatorius, Acacia nilotica ssp. indica, A. nilotica ssp. subalata, A. Senegal, Achyranthes
aspera, Aerva javanica, Amaranthus tricolor, A. virdis, Ammannia baccifera, Aristolochia bracteolata,
Asparagus racemosus, Avicennia marina, Bacopa monnieri, Balanites aegyptiaca, Barleria prionitis, Bergia
suffruticosa, Blepharis lineriaefolia, Boerhavia diffusa, Bombax ceiba, Cadaba fruticosa, Cajanus cajan,
Calotropis procera, Capparis cartilaginea, C decidua, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Cassia siamea,
Catharanthus pusillus, Celosia argentea, Cenchrus setigerus, Chenopodium album, Citrullus colocynthis, C.
lanatus, Clerodendrum phlomidis, Cleome brachycarpa, C. gynandra, C. viscosa, Clitoria ternatea, Coccinia
grandis, Coldenia procumbens, Commiphora wightii, Convolvulus auricomus, Corchorus depressus, Cordia
perrottetii, Cressa cretica, Crotalaria burhia, C hebecarpa, Cucumis callosus, C prophetarum, Cymbopogon
martinii, Cyperus rotundus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, D. scindicum, Datura metel, Desmostachya bipinnata,
Echinochloa colona, Eclipta prostrata, Enicostema axillaris, Evolvulus alsinoides, Euphorbia caducifolia, E.
hirta, Fagonia schweinfurthii, Ficus benghalensis, Gisekia pharnaceoides, Glinus lotoides, Grewia tenax ,G.
villosa, Helichrysum cutchicum, Indigofera cordifolia, I. oblongifolia, I. tinctoria, Ipomoea nil, I. pes-tigridis,
Launaea procumbens, Lepidagathis trinervis, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, L. reticulata, Leucas cephalotes, L.
urticaefolia, Luffa acutangula var. amara, Lumnitzera racemosa, Lycium barbarum, L. edgeworthii, Mimosa
hamata, Momordica balsamina, Mukia maderaspatana, Ochthochloa compressa, Oxystelma esculenta,
Panicum antidotale, P. trypheron, Pedalium murex, Peganum harmala var. stenophylla, Pergularia daemia,
Periploca aphylla, Peristrophe bicalyculata, Phyllanthus fraternus, Polygonum plebeium, Premna resinosa,
Prosopis juliflora, P. cineraria, Pulicaria angustifolia, Rhynchosia minima, Rivea hypocrateriformis, Ricinus
communis, Salvadora oleoides, S. persica, Salvia santolinaefolia, Scaevola taccada, Senna auriculata, Sida
cordata, S. cordifolia, S. ovata, Solanum nigrum, Suaeda fruticosa, Taverniera cuneifolia, Tephrosia purpurea,
Teramnus labialis, Thespesia populnea, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tribulus terrestris, Vernonia cinerea,
Withania somnifera, Ziziphus nummularia, Zygophyllum simplex.
Timber yielding plants: Timber is most essential for the economic development of an area, which is
used variously in the daily life of human beings. Some of the common timbers yielding plants of the Sanctuary
are: Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica subsp. indica, A. nilotica subsp. subalata, A. Senegal, Albizia lebbeck,
Capparis decidua, C, grandis, Cassia siamea, Prosopis cineraria, P. juliflora.
Firewoods: The woody plants used by villagers residing in the Sanctuary for firewood in their day-
to-day life are: Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica subsp. indica, A. Senegal, Aerva javanica, Capparis decidua,
Commiphora wightii, Cordia dichotoma, Crotalaria burhia, Gossypium arboreum, Grewia tenax, Ficus spp.,
Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Prosopis juliflora, P. cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, S. persica, Senna auriculata,
Ziziphus mauritiana.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 49
Gum / Resin-yielding plants: Some of the tree species yield gum / resin, which is used for various
purposes, e.g. Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica ssp. indica, A. nilotica ssp. subalata, A. Senegal, Commiphora
wightii, Prosopis cineraria, P.juliflora.
Tannin yielding plants: The common tannin yielding plants are: Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica ssp.
indica, A. nilotica ssp. subalata, Avicennia marina, Senna auriculata and Ziziphus mauritiana.
Dye yielding plants: The common dye yielding plants are: Abrus precatorius, Acacia nilotica ssp. indica,
A. Senegal, Achyranthes aspera, Eclipta prostrata, Indigofera tinctoria, Peganum harmala var. stenophylla,
Phyllanthus fraternus, Prosopis juliflora, Senna auriculata.
Fiber-yielding plants: Some of the common fiber yielding plants are: Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica
ssp. indica, A. nilotica ssp. subalata, Bombax ceiba, Calotropis procera, Cordia dichotoma, C. perrotetii,
Corchorus olitorius, Crotalaria burhia, Desmostachya bipinnata, Ficus benghalensis, Gossypium arboreum,
Leptadenia pyrotechnica, L. reticulata, Ochthochloa compressa, Pergularia daemia, Phragmites karka,
Saccharum bengalense, Senna auriculata, Sida cordata, S. ovata, S. rhomboidea, Typha angustata.
Edible fruits: Usually edible fruits are obtained from plants grown in orchards. But, local people use
a number of wild plants species for their edible value, viz. Acacia nilotica ssp. indica, Acacia Senegal, Aegle
marmelos, Asparagus racemosus, Capparis decidua, Citrullus colocynthis, C. lanatus, Cucumis callosus, C.
melo, Cordia gharaf, C perrotetii, Ficus benghalensis, Grewia tenax, G. villosa, Leptadenia reticulata, Prosopis
cineraria, Rhus mysorensis, Salvadora oleoides, S. persica, Solanum nigrum, Ziziphus nummularia.
Plants used as vegetable: Common fresh green vegetables are hardly available to the local inhabitants
living in the Sanctuary. Alternatively, some common species used as vegetable are: Amaranthus tricolor,
Capparis decidua, Chenopodium album, Coccinia grandis, Euphorbia caducifolia, Momordica balsamina,
Portulaca oleracea, Suaeda fruticosa, Trianthema portulacastrum.
Oil yielding plants: Seeds of many wild plant species yield edible or non edible oil, which is used in
food, medicines, varnishes, paints, lubricants, beverages, soap, ditergent and perfume industries. The important
species whose seeds are the source of oil are: Citrullus colocynthis, C. lanatus, Ricinus communis, etc. Leaves
of Cymbopogon martinii also yield volatile oil used in medicines.
Fodder-yielding plants: Grasses are the main source of fodders for livestock of the Sanctuary. After
rainy season, a number of plant species come up and provide fodder, but during summer and winter only
perennial species are the main sources of fodder, viz. Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica ssp. indica, A. nilotica
ssp. subalata, A. Senegal, Aeluropus lagopoides, Apluda mutica, Brachiaria ramosa, Cenchrus biflorus,
C. ciliaris, C. setigerus, Chrysopogon fulvus, Clerodendrum phlomidis, Crotalaria burhia, Cymbopogon
martinii, Cynodon dactylon, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, D. scindicum, D. pertusum, Desmostachya bipinnata,
Dichanthium annulatum, D.foveolatum , Dinebra retroflexa, Echinochloa colona, Eragrostis tenella, E. tremula,
Gisekia pharnaceoides, Grewia tenax, Heteropogon contortus, Indigofera cordifolia, I. oblongifolia, Lycium
edgeworthii, Ochthochloa compressa, Panicum antidotale, P. trypheron, Pennisetum typhoides, Phragmites
karka, Prosopis cineraria, P.juliflora, Salvadora oleoides, S. persica, Setaria verticillata, Sporobolus ioclados,
Tribulus terrestris, Zea mays, Ziziphus nummularia.
Plants used as famine food: Famine is a common phenomenon in the entire district of Kachchh.
The number of rainy days are very few, and sometimes there is no rain or occur only few showers, resulting
in shortage of water, as such no cultivation and ultimately severe famine. In the shortage of food grains,
the residents use a number of plants species for foods, viz. Acacia Senegal, Achyranthes aspera, Bracharia
ramosa, Capparis decidua, Citrullus colocynthis, C. lanatus, Cyperus rotundus, Cenchrus biflorus,
C setigerus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Grewia tenax, Indigofera cordifolia, Panicum antidotale, Prosopis
cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, S. persica, Setaria verticillata, Tribulus terrestris, Ziziphus nummularia.
50
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
Tender twigs of Acacia nilotica ssp. nilotica, Ficus benghalensis, Senna auriculata etc are the alternative
source of toothbrush.
Some of the plant species may be exploited commercially and may add a new source of revenue for the
State Government. Some of these species are: Calotropis procera, Aervajavanica (fibers & stuffing materials),
Capparis decidua (pickles), Acacia Senegal, Commiphora wightii (gum & resin), Citrullus colocynthis (non
- edible oil), Balanites aegyptica (medicines), Avicennia marina, Senna auriculata (tannin).
WILD RELATIVES OF CULTIVATED PLANTS
The present day cultivated plants have evolved from their wild relatives, which are still of considerable
importance for the improvement of crops and other useful cultivated plants. In India, about 323 wild relative
species of cultivated plants have been recorded so far (Arora & Nair, 1985). Recently 116 wild relatives of
64 cultivated plants have been recorded from Gujarat (Pandey & Padhye, 2000). Present study reveals that
quite a considerable numbers of wild relatives of cultivated plants grow in Narayan Sarovar WLS, which are
tabulated below.
Crop/ cultivated plants with Chromosome nos.
Wild relative & related species with
chromosome nos.
Cereals & Millets:
Eleusine coracana (36,37,38,39,43)
Legumenous plants:
Vigna dalzellina (22)
Vigna radiata (22, ,23, 2 4, 4 4)
Fruit plants:
Citrullus lanatus (22)
Cordia dichotoma
Grewia asiatica (36)
Ziziphus mauritiana (48)
Vegetable crop plants:
Luffa acutangula (26,52)
Momordica chrantia (22)
Portulaca pilosa ssp. grandiflora (10,18,36)
Solanum melongena (24,36,48)
Fiber yielding plants:
Corchorus capsularis (8,14,16,28)
Corchorus trilocularis (14)
Miscellaneous:
Physalis peruviana (24,28)
Ochthochloa compressa
Vigna aconitifolia (22,44)
Vigna trilobata (22,24)
Citrullus colycynthis (22,24,44)
Cordia gharaf{12)
Grewia tiliaefolia (18)
Ziziphus nummularia (24,40,48,72)
Luffa acutangula var. amara
Momordica balsamina (22)
Portulaca oleracea (14,18,36,45)
Solanum incanum (24)
Corchorus olitorius (7,14,28,35) &
Physalis minima (48,72)
ENDEMIC, RARE AND THREATENED TAXA AND THEIR CONSERVATION
Pandey & Singh (1999) listed 16 species of endemic plants confined to Gujarat State. Shah (1983)
reported 61 species, Nayar & Shastry (1988) & WCMC (1994) recorded 47 taxa, Singh & Parabia (2003)
enlisted 51 and Meena & Pandey (2004) reported 76 species of endemic, rare and threatened plants from
Gujarat. Recently, Gujarat Ecological Society (2003) published a booklet on rare and endangered plants and
animals of Gujarat, reported 39 plant species as rare and endangered to Gujarat. Out of this, 22 species are
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 51
reported from different parts of Kachchh. Parmar & Singh (2003) added five more species to this work, of
which three are endemic to India, one is rare and one species new to India. Sabnis & Rao (1983) enumerated
a list of 13 plants from Kachchh, whereas Rao (1981) and Bhatt (1993) reported 35 and 7 species in their
thesis on flora of South- Eastern & flora of western Kachchh respectively. Present study revealed that out of
16 endemic species from Gujarat (Pandey & Singh, I.e.), 4 species are represented in Narayan Sarovar WLS,
viz. Tamarix kachchhensis, T. stricta and Viola cinerea var. stocksii and Helichrysum cutchicum.
The floral diversity of Narayan Sarovar WLS is facing different degrees of threats due to heavy biotic
pressure and high demand of natural produce. Further, in and around areas of the Sanctuary harbour rich mineral
deposits, particularly for cement and lignite industries. As such, mining also produces an adverse impact on the
ecosystem. The endemic, rare and threatened plants recorded from Narayan Sarovar WLS are given below:
Endemic plants:
Helichrysum cutchicum (Asteraceae)
Tamarix kachchhensis (Tamaricaceae)
Tamarix stricta (Tamaricaceae)
Viola cinerea var. stocksii (Violaceae)
Rare & Threatened plants:
Abelmoschus tuherculatus var. deltoidefolia (Malvaceae)
Aeluropus lagopoides (Poaceae)
Camphylanthus ramosissimus (Scrophulariaceae)
Capparis cartilaginea (Capparaceae)
Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae)
Cleome simplicifolia (Cleomaceae)
Commiphora wightii (Burseraceae)
Convolvulus auricomus var. volubilis (Convolvulaceae)
Convolvulus stocksii (Convolvulaceae)
Cyperus rotundus var. centiflora (Cyperaceae)
Dactyliandra welwitschii (Cucurbitaceae)
Dalechampia scandens var. codofana (Euphorbiaceae)
Ephedra foliata (Gnetaceae)
Heliotropium bacciferum var. suberosum (Boraginaceae)
Heliotropium bacciferum var. tuberculatum (Boraginaceae)
Heliotropium rariflorum (Boraginaceae)
Heliotropium tuberculosum (Boraginaceae)
Indigofera caerulea var. monosperma (Fabaceae)
Ipomoea kotschyana (Convolvulaceae)
Limonium stocksii (Plumbaginaceae)
Merremia rajasthanensis (Convolvulaceae)
Oxystelma esculenta (Asclepiadaceae)
52 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Periploca aphylla (Periplocaceae)
Premna resinosa (Verbenaceae)
Pycreus flavidus var. strictus (Cyperaceae)
Scaevola taccada (Goodiniaceae)
Senra incana (Malvaceae)
Solarium elaeagnifolium (Solanaceae)
Stylosanthis fruticosum (Fabaceae)
Taverniera cuneifolia (Fabaceae)
Taverniera glabra (Fabaceae)
Tephrosia pentaphylla (Fabaceae)
T. uniflora ssp. petrosa (Fabaceae)
Tribulus rajasthanensis (Zygophyllaceae)
Urochondra setulosa (Poaceae)
The importance of phytodiversity of an area is determined by the presence of rare threatened and endemic
taxa. It is proved in terms of a small area of about 436.8 sq km; Narayan Sarovar WLS sustains 39 species out
of about 75 rare threatened and endemic species of Gujarat State. As these species grow in small-scattered
patches with thin population, biotic pressure, over grazing, human interference and mining activities may
adversely affect their existence. Therefore, immediate measures need to be taken to control these activities in
the Sanctuary; otherwise the day is not far away when they will become extinct from the nature.
Conservation methods:
The endemic, rare and threatened plants represent a small but an important part of the flora. They are
very susceptible to the effect of environmental change, because they occur in small population or at scattered
localities and are confined to unique and localized habitat. Biotic activities, such as land clearing, cutting,
over-grazing, development of monoculture forest etc cause inadequate reproductive mechanism, inviability of
seeds and lower the range of adaptation, resulting in dwindling of plant taxa. Therefore, immediate scientific
measures need to be taken to conserve such germplasm in in-situ and ex-situ conditions. Some of the conservation
methods effective to conserve biodiversity are:
1 . Maximum afforestation and after care in in situ condition.
2. Use of advanced bio-technics for multiplication of such species, like tissue culture etc.
3. Habitat protection/ conservation.
4. Germplasm of deplecting species may be preserved in seed bank.
5. Sustainable use of economically important species.
6. People's participation in conservation programme.
7. People's awareness and education for nature conservation.
Besides this, the research alone cannot help to restore the biodiversity loss unless there is a will,
awareness and involvement of local people in conservation programme. Thanks to Government of Gujarat
who is very particular in this subject and creating awareness among the people and educating them for the
reaching implications of ecological degradation
RECOMMENDATIONS
The present study also supports the guidelines provided for the management of Narayan Sarovar WLS
(Annon., 2001). The major themes of guidelines broadly cover the zoning of the Sanctuary, biodiversity
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 53
conservation, eco-development measures, eco-tourism and mitigation of potential threats from future economic
activities. The following are the recommendations.
1. Measures to conserve rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
2. Creation of two mini core areas- Two zones viz. 'Pipar' and ' Mindhiari' (Rakhals), due to their
rich floral and faunal assemblage, covering an area of about 18000 hectors.
3. Preservation of corridor areas- In view of future mining activities, ' Godhatal ' zone is considered
as very critical for wildlife movement, suggested as an importent corridor zone.
4. Eco-tourism- Due to its close proximity to the famous temples of Narayan Sarovar and Koteshwar,
'Halapar zone ' is suggested for development of eco-tourism.
5. In order to develop some multiple use areas, two buffer areas need to be identified in the eastern
and western parts of the Sanctuary.
6. Improvement of water availability and vegetation cover management under habitat improvement
programme is suggested.
7. Measures need to be taken to control biotic pressure.
8. Regulatory protection is the necessity of the Sanctuary.
9. Shifting of mineral (lignite, limestone and bentonite) and cement industries and thermal power
station.
10. Removal of fast spreading species of Prosopis juliflora.
1 1 . People's awareness and education for nature conservation.
Thus ecologically Narayan Sarovar is an important unit as it falls under a separate biotic province
of the Indian desert and have a distinct 'gene pool '. It also supports the remaining patches of "Desert thorn
forest" in the country. Abundance of 'Savanna ' (grassland)- a typical habitat of arid regions, and coastal
habitat (Mangroves) in association of the above, form a unique ecological matrix and home for several rare
and endangered fauna and flora (Annon., 2001). Thus, Narayan Sarovar WLS is a paradise for floral and faunal
diversity of this unique ecological zone.
FAUNAL DIVERSITY
The faunal diversity of Narayan Sarovar WLS may be grouped into three major groups:
(i) Herpeto fauna (Amphibian & Reptiles)
(ii) Avi fauna (Birds) and
(iii) Mammals
Among these the common ones are: * Spiny tailed lizard, ** Indian Chamaeleon, Red Sand boa, Black
Cobra, Spectacle Cobra, ** Checkered Keel Back Snake, Common Trinket Sanke, Saw Scaled Viper, Frogs,
Tods, Lesser spotted Eagle, Jungle Cat, Desert Cat, Caracal, Ratel or Honey Badiger, Indian Percupine,
Chinkara or Indian Gazelle, Nilgai or Blue Bull, Small Indian Civet, Small Indian Mongoose, Grey Wolf,
Golden Jackal, Common Fox, Desert Fox, Striped Haeyna, Rufous Tailed Hare, Indian Pangolin and Leopard
( not now ). It is also very interesting to note that some of the animals marked with *(Schedule - I) and **
(Schedule- II) are threatened upto IUCN status. Thus, the faunal diversity of the sanctuary is also very rich
in the area (Annon. 2001).
ENUMERATION
MENISPERMACEAE
*Coculus hirsutus (L.) W. Theob. "Vevidi, Vadhi no vevlo, Vagvai".
*Coculus pendulus (J.R. & G. Forst.) Diels, "Ordad, Value, Parwatti".
54 NELUMBO [Vol.51
BRASSICACEAE
*Brassica rapa L. var. campestris (L.) A.R. Clapham, "Sarsav".
CLEOMACEAE
Cleome gynandra L. "Talavasi".
Common in moist sandy gravelly soil.
Fl. &.Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15814 (BSJO); Sandrovadh R. F., R. P. Pandey 20003 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar,
R.P. Pandey 20019 (BSJO).
*Cleome scaposa DC.
Cleome simplicifolia (Camb.) Hook.f. & Thomson, "Roto bidhro, Ratirai, Sanunbidhro".
Rare along stream in moist rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R. P. Pandey 13979 (BSJO).
Cleome vahliana Fresen.
Common in open rocky gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114912 (BSI), R.P. Pandey 13993, V. Singh 15918 (BSJO); Baranada,
R.PPandey 19871 (BSJO).
Cleome viscosa L. "Pilitalavani".
Common in open places in sandy-loam to gravelly soil.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15785; R. P. Pandey 17754 (BSJO); Nareda, R. P. Pandey 19882 (BSJO).
CAPPARACEAE
Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce, "Taliokand, Jangli Mirchi, Karopijoro ".
Common woody climber on hedges and in scrub jungle in rocky gravelly or sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114631, 114943 (BSI); Sinapur along Lakhpat, R.P. Pandey 14000
(BSJO); Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15856 (BSJO).
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. "Parbatral".
Rare on old walls and rocky habitat.
Fl.&Fr.: July- Feb.
Narayan Sarovar temple and on wall of old building near tank, R-P Pandey 1 9840, 13991 , 1 9840 (BSJO);
Kannoj, V.Singh 15981 (BSJO).
Uses: Fruits are cooked as vegetable and squirrels eat the pulp of the fruit.
Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. "Kerdo ".
Common in open sandy gravelly habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15852 (BSJO); Guhar village, R.P. Pandey 17744 (BSJO); Guhar moti, R.P.
Pandey 19866 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 55
Capparis grandis L. f. "Dumrejojad, Ghuti".
Common in protected forest, on hills.
Fl. c£Fr.:Dec.-May.
Mota Dhola Rakhal, S.K. Jain 61902 (BSI).
*Capparis sepiaria L. "Kanthar".
*Capparis spinosa L. "Kanthar".
VIOLACEAE
Viola cinerea Boiss. var. stocksil (Boiss.) W. Becker
Rare in moist gravelly habitat.
Fl. &.Fr.\ July- Oct.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15915 (BSJO).
POLYGALACEAE
Polygala erioptera DC. "Patsan, Bhoisan ".
Common in gravelly-loamy plains.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Watch tower, Halapar. R.P. Pandey 13944 (BSJO); Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17792 (BSJO); Mindhiari
R.F., V. Singh 15742 (BSJO).
Polygala persicariaefolia DC. "Rati Bhoidan ".
Rare in moist gravelly habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : During Monsoon season.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15927 (BSJO).
*Polygala polifolia Presl, "Pili bhonsysan, Perpatsan ".
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Polycarpaea corymbosa (L.) Lam. "Jangli suwa, Rupakuli".
Common weed in the forest.
Fl. &Fk: Aug.- Feb.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15832 (BSJO).
*Polygala spicate Wight & Arn. "Fulchhogaro ".
*Spergula arvensis L.
PORTULACACEAE
Portulaca oleracea L. "LakhaLuni, Kutabo, Moti Luni".
Common along stream in moist, rocky loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar, V. Singh 15802, R.P Pandey 20014 (BSJO); Mindhiari, R.F., R. P. Pandey 13966
(BSJO).
Portulaca pilosa L. "Rati Luni, Varandhyun ".
Fairly common in moist sandy-loam soil.
56 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. & Fr.\ July- Nov.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 19844 (BSJO).
*Portulaca quadrifida L. "Zini luni".
TAMARICACEAE
Tamarix ericoides Rottler & Willd.
Common in moist saline habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Mar.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114649 (BSI).
Tamarix indica Willd. "Laijo Jad, Lai; Ratilai, Jhav, Tavuka".
Common in saline habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Kannoj, V. Singh 15977 (BSJO).
Tamarix kachchhensis B.V. Shetty & R.P. Pandey
Frequently found along sea-coast in moist clayey soil.
Fl. <£Fr.: Oct.- Jan.
Narayan Sarovar tank side, R.P. Pandey 13901 (BSJO).
ELATINACEAE
Bergia ammannioides Roxb. ex Roth, "Jal ukharan, Jal Okharan".
Common in moist places.
Fl. & Fr.\ Aug.- Oct.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15887 (BSJO).
*Bergia capensis L. "Jal Jamavo ".
Bergia suffruticosa (Delile) Fenzl. "Ropatri, Gandharo Okhrad, Vithi Kharsan ".
Common in moist places.
Fl. &. Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Guhar tank, R.P. Pandey 17748 (BSJO); Kunri, V. Singh 15902 (BSJO).
MALVACEAE
Abelmoschus tuberculatus Pal & Singh var. deltoidefolia T.K. Paul & Nayar
Rare in moist sandy gravelly habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh.lllll (BSJO).
Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr. "Saneri dabliaar, Jhinki khapat".
Common on low hills in rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari Rakhal R.F., R.P. Pandey 13970 (BSJO); Kannoj, V. Singh 1597 '4 (BSJO).
*Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet, "Khapat".
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 57
Abutilon pannosum (G. Forst. ) Schlecht. " Dabliaar, Daloli".
Common in rocky gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15739 (BSJO).
Gossypium arboreum L. "Kapas ".
Commonly cultivated as a crop.
Fl. &Fr.: Dec- April.
Mota Dhora Rakhal, S. K. Jain 61898 (BSI).
Hibiscus hirtus L.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- March.
Frequently found in forest undergrowth.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 15991 (BSJO).
Hibiscus lobatus (Murray) Kuntze, "Ranbhindi, Tali ".
Fl.&Fr.: Aug.- Nov.
Common in gravelly moist soil.
Midhariari R.F., V. Singh 1577 '4, 15883 (BSJO); Halapar, V. Singh 15950 (BSJO).
Hibiscus micranthus L. f. "Furalvel, Chanbhindi, Adbawal".
Common on, low hills in rocky- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Narayan Sarovar, V. Singh 15903 A (BSJO).
Hibiscus palmatus Forssk.
Frequently found in gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Rodasar, V.Singh 15955 (BSJO).
*Pavonia arabica Hochst & Steudel ex Boiss.
Pavonia glechomaefolia (A. Rich.) Garcke ex Schweinf. " Dhatuvaljajad, Kathrotio, Adalia".
Rarely found in moist sandy-gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fk: Aug.- Dec.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 15988 (BSJO).
Pavonia procumbens (Wall, ex Wight & Arn.) Walp.
Not common in moist loamy soil.
Fl.&Fr.: Oct.- Dec.
Haman Khudi river bed, R .P. Pandey 13929 (BSJO); Mori R.F., V. Singh 15996 (BSJO).
*Pavonia zeylanica (L.) Cav.
Senra incana Cav.
Rare in open rocky-gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Halapar along Nalia, R.P. Pandey 13931 (BSJO); Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15925 (BSJO).
58 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Sida alba L.
Common in open gravelly- loamy habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 20018 (BSJO).
Sida cordata (Burm. f.) Borss. Walk. "Pat Balbuvaro, Nindhi dhatuvel".
Common in gravelly-loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13906, V. Singh 15917 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F. , V. Singh 15774 A
(BSJO).
Sida cordifolia L. "Balbuvaro, Balbuvarejo Jad, Bala, Kharmonthi".
Common in gravelly-loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15760 (BSJO).
Sida ovata Forssk.
Common in gravelly-loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr:. Oct.- Jan.
Along Guhar tank, R.P. Pandey 17736 (BSJO).
Sida rhombifolia L.
Frequently found in gravelly habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15842 (BSJO).
Sida spinosa L. "Kandharo Babulvaro, Kantalo Bal, Kharanto ".
Rare in moist gravelly sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15868 (BSJO).
Thespesia populnea (L.) Soland. ex Correa, "Paras pipdo".
Planted along roadsides in rocky loamy habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ Jan.- Dec.
Pavapar, along Nakatarana Narayan Sarovar road, R.P. Pandey 13985 (BSJO).
BOMBACACEAE
Bombax ceiba L.
Occasionally seen in rocky habitat in the forest.
Fl. & Fr. : April- June.
Mota Dhola Rakhal, S.K. Jain 61894 (BSI).
STERCULIACEAE
*Helicteres isora L. "Marad sing, Ati".
Melhania futteyporensis Munro ex Master, "Vagda Ukhapato, Adba Ukapat"
Not common in rocky habitat.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 59
Fl. &Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15752 (BSJO).
Waltheria indica L.
Not common in rocky- gravelly habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Miadhariari R.F., V. Singh 15796 (BSJO).
TILIACEAE
*Corchorus capsularis L. "Borchuchni".
Corchorus aestuans L. "Kaggisodi, Kagkela".
Frequently found in moist loamy soil.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15705 (BSJO); Along river bed, near Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13912
(BSJO).
Corchorus depressus (L.) Vicary, "Bahuphali, Munderi".
Common in gravelly- rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar tank side, R.P. Pandey 17757 (BSJO); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15840 (BSJO).
Corchorus olitorius L. "Kargisodo, Gunpatjojad".
Common in open places, in moist rocky- loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13978, V. Singh 15703 (BSJO).
Corchorus trilocularis L. "Ubhimundheri, Lambi Chunch, Kadui Chunchdi".
Common in gravelly rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13902 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15726, 15880 (BSJO).
*Grewia abutilifolia Vent, ex A. Juss.
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori, "Gangeti ".
Common on hills, in rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Kunri, R.F., V. Singh 15903(BSJO); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15808 (BSJO); Halapar, R.P. Pandey
13935(BSJO); Kuriani, R.P. Pandey 20027 (BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19853 (BSJO).
Grewia tiliifolia Vahl
Occasionally found in scrub forest.
Fl. &Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15732 (BSJO).
Grewia villosa Willd.
Common on hills in rocky habitat.
60 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13967 (BSJO); Barania, R. P. Pandey 19874 (BSJO).
Melochia corchorifolia L.
Frequently found in gravelly habitat.
FI.& Fr.\ Aug.- Jan.
Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15945 (BSJO).
Triumfetta malabarica Koen. ex Rottlb. "Jibto, Bhurato, Berbhunt".
Common in scrub forest.
Fl. &Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 15993 (BSJO).
ZYGOPHYLLACEAE
Fagonia indica Burm. f. "Dhamaso ".
Common in rocky- gravelly plains.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Along Guhar village, R.P. Pandey 17738 (BSJO); Junachar river, R.P. Pandey 12104 (BSJO).
Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi
Common in gravelly- loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Nalia, R.P. Pandey 17726 (BSJO); Near watchtower, Halapar, R.P. Pandey 13942 (BSJO); Guhar nani,
V.Singh 15841 (BSJO).
Tribulus rajasthanensis Bhandari & B.D. Sharma
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar tank & Guhar village, R.P. Pandey 17749, 17770 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15740, 15757
(BSJO).
Tribulus terrestris L. "Gokhru ".
Common in gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15820 (BSJO).
Zygophyllum simplex L. 'Patlani, Atheli, Alethi".
Not common in loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Aug. -Dec.
Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15899 (BSJO); Kannoj, V. Singh 15982 (BSJO).
OXALIDACEAE
*Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. "Risamnu, Zarero".
GERANIACEAE
Monsonia senegalensis Guill. & Perr.
Rare in open gravelly sandy habitat.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 61
Fl. &Fr.\ July -Nov.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19848 (BSJO).
BALANITACEAE
*Balanites roxburghii Planch. "Ingorio, Hingirio ".
BURSERACEAE
Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, " Gugar, Mitho Gugod".
Common in sandy- gravelly- rocky habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15913 (BSJO); Tera village, R.P. Pandey 17775 (BSJO); Mindhiari Rakhal R.F.,
R.P Pandey 20008 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114917 (BSI).
MELIACEAE
*Azadirachta indica A. Juss. "Limdo".
*Melia azedarach L. Bakani nim ".
CELASTRACEAE
*Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Exell. "Vico, Vickro".
RHAMNACEAE
*Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. "Bor, Bordi".
Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn. "Chaniabor ".
Common throughout, in mixed habitat.
Fl. &Fr:. Oct.- Dec.
Sheh, V. Singh 15969 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13957 (BSJO); Junachar hills, R.P. Pandey
12105 (BSJO).
SAPINDACEAE
Cardiospermum halicacabum L. " Tridhari vel, Velfolti, Bakanfofli".
Common in rocky and gravelly-loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr:. Oct.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13969, V. Singh 15744 (BSJO); Nareda- along Nalia Road, R.P. Pandey
13948 (BSJO).
MORINGACEAE
*Moringa oleifera Lam. "Saragvo".
*Abrus precatorius L. "Chanothi".
Aeschynomene indica L. " Patagdodi".
Frequently found in moist habitat.
Fl. & Fr.: Aug.- Jan.
Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15944 (BSJO).
Alysicarpus hamosus Edgew.
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
FABACEAE
62 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17760 (BSJO).
Alysicarpus longifolius (Rottler & Spreng.) Wight & Arn. "Vedo samervo, Ghodo samervo ".
Common among grasses in wastelands and in hedges.
Fl. &Fk: Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15753, 15866 (BSJO).
Alysicarpus tetragonolobus Edgew.
Common among grasses.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Nov.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15891 (BSJO).
Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. "Pat samervo, Ridh samervo ".
Common in moist sandy- gravelly habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ July- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15863 (BSJO).
*Arachis hypogaea L. "Mugfali" (Cultivated).
*Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. "Kesurdo, Khakhro ".
*Cajanus platycarpus (Benth.) Maesen
Clitoria ternatea L. "Ganeli".
Not common in moist loamy soil.
Fl. <£Fr.: Oct.- Jan.
Haman Khudi river, R.P Pandey 13913 (BSJO); Mori R.F., V. Singh 15995 (BSJO).
Crotalaria burhia Buch.-Ham. ex Benth. "Khadsan, Sangetro".
Common in sandy- hummocky plains.
Fl. & Fr:. Oct.- Jan.
Sinapar, along Lakhpat, R.P. Pandey 13998 (BSJO); Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15912 (BSJO).
Crotalaria hebecarpa (DC.) Rudd
Common in moist rocky- loamy habitat along stream.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, R.P. Pandey 13972, V. Singh 15745 (BSJO).
Crotalaria medicaginea Lam. " Mirio, Untmirio, Ran methi".
Common in sandy- gravelly habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Feb.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15754 (BSJO).
Crotalaria mysorensis Roth
Frequently found in open grassland.
Fl. & Fr.: Aug.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15876 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 63
Crotalaria orixensis Willd.
Rarely found among grasses.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F. V. Singh 15873 (BSJO).
*Cyamposis teteragonoloba (L.) Taub. "Guwar, Gawar".
Indigofera caerulea Roxb. var. monosperma Santapau
Rare in sandy- gravelly habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dee.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15731 (BSJO).
Indigofera cordifolia Heyne ex Roth
Common throughout, in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17759(BSJO); Nareda, R.P. Pandey 19879 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15723
(BSJO).
Indigofera glandulosa Willd. "Vekerio".
Very common in open sandy-loam habitat.
Fl. &Fr:. July- Nov.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 19846 (BSJO).
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker, "Bethi Gali".
Common in sandy moist habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Along Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17753, 17773 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13973, V. Singh 15708,
15778 (BSJO).
*Indigofera linifolia (L.f.) Retz. var. campbellii Wight ex Baker
Indigofera linnaei Ali, "Patgali, Bhoyngali, Jinkigali ".
Common in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 111 65 (BSJO); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15822 (BSJO).
Indigofera oblongifolia Forssk. "Zil, Ziladi, Zilado ".
Common in sandy- loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar forest, W.J. Stower, Ace. No. 33002 (BSI); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15827
(BSJO).
Indigofera tinctoria L. "Gudi, Nil, Garijojad".
Common in rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13982, V. Singh 15769 (BSJO).
64 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. "Dariavel".
Common herbaceous climber, in moist rocky- gravelly and loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
HamanKhudiriver,#.FPaWej 13917 (BSJO); MmdhiariR.F., V.Singh 15712, 15743 (BSJO);Narayan
Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114923 (BSI).
Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) Wight, "Ikad".
Common weed in moist places.
Fl. cfcFr.:Aug.-Feb.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15721 (BSJO).
*Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.
Stylosanthes fruticosa (Retz.) Alston
Common in open gravelly-loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Along Narayan Sarovar tank, R.P. Pandey 17732, 20013 (BSJO); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15843
(BSJO).
Taverniera cuneifolia (Roth) Arn.
Rarely found in gravelly habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Oct.
Halapar, R.F., V. Singh 15952 (BSJO).
Taverniera glabra Boiss.
Rare in gravelly sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Sheh, V.Singh 15971 (BSJO).
Tephrosia leptostachya DC.
Not common in gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Guhar nani, V Singh 15813 (BSJO).
Taverniera pentaphylla (Roxb.) G. Don
Rare in gravelly sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Nov.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15871 (BSJO).
*Taverniera purpurea (L.) Pers. "Sarpankho".
Taverniera strigosa (Dalzell) Santapau & Mahesh
Common on low hillocks, in rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Along Narayan Sarovar tank, R.P. Pandey 17733 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15936 (BSJO).
Taverniera tinctoria (L.) Pers.
Common in open loamy habitat.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 65
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Near Beta village, R.P. Pandey 17711 (BSJO).
Taverniera unlflora Pers. subsp. petrosa (Blatt. & Hallb.) Gillette & Ali
Rare in sandy- loamy habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15777 (BSJO); Mori R.F. 15992 (BSJO).
Teramnus labialis (L. f.) Spreng. "Adadvel, Rambhval singriyaar".
Common on hedges and low shrubs in sandy- loamy soil.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Narayan Sarovar, V. Singh 15807 (BSJO).
Teramnus mollis Benth. "Runchal singriyaar".
Common climbing or trailing herbs on undershrubs.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 19586 (BSJO).
Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal, "Math ".
Common in open moist places in rocky loamy soil.
Fl. <&FK:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13976 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114936 A (BSI).
Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper var. sublobata B.D. Sharma
Frequent, in loamy soil.
Fl. & Fr.: July -Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15851 (BSJO).
*Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, "Mug" (Cultivated).
Vigna trilobata (L.) Verde.
Common in moist loamy habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15755 (BSJO).
CAESALPINIACEAE
*Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.
Cassia siamea Lam.
Planted along roadside.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Ravapar, R.P. Pandey 13986 (BSJO).
Chamaecrista pumila (Lam.) V. Singh
Common in moist rocky- loamy habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15728,15758 (BSJO); Kannoj, V. Singh 15980 (BSJO).
66 NELUMBO [Vol.51
*Piliostigma malabarica (Roxb.) Benth.
Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. "Aval".
Fairly common in rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Nalia, along Jakhu, R.P. Pandey 17725 (BSJO).
Senna italica Mill.
Frequently found in wastelands in moist sandy- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15776 (BSJO).
Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby
Common, along roadsides and undergrowth of forest in loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15765, 15879 (BSJO).
Senna occidentalis (L.) Link
Common in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Mindhiari R.F, V.Singh 15791 (BSJO).
Senna tora (L.) Roxb.
Common in moist sandy soil.
Fl. <£Fr.: Oct.- Feb.
Along Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17750 (BSJO).
*Tamarindus indicus L. "Amir.
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia bivenosa DC.
Commonly planted in gravelly-loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Forest plantation, Halapar, R.P. Pandey 13939 (BSJO).
Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd. "Harmo baval".
Common in rocky habitat on hills.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Mm.
Mata Na Math R.F., R.P. Pandey 13988 (BSJO).
Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. subsp. indica (Benth.) Brenan
Common in loamy- sandy soil.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Sheh, V. Singh 15966 (BSJO).
Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. subsp. subalata (Vatke) Brenan, "Baval".
Common in sandy gravelly habitat and on hills.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 67
Fl. cfeFr.:Oct.-Mar.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17746 (BSJO).
Acacia Senegal (L.) Willd. "Goradio - baval".
Common on hills and in hummocky plains in rocky gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Feb.
Mata Na Math R.F., R.P. Pandey 17730 (BSJO); Haman Khudi river, R.P. Pandey 13923 BSJO);
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15853 (BSJO).
*Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Heyne var. raddiana (Savi) Brenan
Albizia lebbeck Benth. "Shirish ".
Commonly planted along roadsides and near habitations.
Fl. &Fr:. Mar.- June.
Nalia, R.S. Raghavan 114968 (BSI); Mata Na Math R.F., R.P. Pandey 13989 (BSJO).
*Dichrostachya cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. indica Brenan & Brummit. "Mor Dhun-dhiyu".
Mimosa hamata Willd.
Common, along valley in moist rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- June.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13954(BSJO); Jadava, R.P. Pandey 19888, V. Singh 15733 (BSJO).
*Mimosa pudica L. "Kasi, KaibavaF.
Neptunia triquetra Benth.
Occasional, in moist clayey soil.
Fl.&Fr.: Sept.- Feb.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114919 (BSI).
*Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. "Goras amir (Planted).
*Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce, "Khijado".
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. "Gando - baval".
Common throughout in mixed habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Oct.-Mar.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15855 (BSJO); Guhar village, R.P. Pandey 17745 (BSJO).
COMBRETACEAE
Lumnitzera racemosa Willd.
Not common in mangrove swamps.
Fl. <&i^:Dec.-Apr.
Lakki mangrove forest, R.P. Pandey, 177744-A (BSJO).
Terminalia catappa L.
Planted, in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. <&7^:Oct.-Mar.
Narayan Sarovar Rest house, R.P. Pandey 17743, 20020 (BSJO).
68 NELUMBO [Vol.51
MYRTACEAE
*Eucalyptus hybrida Maiden, "NilgirF (Planted).
LYTHRACEAE
Ammannia baccifera L.
Common throughout in marshy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Mar.
Nalia, R.S. Raghavan 114982 (BSI); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15735,15892 (BSJO).
Ammannia multiflora Roxb.
Common in moist habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Nov.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15897 (BSJO).
*Lawsonia inermis L. "MendhF (Planted).
CUCURBITACEAE
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schard. "Tumbo ".
Common weed in waste places.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15828 (BSJO).
Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai, "Matiro, Kharbujo ".
Escape from cultivation in waste places.
Fl. & Fr.\ July- Nov.
Kannoj, V. Singh 15983 (BSJO).
Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, "Tindora".
Common climber on trees and shrubs near habitations.
Fl. & Fr.\ Almost throughout the year particularly after rains.
Kannoj, V. Singh 15973 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, V. Singh 15806 (BSJO); Baranda, R.P. Pandey 19872
(BSJO).
Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottl. & Willd.) Benth. & Hook.f.
Common on hedges and in scrub jungle in rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Mata Na Math R.F., R.P. Pandey 13990 (BSJO); Mindiyari Rakhal R.F., R.P. Pandey 20009 (BSJO).
Ctenolepis cerasiformis (Stocks) Hook.f.
Common climbing herbs on trees in moist places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15942 (BSJO).
Ctenolepis garcinii (Burm. f.) Naud.
Common climber on Prosopis juliflora in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13916 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 69
Cucumis callosus (Rottler) Cogn.
Common weed in waste places and in cultivated fields.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15702 (BSJO).
Cucumis prophetarum L. "Alndri".
Common in moist gravelly soil.
Fl. c£Fr.:Oct.-Jan.
Guhardam, R.P. Pandey 17782 (BSJO); Moti chheralong, Lakhpat, R.P. Pandey 20022 (BSJO); Mindhiari
R.F., V.Singh 15781, 15875 (BSJO).
Dactyliandra welwitschii Hook. f.
Common climbing herb on hedges.
Fl. cfeFr.:Aug.-Dec.
Guhar nani dam, V. Singh 15837 (BSJO); Sandrovadh R.F., R.R Pandey 19900 (BSJO).
Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. var. amara (Roxb.) C.B.Clarke, "Kadvi - Tori".
Common a climbing herb on trees and shrubs in moist loamy places.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15706,15730 (BSJO); Haman Khudi river, R.P. Pandey 13924 (BSJO).
Momordica balsamina L.
Not common found on hedges after rains.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15784 (BSJO).
Mukia maderaspatana (L.) Roem.
Common climber on hedges in rocky habitat.
Fl. <&7^:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13971, K Singh 15767 (BSJO).
CACTACEAE
*Opuntia elatior Mill. "Phaphdo thor".
AIZOACEAE
Trianthema portulacastrum L. "Satodi".
Common weed in moist loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr: July -Nov.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15797 (BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P Pandey 19896, 19899 (BSJO).
Trianthema triquetra Rottler ex Willd.
Not common in moist rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr: Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15850, R.P. Pandey 13962 (BSJO); Haman Khudi river, R.P. Pandey 13919
(BSJO); By the side of Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 13995 (BSJO).
70 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Zaleya govindia (Buch.- Ham. ex G. Don) Nair
Common in moist loamy- clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15751 (BSJO); By the side of Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 13997 (BSJO);
Guhar moti, R.P. Pandey 19862 (BSJO).
MOLLUGINACEAE
Gisekia pharnaceoides L.
Not common in sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 19843 (BSJO); Guhar nani, R.P. Pandey 17778, V. Singh 15824 (BSJO); Narayan
Sarovar, V.Singh 15803 (BSJO).
Glinus lotoides L.
Common in drying moist grounds.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Narayan Sarovar, V.Singh 15801 (BSJO).
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser.
Common in moist gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
River near Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13911 (BSJO); Guhar nani, R.P. Pandey 17720 (BSJO).
APIACEAE
*Cuminum cyminum L. "Jz'rw" (Cultivated).
*Foeniculum vulgare Mill. "Valiari" (Cultivated).
RUBIACEAE
*Catunareguam spinosa (Thunb.) Tirvengadum, "Mindhal, Medhelo ".
Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam. var. linearis (DC.) Deb & Dutta
Common weed in cultivated fields.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar nani, R.P. Pandey 17779 (BSJO).
Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) Arn.
Rare in moist sandy- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Mori R.F., V Singh 15987 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15864 (BSJO).
Kohautia aspera (Heyne ex Roth) Bremek.
Occasional, in moist sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar nani, R.P. Pandey 17761; Haman Khudi, V Singh 15928 (BSJO).
Spermacoce articularis L. f. "Gantiyeli".
Not common in moist loamy soil.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 71
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R. F., V. Singh 15780 (BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13908 (BSJO).
*Spermacoce pusilla Wall.
ASTERACEAE
Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson
Frequently found in gravelly- loamy habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15720 (BSJO).
Blumea obliqua (L.) Druce
Not common in moist loamy habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Nov.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15916 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15845 (BSJO).
*Conyza stricta Willd.
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. "Bhangaro ".
Common in marshy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17790 (BSJO).
Gnaphalium luteo-album L. subsp. afflne (D. Don) Koster
Common in moist gravelly- loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Halapar, near watchtower, R.P. Pandey 13940 (BSJO).
Garangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir.
Common in moist sandy- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15865 (BSJO).
Helichrysum cutchicum (C.B.Clarke) R.S. Rao & Deshp.
Common in sandy to clayey-gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Mar.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15921 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan. 114920 (BSI).
Laggera aurita (L. f.) Sch.-Bip. ex C.B.Clarke
Very common in gravelly- rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Halapar, R.P. Pandey 13930, 13932 (BSJO).
Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Rammayya & Rajgopal, "Bhonpatri".
Common in sandy- loam habitat.
Fl. c£/^:Aug.-Dec.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15935 (BSJO).
72 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Launaea sarmentosa (Will.) Alst.
Common along sea-coast and in riverbeds.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Kannoj, V. Singh 15976 (BSJO).
Launaea resedifolia (L.) Kuntze
Not common in moist sandy-loam habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Nov.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15763 (BSJO).
Oligochaeta ramosa (Roxb.) Wagenitz
Common in gravelly habitat.
Fl. & Fr.: Oct.- Jan.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15839, R.P. Pandey 17740 (BSJO).
Pluchea arguta Boiss.
Common in saline habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15926 (BSJO).
Pluchea tomentosa DC.
Rare in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 15990 (BSJO).
Pulicaria angustifolia DC.
Common in forest undergrowth in rocky places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13977, V. Singh 15725 (BSJO); Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15907 (BSJO).
Pulicaria wightiana (DC.) C.B.Clarke
Occasional, among grasses, in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Sheh, V.Singh 15970 (BSJO).
*Sonchus asper (L.) Hill.
*Tridax procumbens L. "Pardesi bhangro ".
*Vernonia cinerascens Sch.-Bip.
Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. "Sidoi".
Common along stream in gravelly- loamy to moist rocky habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Mindhiari Rakhal R.F., V. Singh 15718, R.P. Pandey 13980 (BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13905
(BSJO); Jadava, R.P. Pandey 19869 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 73
PLUMBAGINACEAE
*Plumbago zeylanica L. "Chitrak".
SAPOTACEAE
*Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dub. "Rayan ".
GOODNIACEAE
Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb. "Rudraksh ".
Rare along sea-coast.
Fl. &Fr.:Aug. -Nov.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15941 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R. P. Pandey 20031 (BSJO).
SALVADORACEAE
Salvadora oleoides Decne, "Jal".
Common in gravelly- rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Dec- April.
Bhonar hills, R.P. Pandey 12103 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114932 (BSI).
Salvadora persica L. "Jal, Pillo, Piludi".
Fairly common in loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 13996 (BSJO).
APOCYNACEAE
Catharanthus pusillus (Murr.) G. Don, "Sadabahar".
Not common in rocky loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13965(BSJO); Sandrovadh, R.P. Pandey 20001 (BSJO).
ASCLEPIADACEAE
*Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br.
Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. f.
Common in open places in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. & Fr. : Almost throughout the year.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15809 (BSJO); Haman Khudi river, R.P. Pandey 13927 (BSJO).
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne.
Common in sandy places.
Fl. <&/^:Aug.-Dec.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15830 (BSJO); Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17794 (BSJO).
Lalotropis reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn. "Mithidodi".
Common twinner of the area, in sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ July- Mar.
Guhar Moti, R.P. Pandey 19865 (BSJO).
74 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Oxystelma esculenta (L.f.) R. Br.
Not common twining herb on hedges in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Oct.
Mindhiari Rakhal R.F., V. Singh 15884 (BSJO).
*Pentatropis capensis (L.f.) Bullock, "Dudheli".
Pentatropis nivalis (Gmel.) Field & Wood. "Mithidodi".
Common on hedges in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. & Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Sheh, V. Singh 15967 (BSJO); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15800 (BSJO).
Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov.
Common climbing herbs on trees and shrubs in moist loamy habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Oct.- Jan.
Haman Khudi River, R.P. Pandey 13914 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15709; R.P. Pandey 13952
(BSJO).
*Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R. Br. "Son".
*Telosma cordata (Burm.f.) Merr.
*Wattakaka volubilis (L.f.) Stapf
PERIPLOCACEAE
*Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. "Dudivel, Uplsari, Sariva, Anat mul".
Periploca aphylla Decne. "Dudhi - bel".
Common among bushes, in rocky- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15933 (BSJO); Halapar, near watch tower, R.P. Pandey 13941 (BSJO); Nani
chher, R.P. Pandey 20030 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 144933 (BSI).
GENTIANACEAE
Enicostema axillare (Lam.) Raynal, "Mamejao ".
Common in moist sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari Rakhal R.F., V. Singh 15722, R.P. Pandey 13968 (BSJO); Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey
17787(BSJO); Guhar moti, R.P. Pandey 19864 (BSJO).
BORAGINACEAE
Coldenia procumbens L.
Common in moist sandy- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V.Singh 15857, 15878 (BSJO).
Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk.
Common in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 75
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15821(BSJO); Sandrovadh, R.F., R.P. Pandey 20007(BSJO); Narayan Sarovar,
R.P. Pandey 20016 (BSJO).
Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. subsp. suberosum (C.B.Clarke) Bhandari
Very common in gravelly- loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Apr.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15826 (BSJO); On the way to Koteshwar temple, R.P. Pandey 121061 (BSJO).
Heliotropium curassavicum L.
Common in saline and moist clayey habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar tank side, R.P. Pandey 13994 (BSJO).
*Heliotropium marifolium Retz. var. marifolium, "Zinku Okharad".
Heliotropium marifolium Retz. var. wallichii C.B.Clarke
Common in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar nani, R.P. Pandey 17755 (BSJO).
Heliotropium ophioglossum Stock ex Aitch.
Rare in gravelly to loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Nareda, R.P. Pandey 19884 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 194934 (BSI).
Heliotropium ovalifolium Forssk.
Common in dried up tank in clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Mata Na Math, R.P. Pandey 13987 (BSJO); Kannoj, V. Singh 15979 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh
15862 (BSJO).
Heliotropium rariflorum Stocks
Frequent, in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. <&7^:Aug.-Nov.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15799 (BSJO).
Heliotropium strigosum Willd.
Common in moist places in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. <&7^:Aug.-Dec.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15939 (BSJO).
Heliotropium subulatum (Hochst. ex DC.) Vatke
Common in sandy - gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.: Oct- Jan.
Guhar nani village, R.P. Pandey 17765, 17785(BSJO); V. Singh 15815 (BSJO).
Heliotropium tuberculosum Boiss.
Not common in sandy gravelly habitat.
76 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114927 (BSI).
Heliotropium zeylanicum (Burm.f.) Lam.
Fairly Common in open gravelly- loamy soil.
Fl. & Fr.\ July- Nov.
Nareda, R.P. Pandey 19881 (BSJO).
Sericostoma pauciflorum Stocks ex Wight
Common on hummocky plains in sandy habitat.
Fl. <&Fr.: Oct.- Jan.
Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17795 (BSJO); Way to Lakhpat, R.P. Pandey 12107 (BSJO); Sinapar, along
Lakhpat, R.P. Pandey 13999(BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19858 (BSJO).
Trichodesma indica (L.) R. Br.
Common in sandy- loam to gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Apr.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114910-A(BSI).
Trichodesma indica (L.) R. Br. var. amplexicaule (Roth) T. Cooke
Common in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Apr.
Mindhiari Rakhal R.F., V.Singh 15711,15768,15881, (BSJO).
Trichodesma inaequale Edgew.
Not common in sandy- loam habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ July- Nov.
Nareda, R.P. Pandey 19878 (BSJO).
EHRETIACEAE
Cordia dichotoma Forst. f.
Planted, in sandy- loam soil.
Fl. & Fr.\ Jan.- May.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114937 (BSI).
Cordia gharaf (Forssk) Ehrenb. ex Asch.
Common in sandy- gravelly soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- May.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19854 (BSJO); Nalia, R.S. Raghavan 114969 (BSI).
Cordia perrottetii Wight, "Gundo ".
Common on hills, in rocky habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ Jan.- May.
Mindhiari R.F, R.P. Pandey 13984 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 77
CONVOLVULACEAE
Cressa cretica L. "Khariyu".
Fairly common in marshy saline habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Mar.
Near Lakhi Mangrove, R.P. Pandey 1 7796 (BSJO); Kunri R.F., V. Singh 1 5898 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar,
R.S. Raghavan 114944 (BSI).
Convolvulus auricomus (A. Rich.) Bhandari
Not common in rocky- loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.R Pandey 13958 (BSJO).
Convolvulus auricomus (A. Rich.) Bhandari var. volubilis (C.B.Clarke) Bhandari
Not common in loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15795 (BSJO).
*Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. "Shankhavli, Mankhni".
Convolvulus rhynospermus Hochst. ex Choisy
Fairly common in gravelly- loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar, along Nalia, R.P. Pandey 1773 1 (BSJO); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15823, 15838 (BSJO);
Rodasar, V.Singh 15962 (BSJO).
Convolvulus stocksii Boiss.
Common in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari, V.Singh 15715, 15749 (BSJO).
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. "Shankhapuspi, Vishnugandhi".
Common among grasses, in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari Rakhal R.F., V. Singh 15715-A; Kunri, V. Singh 15900 (BSJO).
Hewittia subulata (L. f.) Kuntze
Frequent, on hedges in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15750 (BSJO).
Ipomoea carica (L.) Sweet
Common herbaceous climber on Prosopis juliflora, in moist loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Haman Khudi River, R.P. Pandey 13921 (BSJO).
Ipomoea eriocarpa R. Br.
Common among grasses in sandy-loam soil.
78 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Rodasar, V. Singh 15956 (BSJO).
Ipomoea kotschyana Hochst. ex Choisy
Rare in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. cfcFr.:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15783 (BSJO).
Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth, "Krishnabija".
Frequent, in scrub jungle.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15943 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13974 (BSJO).
Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br.
Common herbaceous twinner in open moist places, in gravelly-loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Along Narayan Sarovar road from Nakhtarana, R.P. Pandey 17728 (BSJO).
Ipomoea pes-tigridis L.
Common on hedges in wastelands.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15908 (BSJO).
Ipomoea sindica Stapf
Common creeper, in moist loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Haman Khudi river, R.P. Pandey 13920 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15746, 15885 (BSJO).
Ipomoea tuberculata Ker-Gawl.
Common in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 15985 (BSJO).
Ipomoea verticillata Forssk.
Not common in rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Nov.
Mindhiari R.F, R.P. Pandey 13955 (BSJO).
*Merremia aegyptia (L.) Urban, il Panch pan nifudardi".
Merremia rajasthanensis Bhandari
Climbing herbs on hedges and trees in loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15748 (BSJO).
Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) Choisy
Common climber on hedges and trees, in moist gravelly-loamy soil.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 79
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi River, R.P. Pandey 13926 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15738 (BSJO).
*Seddera latifolia Hochsl. & Steud.
Xenostegia tridentata (L.) Austin & Staples, "Prasarni".
Fairly common in open places in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fk: Sept.- Jan.
Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15910 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S Raghavan 114911 (BSI).
CUSCUTACEAE
Cuscuta campestris Yunker
Common parasite on hedges.
Fl. &Fk: Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15861 (BSJO).
SOLANACEAE
Datura fastuosa L. "Dhaturo ".
Common in dried up tanks and waste places in moist clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Narayan Sarovar tank side, R.P. Pandey 13992 (BSJO).
Datura innoxia Mill. "Dhaturo, Kalo dathuro ".
Not common in clayey- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Near Koteshwar temple, R.P. Pandey 13950 (BSJO).
Lycium barbarum L.
Common in sandy habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ Aug.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19856 (BSJO).
Lycium edgeworthii Dun.
Not common in dry clayey soil and on sandy sea-shores.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 15997 (BSJO).
Physalis divaricata D. Don
Common weed in open sandy-loam places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, V.Singh 15932 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 157800 (BSJO). Desalpar, R.S. Raghavan
114892 (BSI).
Solanum anguivi Lam.
Common in open gravelly - loamy habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : July - Jan.
Baranda, R.P. Pandey 19873 (BSJO).
80 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Solanum dubium Fresen.
Common in open sandy habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Oct.- Jan.
Along Guhar village, R.R Pandey 17751 (BSJO).
Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.
Rare in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar nani, V.Singh 15811 (BSJO).
Solanum incanum L.
Not common in open sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15953 (BSJO).
Solanum nigrum L. "Ubringini, Piludi".
Not common in moist sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar village, R.R Pandey 17793 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15874 (BSJO).
*Solanum virginianum L. "Bhoringini".
Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. "Aswagandha".
Common weed in open waste places in mixed habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Oct.- Feb.
Along Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17741 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 20011 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F.,
V.Singh 15786 (BSJO).
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell, "Nevari".
Frequently found in patches in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. & Fr.: Aug.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F, V Singh 15860 (BSJO).
*Camphylanthus ramosissimus Wight
Kickxia ramosissima (Wall.) Janchen
Common on dilapidated walls, river slopes or rock cuttings.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Haman Khudi river, V. Singh 15931, R.P. Pandey 13928 (BSJO).
*Schweinfurthia papilionacea (L.) Merr.
Striga angustifolia (D. Don) Saldanha
Common a root parasite of grasses.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15940 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 81
Striga densiflora (Benth.) Benth.
Not common in sandy-loam soil and on rock crevices.
Fl &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13975 (BSJO); Halapar, 13933 (BSJO).
*Striga gesneroides (Willd.) Vayke
PEDALIACEAE
Pedalium murex L. "Moto gokhru ".
Not common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar dam side, R.P. Pandey 17784(BSJO); Haman Khudi, P.P. Pandey 1985 l(BSJO); Mindhiari R.F.,
V.Singh 15793 (BSJO).
Sesamum indicum L. "Til".
Common weed in fallow and wastelands.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15704 (BSJO).
ACANTHACEAE
Barleria acanthoides Vahl, "Vajardanti".
Occasionally found in sandy gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15794 (BSJO).
Barleria prionitis L. "Kantaserito ".
Common along roadside and in forests in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15707 (BSJO).
Blepharis linariaefolia Pers.
Common in sandy gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15938 (BSJO).
*Blepharis maderaspatensis (L.) Roth
Dipteracanthus patulus (Jacq.) Nees
Common in rocky- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Narayan Sarovar, Kunri, R.F., V. Singh 15901 (BSJO).
Dipteracanthus patulus (Jacq.) Nees var. alba (Saxton) Bhandari
Common forest undergrowth, in rocky habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ Aug.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P Pandey 13983(BSJO); Sandrovadh dam R.F., R.P. Pandey 20010 (BSJO).
82 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Justicia japonica Thunb.
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15701 (BSJO).
Lepidagathis trinervia Wall, ex Nees
Common in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15924 (BSJO).
Peristrophe paniculata (Forssk.) Brum. "Kali - agedhi".
Common in hedges and as forest undergrowth.
Fl &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15770 (BSJO).
*Rostellularia diffusa (Willd.) Nees
Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees
Common in moist rocky- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Miadhriasri Rakhal, R.R Pandey 13981 (BSJO).
AVICENNIACEAE
Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.
Abundant, forming a pure formation in saline marshy/ aquatic habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Lakki mangrove forest, R.R Pandey 17800 (BSJO).
VERBENACEAE
Clerodendrum multiflorum (Burm.f.) Kuntze, "Arni".
Common in open sandy soil.
Fl <£Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15854 (BSJO).
*Premna integrifolia L.
Premna resinosa Schau.
Not common in gravelly- rocky habitat.
Fl &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 16001 (BSJO); Guhar moti, R.R Pandey 19863 (BSJO).
Phyla nodiflora (L.) Green, " Ratvelio ".
Common in marshy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15870 (BSJO); Sheh, along Dayapar, R.R Pandey 13951 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 83
LAMIACEAE
Leucas cephalotes (Koen. ex Roth) Spreng. "Kubo ".
Common in moist sandy-loam habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15759 (BSJO).
Leucas urticaefolia (Vahl) R. Br.
Frequent, in moist sandy-loam shady places.
Fl. <&i^:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari Rakhal R.F., V. Singh 15747 (BSJO); Haman Khudi river, R.P. Pandey 13918 (BSJO).
*Ocimum americanum L.
*Ocimum basilicum (L.) Druce, "Ran tulsi, Takmaria, Jangli tulsi".
Salvia santolinifolia Boiss.
Common in open sandy- gravelly places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept. -Dec.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15923 (BSJO).
NYCTAGINACEAE
Boerhavia procumbens Banks ex Roxb. "Sathodi".
Not common in mixed habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17763 (BSJO); Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15906 (BSJO).
Boerhavia repens L. "Satho ".
Common in sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17774(BSJO); Nareda, R.P. Pandey 19876(BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey
19898 (BSJO).
*Commicarpus chinensis (L.) Heimerl
Commicarpus helenae (Schult.) Meikle, "Moti - Sathodi".
Common in sandy- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15737 (BSJO); Moti chher, R.P. Pandey 20024(BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P.
Pandey 19859 (BSJO).
AMARANTHACEAE
Achyranthes aspera L. var. aspera, "Agedho ".
Common weed of the area, in mixed habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F. V. Singh 15761(BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114939 (BSI).
*Achyranthes aspera L. var. porphyristachya Hook.f.
84 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult.
Common weed in open sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Feb.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15825 (BSJO).
*Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult. var. bovei Webb.
Common in hummocky open places in sandy habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Oct.-Feb.
Guhar village, R.P. Pandey 17758(BSJO); Kuriani, R. P. Pandey 20028 (BSJO).
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC. "Matsyaksi".
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15877 (BSJO); Kannoj, V. Singh 15975 (BSJO).
Amaranthus hybridus L. subsp. cruentus (L.) Thell var. paniculata (L.) Thell. "Tanduliya".
Not common in waste places in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15772 (BSJO).
Amaranthus polygonoides L.
Common weed in neglected areas, in mixed habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Deshalpar, R.S. Raghavan 114891 (BSI).
* Amaranthus spinosus L.
Amaranthus tenuifolius Willd.
Common weed, in open waste places.
Fl. <£Fr.: Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15858 (BSJO).
Amaranthus tricolor L.
Common weed, in open moist places in sandy-loam habitat.
Fl. <£Fr.: Oct.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13904 (BSJO); Tera village, R.P. Pandey 17776 (BSJO); Moti chher, R.P.
Pandey 20023 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, V. Singh 15805 (BSJO).
Amaranthus virdis L.
Common weed, in open sandy moist waste places.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15798 (BSJO).
Celosia argentea L. "Lampadi".
Common weed in fallow fields and open waste places.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 85
Digera muricata (L.) Mart.
Common weed in open sandy- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Along Guhar, R.P. Pandey 11134 (BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19849 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F.,
V.Singh 15727 (BSJO).
Nothosaerva brachiata (L.) Wight
Common in drying moist grounds.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15867 (BSJO); Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15946 (BSJO).
Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss.
Common weed in mixed habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Feb.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15734 (BSJO); Mori R.F., V. Singh 15989 (BSJO); Along Guhar, R. P. Pandey
17752 (BSJO).
CHENOPODIACEAE
Atriplex stocksii (Wight) Boiss.
Common in saline habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.-Feb.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114928 (BSI).
Chenopodium album L. "Chili".
Common weed in cultivated fields.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17756 (BSJO).
Chenopodium murale L.
Common weed in fallow fields.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Mar.
Devisar, R.S. Raghavan 114871 (BSI).
Salicornia brachiata Roth, "Lantho ".
Not common in tidal zone saline habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Apr.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114942 (BSI).
Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forssk. ex Fanel, "Moral".
Common along coastal area in saline habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Apr.
Lakhi Mangrove forest, R.P. Pandey 17797 (BSJO); Koteshwar along sea, R.P. Pandey 12108,13949
(BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114938, 114941, S.K. Jain 61924, 61925 (BSI).
Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort, "Moral, Unth - moral".
Rare in saline habitat.
86 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Mar.
Kannoj, V.Singh 15984.
*Suaeda nudiflora (Willd.) Moq., "Land" .
POLYGONACEAE
Polygonum plebeium R. Br.
Rare in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15859 (BSJO).
ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. "Kidamari ".
Common along dam- side, ponds etc in sandy- clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Mar.
Desalpar, R.S. Raghavan 114885 (BSI).
EUPHORBIACEAE
*Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston, "Kamboi, Kali kamboi".
Dalechampia scandens L. var. cordofana (Hochst. ex Webb.) Muell.- Arg. "Virshchekali".
Herbaceous climber on hedges and trees.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13915(BSJO); Sandrovadh R.F., R.P. Pandey 20005 (BSJO); Mindhiari
R.F., V.Singh 15710 (BSJO).
Euphorbia caducifolia Haines, "Thor".
Common in rocky gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Rodasar, V. Singh 15965 (BSJO); Bhonar hills, R.P. Pandey 12102 (BSJO).
Euphorbia clarkeana Hook. f. "Dudheli".
Common in open moist rocky habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 1 3959, V. Singh 1 5779 (BSJO); Guhar tank RP Pandey 1 7735(BSJO); Sandrovadh
R.F., R.P. Pandey 20011(BSJO); Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15905 (BSJO); R.S. Raghavan 114930 (BSI).
*Euphorbia geniculata Orteg.
Euphorbia heterophylla L.
Common weed in open sandy moist places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V Singh 15773 (BSJO).
Euphorbia heyneana Spreng.
Common in moist sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17767 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, V. Singh 15804, R.P. Pandey 20015 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 87
Euphorbia hirta L. "Dudheli".
Common in moist gravelly-loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept. -Jan.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13904 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15764 (BSJO).
Euphorbia indica Lam.
Common weed in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15919 (BSJO).
*Euphorbia nivulia L. "Vadthor".
*Euphorbia tirucalli L. "KharsanF (Planted).
Phyllanthus fraternus Webster, "Bhionamlli ".
Not common in moist loamy habitat.
Fl. & Fr. : After rainy season.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13909 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13956(BSJO); Guhar, R. P.
Pandey 19845 (BSJO).
Phyllanthus maderaspatana L.
Common in moist loamy- sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15762,15893 (BSJO).
Ricinus communis L.
Commonly cultivated in sandy-loam soil as a crop.
Fl. <&i^:Aug.-Mar.
Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 20021 (BSJO).
*Securinega virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Baillon, "Safedfail, Pichrun".
MORACEAE
Ficus benghalensis L.
Commonly planted near habitations, along roads and temples, in mixed habitat.
Fl. <&Fr.:Aug.-Mar.
Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 20032 (BSJO).
Ficus microcarpa L. f.
Commonly planted near habitations, in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. c&Fr.:Aug.-Feb.
Narayan Sarovar, R. P. Pandey 20033 (BSJO).
CASURINACEAE
*Casurina equisetifolia L. "Sharu".
HYDROCHARITACEAE
*Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle
88 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Vallisneria spiralis L. var. denseserrulata Makino
Not common in aquatic habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari, R.F., V. Singh 15846 (BSJO).
LILIACEAE
*Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. "Kunvarpato" .
Asparagus africanus Lam.
Common in rocky- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar dam, R. P. Pandey 17786 (BSJO).
Asparagus dumosus Baker
Common in rocky- gravelly places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15914 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar tank side, R. P. Pandey 19841 (BSJO); Narayan
Sarovar, S K. Jain 61954 (BSI).
Asparagus racemosus Willd.
Common in rocky- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15714 (BSJO).
Dipcadi erythraeum Webb. & Berth.
Common along river-beds and on low hillocks in sandy to gravelly places.
Fl. &Fr:. July- Nov.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19850 (BSJO).
COMMELINACEAE
Commelina benghalensis L.
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. c&^r.: Aug.- Nov.
Kuriani, along Lakhpat, R.P. Pandey 20025 (BSJO).
Commelina forsskalaei Vahl
Common in moist sandy-loam shady places.
Fl. <£.?>.: Aug.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15771, R.P. Pandey 13964 (BSJO).
*Commelina hasskarlii C.B.Clarke
Commelina suffruticosa Blume
Frequent, in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhriari Rakhal R.F., V. Singh 15741 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, V. Singh 15904 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 89
ARECACEAE
*Phoenix dactylifera L. "Khajuri".
*Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. "Khajuri".
TYPHACEAE
Typha domingensis Pers.
Not common in marshy or aquatic habitat.
Fl. cfeFr.:Aug.-Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15719 (BSJO).
*Typha elephantina Roxb.
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Potamogeton nodosus Poir.
Common in aquatic habitat.
Fl. c£Fr.:Aug.-Dec.
Guhar dam, V. Singh 15836 (BSJO).
NAJADACEAE
Najas minor All.
Common in aquatic habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15849 (BSJO).
CYPERACEAE
Bolboschoenus maritimus (L.) Palla
Not common in moist loamy- clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15716 (BSJO); Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17780(BSJO); Nareda, R.P. Pandey
19880 (BSJO), V. Singh 15831 (BSJO).
Cyperus atkinsonii C.B.Clarke
Common in gravelly- sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Nareda- along Nalia, R.P Pandey 13946 (BSJO); Guhar nani, V. Singh 15818 (BSJO).
Cyperus compressus L.
Occasional, in moist sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar village, R.P. Pandey 17764 (BSJO).
Cyperus difformis L.
Frequent, in moist sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15848 (BSJO).
90 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Cyperus flabelliformis Rottb.
Common in moist sandy-loam habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15882 (BSJO).
Cyperus iria L.
Not common in moist sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15947 (BSJO).
Cyperus pygmaeus Rottb.
Common in marshy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17788, V. Singh 158233 (BSJO).
Cyperus rotundus L. "Motha, Mostha ".
Common in moist rocky- loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 13907 (BSJO).
Cyperus rotundus L. var. centiflora C.B.Clarke
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &FL: Sept.- Jan.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15819 (BSJO).
Eleocharis geniculata (L.) Roem. & Schult.
Common in moist sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15713 (BSJO).
Fimbristylis bisumbellata (Forssk.) Bubani
Common in marshy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15869 (BSJO).
Fimbristylis ferruginea (L.) Vahl
Common in marshy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15872 (BSJO).
Fimbristylis quinquangularis (Vahl) Kunth
Very common in moist loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Aug.- Dec.
Halapar, R.P. Pandey 13934 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 91
Mariscus squarrosus (L.) C.B.Clarke
Very common along stream in marshy loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Halapar, R.P. Pandey 13938 (BSJO).
Pycreus flavidus (Retz.) Koyama
Common in moist sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Sheh, V.Singh 15968 (BSJO).
Pycreus flavidus (Retz.) Koyama var. strictus (Lam.) Parmar
Rare in moist sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guharnani, V.Singh 15835 (BSJO).
* Pycreus pumilus (L.) Nees ex C.B.Clarke
Schoenoplectus roylei (Nees) Lye
Common in moist sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17783, V Singh 15812 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15886 (BSJO).
POACEAE
Acrachne racemosa (Heyne ex Roem. & Schult.) Ohwi
Common in sandy-loam habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ July- Nov.
Haman Khudi, R. P. Pandey 19895 (BSJO).
Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thw.
Fairly common in saline habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Rodasar, V. Singh 15957 (BSJO); Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Rao 114914 (BSI).
*Andropogon pumilus L. "Zinzuo".
Apluda mutica L.
Common in sandy gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mori, R.F., V. Singh 15999(BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15756 (BSJO).
Aristida adscensionis L.
Very common in open gravelly plains.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Watchtower, Halapar, R. P. Pandey 13945 (BSJO); Rodasar, V. Singh 15959 (BSJO).
Aristida funiculata Trin. & Rupr.
Common in dry open sandy soil.
92 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15888 (BSJO).
Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf
Common in gravelly- rocky places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15782, 15788 (BSJO).
Cenchrus biflorus Roxb.
Common in open sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15828 (BSJO).
Chloris barbata Sw.
Common in open places and in mixed habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Narayan Sarovar, R.P. Pandey 17742 (BSJO).
Cristida ciliaris L.
Common in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15834 (BSJO).
Cristida prieurii (Kunth) Maire
Fairly common along stream in rocky- loamy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, R.P. Pandey 13953(BSJO); Baranda, R.P. Pandey 19870 (BSJO).
Cristida setigerus Vahl
Common in hummocky plains in moist loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Haman Khudi River, R.P. Pandey 13925 (BSJO); Sheh, V. Singh 15972 (BSJO).
Cristida virgata Sw.
Common in moist sandy-loam soil in open places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15766 (BSJO).
Chrysopogon aucheri (Boiss.) Stapf
Common in open dry rocky gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15934 (BSJO).
Cristida fulvus (Spreng.) Chiov.
Common in open places, in moist loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Halapar, R.F., R.P. Pandey 13937 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 93
Cristida serrulatus Trin.
Common in gravelly- loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ July- Nov.
Jadava, along Barandaroad, Devisar, R.P. Pandey 19868, 19813 (BSJO).
Cymbopogon commutatus (Steud.) Stapf
Not common in sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Rodasar, V. Singh 15960 (BSJO).
Cristida martinii (Roxb.) W. Watson
Common in sandy- gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Along Guhar village, R.P. Pandey 111 41 (BSJO).
Cristida parkerii Stapf
Not common in sandy gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Narayan Sarovar, R.S. Raghavan 114936 (BSI).
*Cynodon dactylon (L.) Perts. "Darbh".
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd.
Common in open sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Jan.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17777(BSJO); Haman Khudi, R.P. Pandey 19893 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh
15792 (BSJO).
Dactyloctenium aristatum Link
Common in sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.: July- Nov.
Haman Khudi, R. P. Pandey 19860 (BSJO).
Dactyloctenium scindicum Boiss.
Fairly Common in sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar, R. P. Pandey 17769, V. Singh 15817(BSJO); Nareda, R. P. Pandey 19883 (BSJO).
Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf, "Dab ".
Common in sandy to gravelly habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Kunri R.F., V.Singh 15911 (BSJO).
Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf
Common in moist sandy-loam to gravelly- loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
94 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15929 (BSJO); Mori R.F., V. Singh 15994 (BSJO); Nalia village, R.P. Pandey
Mill (BSJO).
Dichanthium foveolatum (Del.) Roberty
Common in sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mori R.F., V. Singh 15998 (BSJO).
*Dichanthium pertusum (L.) Clayton, "Zenzvo, Jinjvo".
Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel.
Not common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fk: Sept.- Dec.
Kunri R.F., V. Singh 15909 (BSJO).
Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panz.
Frequent, in dry loamy- clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Dec.
Rodasar, V. Singh 159534 (BSJO).
Echinochloa colona (L.) Link
Common along streams in moist rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13963(BSJO); Jadava, R.P. Pandey 19887 (BSJO); Halapar R.F., V. Singh
15949 (BSJO); Mori R.F, V. Singh 16000 (BSJO).
Echinochloa crusgallii (L.) R Beauv.
Common in moist sandy- clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F, V. Singh 15847 (BSJO).
Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Vignolo- Lutai
Common in sandy- clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Halapar R.F., V. Singh 15948 (BSJO); Nalia, W.J. Stower C-64 (BSI).
Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R. Br.
Common in moist sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar, R.P. Pandey 17768 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15790 (BSJO).
Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R. Br. var. brachystachya Boiss.
Not common in moist sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Haman Khudi, V. Singh 15967 (BSJO).
Eragrostis gangetica (Roxb.) Steud.
Common in sandy-loam soil.
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 95
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Rodasar, V.Singh 15961 (BSJO).
Eragrostis japonica (Thunb.) Trin.
Common in open sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Rodasar, V. Singh 15964 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15895 (BSJO).
Eragrostis minor Hochst.
Common in sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Rodasar, V. Singh 159631 (BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15894 (BSJO).
Eragrostis tremula (L.) Hochst. ex Steud.
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13960, V. Singh 15789 (BSJO).
*Eragrostis unioloiedes (Retz.) Nees ex Steud.
Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult.
Common in gravelly rocky places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15890 (BSJO).
*Ischaemum indicum (Houtt.) Merr.
*Iseilema laxum Hack.
Melanocenchris jacquemontii Jaub. & Spach.
Common in open gravelly habitat.
Fl.&Fr.: Sept.- Dec.
Near Halapar watch tower, R.P. Pandey 13943(BSJO); Nareda, R.P. Pandey 19885 (BSJO); Haman
Khudi, V. Singh 15922 (BSJO).
Ochthochloa compressa (Forssk.) Hilu
Not common in gravelly-loamy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Oct.- Dec.
Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 11191, 17799 (BSJO).
Panicum antidotale Retz.
Common in gravelly- sandy habitat in clumps.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Along Guhar tank, R.P. Pandey 17737 (BSJO).
Panicum trypheron Schult.
Common in moist sandy places.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V.Singh 15782-A(BSJO).
96 NELUMBO [Vol.51
*Paspalum scrobiculatum L. "Kodri, Maniakodru" .
*Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. "Bajri, Bajro" (Cultivated).
Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud.
Not common in moist sandy soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Kannoj, V. Singh 15978 (BSJO).
*Saccharum bengalensis Retz.
*Sehima sulcatum (Hack.) A. Camus
*Setaria glauca (L.) P. Beauv.
*Sorghum bicolor(L.) Mrench. "Jowar" (Cultivated).
*Setaria fertilis (Steud.) Clayton
*Setaria helvolus (Trin.) Thw.
Setaria ioclados (Nees ex Trin.) Nees
Common in saline habitat and in moist clayey soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Lakki mangrove forest, R.P. Pandey 17798 (BSJO); Nareda along Nalia road, R.P. Pandey 13947
(BSJO); Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15844 (BSJO).
Setaria maderaspatenus Bor
Common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Dec.
Rodasar, V.Singh 15958 (BSJO).
Setaria tenuissimus (Sch.) Kuntze
Common in moist sandy-loam habitat.
Fl. &Fr.: Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15896 (BSJO).
Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv.
Common in moist sandy habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., V. Singh 15787 (BSJO).
Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br. var. flaccidus (Roem. & Schult.) Veldk.
Common in moist sandy habitat.
Fl. & Fr.\ Sept.- Nov.
Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 17789 (BSJO).
Tetrapogon tenellus (Roxb.) Chiov.
Common near streams in moist rocky habitat.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Mindhiari R.F., R.P. Pandey 13961, V. Singh 15889 (BSJO); Guhar dam, R.P. Pandey 19891 (BSJO).
Themeda cymbaria Hack.
Not common in moist sandy-loam soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Jan.
Guhar nani, V. Singh 15816 (BSJO).
2009] PANDEY, SINGH AND PARMAR : PHYTODIVERSITY OF NARAYAN SAROVAR WLS, KACHCHH 97
*Themeda tremula (Nees ex Steud.) Hack.
Tragus roxburghii Panigrahi
Not common in sandy- gravelly soil.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
Guhar tank, R.P. Pandey 1111 \ (BSJO).
*Triticum aestivum L. "Gawv" (Cultivated).
Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) Hubb.
Rare in sandy- gravelly or saline habitats.
Fl. &Fr.\ Sept.- Dec.
HalaparR.F., V.Singh 15951 (BSJO).
GYMNOSPERM : GNETACEAE
*Ephedra foliata Boiss. "Andho khip ".
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are thankful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India for providing facilities, P. G. Diwakar,
Deputy Director, Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Circle, Port Blair for encouragement and
to forest officials of Gujarat State, Gandhinagar and Kachchh for their kind co-operation and help during the
present study.
REFERENCES
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Communities. Guide & Geer.
Anonymous. 1994. Status report as of 24th Nov. 1994. Gujarat World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC).
Arora, R.K. and E.R. Nayar. 1 985. Wild relatives and related species of crop plants in India - their diversity & distribution.
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Bhandari, M.M. 1965. Notes on theidentification of some unrecorded desert plants from Kutch. J. Bombay Nat. Hist.
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Bhatt, J. B. 1993. Studies on the Flora of Western Kutch. Ph. D. thesis, University Vadodara.
Blatter, E. 1908 (1909). On the flora of Kutch. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 18: 756 - 777; 19: 157 - 176.
Champion, H.G. and S.K. Seth. 1968. A revised survey of forest types of India. Manager of Publications, Delhi - 6.
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Cooke, T. 1901 - 1908. The flora of the Presidency of Bombay. 2 vols. London.
Guha Bakshi, D.N. 1969 (1971). Expedition to the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Bull. Bot. Soc. Bengal.
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Kanodia, K.C. and PC Nanda. 1966. On the grasses and grasslands of Kutch. Ann. Arid Zone 5 (2): 173 - 187.
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NELUMBO 51 : 99-122. 2009
LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS (TAMIL NADU), INDIA, -A CHECKLIST
A. Alam and S. C. Srivastava
Department of Botany, University ofLucknow, Lucknow 226 007
ABSTRACT
Current investigations show the occurrence of 75 taxa of liverworts in Kodaikanal and neighbouring
areas. Each species has been enumerated along with the details of exsiccatae, ecology, range of distribution
and status in the study area.
Keywords : Bryophyta, Distribution, Diversity, Kodai kanal, Liverwort, Palni hills.
INTRODUCTION
Palni hills, located in the Eastern offshoots of Western Ghats, have received inadequate attention for
bryological studies though it provide conducive environment for the luxuriant preponderance of these little,
non-vascular land plants. The past bryofloristic studies in the area are fragmentary and far from satisfactory
(see Foreau, 1931, 1961, 1964; Udar, 1976, Dabhade, 1998, Srivastava, 1998). Many taxa described earlier
are stated to be not traceable even in their original locations and our knowledge about the present status of
each species is not clearly known, hence an attempt has been made to provide an up to date information about
the current status of hepatic diversity of Palni hills.
The first ever record of Hepaticae (liverworts) from Palni hills comes from Stephani (1898 - 1924) who
described 7 species. Chopra (1938a) listed 40 species of liverworts from various localities of Palni hills chiefly
based on collections made by Rangachariar, Father Foreau, Mrs. Robinson and Rupinat between 1916 - 1934.
Pande and Bhardwaj (1952) recognized 20 genuine species of liverworts from this region. Earlier contributions
made by Indian workers provide morpho-taxonomic information of about 30 species. Current investigations
have however, revealed 75 species which include significant additions in the floristic elements of the liverworts
of the area (see Foreau, 1931, 1961, 1964; Udar, 1959; Kachroo, 1958; Udar & Srivastava, 1964, 1970, 1983;
Srivastava & Udar, 1976, 1979; Udar & Kumar, A., 1981; Sharma& Srivastava, 1993; Bapna& Kachroo, 2000;
Parihar & al., 1994; Srivastava, A & Srivastava, 2002; Srivastava, 1994, 1998). During the present investigations
10 species are added to the region as new records. Out of the 75 species 16 species (*) could not be located
during the course of present investigations and are included on the basis of previous reports.
Investigations during last few years on several exhaustive collections and surveys made by the authors
and their associates provide the first authentic record of the liverwort diversity occurring in this region. The
areas explored include Kodaikanal, Shembaganur, Silver Cascade, Tiger Shola, Palangi, Attuvampatti and
Periakulum, having variable topography and microclimate, with much diversified taxa in the region. The study
eventually revealed the occurrence of 36 genera and 75 species falling under 3 orders and 21 families. The
Metzgeriales is represented with 4 families, 5 genera and 1 5 species. The Jungermanniales with 1 1 families,
21 genera and 47 species have maximum representation, whereas Marchantiales have 6 families, 10 genera
and 13 species in the study area.
TOPOGRAPHY
Palni hills, lying between 10°12'-10°15' N latitude and 77°26' - 77°33' E longitude, comes under
Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India, and is a part of Eastern Ghats. The area shows an altitudinal range of
360 - 2550 m. It extends in a North-east - South-west streak in Indian peninsula covering an area of about
75,000 sq km with an average width of 200 km in the North and 100 km in South. It extends over a length
of 1750 km between Mahanadi and Vaigai rivers along the East coast. Mahanadi basin marks the northern
boundary of the Eastern Ghats while the southern edge is the Nilgiri hills. The weather varies over the range,
but much of the plateau receives an average of more than 1500 mm of rainfall annually, with not more than
four dry months. In the higher areas mean day temperature in the coolest months is below 17°C.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
100 NELUMBO [Vol.51
ENUMERATION
ORDER : METZGERIALES
FO S SOMBRONIACEAE
1. Fossombronia cristula Austin.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 3 F/1966
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows in moist conditions, usually on wet and damp soil or soil covered rocks
along with grasses, moss and other liverworts like Cephaloziella sp., etc.
Distribution : Asia : India, Japan, Taiwan; North America : United State of America (New Jersey,
California, Texas) (see Udar & Srivastava, 1969; Srivastava & Udar, 1975b; Schuster, 1992a).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
2.*Fossombronia foreaui Udar & S. C. Srivast.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal; CSIR No. 38F/1966
(LWU).
Ecology : Plants grow on moist soils on rocks in pure growth or sometimes associated with other species
of Fossombronia.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Udar, 1975b).
Status in Palni hills : Rare in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
3. Fossombronia himalayensis Kashyap (Plate: 1; Fig.:l).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 13052/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows usually in moist and shady places, rarely on exposed rocks and soil covered
rocks associated with other taxa.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Udar, 1975b).
Status in Palni hills : Rare in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
4. Fossombronia wondraczekii (Corda) Dumort.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal; 12961/2000, 12973/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows normally in dense patches on moist and exposed rocks and soil covered
rocks along with other terrestrial mosses.
Distribution : India, Europe (Srivastava & Udar, 1975b).
Status in Palni hills : Rare in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
PALLAVICINIACEAE
5.*Pallavicinia crispatus (Mont.) Steph.
Specimens examined : Included on the basis of listing by Bapna and Kachroo (2000).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on moist and shady rocks and soil covered wet rocks.
Distribution : Endemic to India (see Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Not traceable hence doubtful.
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101
Plate 1. 1. Fossombronia himalayensis ( x 14); 2. Metzgeria indica (x 12), 3. Metzgeria nilgiriensis ( x 13);
4. Gottschelia schizopleura ( x 11); 5. Jungermannia (Jung.) lanceolata (x 8); 6. Notoscyphus darjeelingensis (x 9);
7. Heteroscyphus argutus (x 9); 8. Heteroscyphus argutus ( x 9) and 9. Heteroscyphus orbiculatus (x 8).
102 NELUMBO [Vol.51
METZGERIACEAE
6. *Metzgeria consanguinea Schiffn.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Bryant Park; 53 M/1966
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows in moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, New Guinea, Africa, Congo, Kenya, Korea, Japan,
(see Srivastava & Udar, 1975a; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
7. Metzgeria himalayensis Udar & S. C. Srivast.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Bryant Park; 59 M/1966
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows in moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Udar, 1975a).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
8. Metzgeria indica Udar & S. C. Srivast. (Plate :1; Fig. : 2).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal - Perumalmalai : 1 3065/2000,
13203/2000, 13206/2000 (LWU); Kodai Lake : 20084/2006, 20088/2006, 20090/2006, 20094/2006, 20100/2006,
20114/2006, 20127/2006, 20128/2006(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows in moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Udar, 1975a).
Status in Palni hills : Common; out of risk.
9. *Metzgeria nilgiriensis Udar & S. C. Srivast. (Plate : 1; Fig. : 3).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Bryant Park; 53 M/1966,
13203/2000, 13206/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows in moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Udar, 1975a).
Status in Palni hills : Common.
ANEURACEAE
10. Aneura maxima (Schiffn.) Steph.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 48 A/ 1966,
13048/2000, 13049/2000; 20093/2006, 20096/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : On soil covered moist rocks in shady places.
Distribution : Asia- India, Japan (see Srivastava & Udar, 1976; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Common.
11. Aneura pinguis (L.) Dumort.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 47 A/ 1966,
50 A/1966, 57 A/1966, 12965/2000, 12971/2000; 20120/2006, 20121/2006, 20123/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : On soil covered moist rocks.
Distribution : Asia- China, Japan, India, Indonesia (Java), Manchuria, Sri Lanka; Siberia; Australia,
2009] ALAM AND SRIVASTAVA : LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS -A CHECKLIST 103
New Zealand; North America- West Indies; South America- Brazil; Europe and Africa (see Srivastava & Udar,
1976; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Common; out of risk.
12. Riccardia levieri Schiffn.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 89 R/1966,
12971/2000, 20080/2006, 200124/2006(LWU).
Ecology : It grows on moist and shady soil surfaces near water in association with Aneura sp.
Distribution : Asia- Bhutan, India (Srivastava & Udar, 1976).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
13. Riccardia multlfida (L.) Gray
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal, Perumalmalai; 38 R/1966,
12124/2000, 200125/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : It grows on moist and shady soil surface or soil covered rocks.
Distribution : Asia- China, India, Sri Lanka; North America; Europe; Alaska; Africa (Srivastava & Udar,
1976; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal.
14. Riccardia perssonii S. C. Srivast. & Udar
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 100 R/1966
(LWU).
Ecology : It grows on moist and shady soil surfaces and soil covered rocks usually in pure
population.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Udar, 1976).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
15. Riccardia tenuicostata Schiffn.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 76 R/1966,
84 R/1966 (LWU).
Ecology : It grows on moist and shady soil surfaces and soil covered rocks and as an epiphyte on bark
at the base of trees.
Distribution : Asia- India, Indonesia, Singapore (Srivastava & Udar, 1976).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
ORDER : JUNGERMANNIALES
LOPHOZIACEAE
16. Gottschelia schizopleura (Spruce) Grolle (Plate :1; Fig. : 4).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 55 S/1972,
13027/200, 13033/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Terricolous, grows on moist and shady soil surface.
Distribution : Africa- E. Africa, Madagascar; Asia- China, Celebes, India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Sri Lanka, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Iran (see Udar & Kumar. A, 1982; Bapna &
Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Common in Palni hills.
104 NELUMBO [Vol.51
JUNGERMANNIACEAE
17. Jungermannia lanceolata L. emend Schrad. (Plate : 1; Fig. : 5).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 7429/1983
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on soil covered rocks in damp conditions.
Distribution : Europe- Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Britain, Germany, France, Austria, Spain,
Switzerland, CIS; Asia - India, Japan; North America (see Udar & Kumar, A. 1982; Schuster, 1969).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
18. Jungermannia truncata Nees
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 20086/2006,
13081/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows in shady places over the soil/ rock surface on road sides either in pure
patches or in association with Riccardia sp.
Distribution : Asia - India, Myanmar, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea, Kwashyota Island, Malaysia,
New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand (Kumar, A. 1982).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable. New record for Palni hill.
19. Jungermannia pyriflora Steph. (Plate : 1; Fig. : 6).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 12429/1966
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows in shady and moist condition on soil covered rocks.
Distribution : Asia - India, Japan (see Singh, P., 1991).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered. New to Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
20. Notoscyphus darjeelingensis Udar & A. Kumar (Plate : 1; Fig. : 8).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 1 3205/2000,
13207/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on soil covered rocks in wet condition.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Udar & Kumar, A. 1981a).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable. New record for Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
21. Notoscyphus pandei Udar & A. Kumar
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Shembaganur; 13016/2000,
13029/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on the soil surface along road sides in shady places.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Udar & Kumar, A. 1981a).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable. New to the region.
22. Notoscyphus paroicous Schiffn.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Shembaganur; 13005/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on the soil surface along road sides in shady places.
Distribution : Asia - Blanca, India, Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka (see also Udar & Kumar, A. 1981a).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable. New record for Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
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105
Plate 2. 1. Lophocolea muricata (x 11); 2. Lophocolea heterophylla (x 9), 3. Lophocolea bidentata (x 10);
4. Plagiochila nepalensis (x 10); 5. Calypogeia azurea (x 11); 6. Porella perrottatiana (x 12);
7. Porella campylophylla ( x 12); 8. Frullania ericoides ( x 13) and 9. Frullania acutiloba (x 12).
106 NELUMBO [Vol.51
GEOCALYCACEAE
23. Heteroscyphus argutus (Reinw., Blume & Nees) Schiffn.(Plate :1; Fig. : 7).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Perumalmalai; 7212/1983,
7299/1983 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on soil and rocks in shady places.
Distribution : Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal,
China, Japan, Korea (see Srivastava & Srivastava; 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
24. Heteroscyphus orbiculatus Abha Srivast. & S. C. Srivast. (Plate : 1; Fig.:9)
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Shembaganur; 7403/1983
(Type : LWU), 20110-112/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial grows on soil covered rocks.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Srivastava; 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Rare in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
25. *Heteroscyphus palniensis Abha Srivast. & S. C. Srivast.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : 246/1966 (Type : LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on soil covered rocks.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Srivastava & Srivastava, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Rare in Kodaikanal.
26. Lophocolea bidentata (L.) Dumort. (Plate : 2; Fig. :3).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Shembaganur; 13015/2000,
13030/2000, 13039/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Grows as terricolous as well as corticolous, in moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Australia, New Zealand, Africa-Cameroon, Madagascar, Nyasaland, South Africa, Reunion,
Southern Africa including Uganda; NorthAmerica-U.S.A. (Alaska etc.), Canada (British Columbia), Central
America-Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Atlantic Islands, Austria, Azores, Bulgaria, Corsica, England, Finland,
France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Madeira, Mediterranean Islands, Morocco, Norway, Portugal,
Scandinavia, Switzerland, Slovak; Japan, Asia minor, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal (see Kim & al., 1995; Long
& Grolle, 1990; Srivastava & Srivastava, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Common.
27. Lophocolea heterophylla (Lehm.) Nees (Plate : 2; Fig. : 2).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Shembaganur; 13000/2000,
13006/2000, 13031/2000, 13025/2000, 20083/2006, 20083/2006, 20086/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Grows as terricolous as well as corticolous, in moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Africa, Canada, U.S.A., CIS (Siberia), Altas mountain, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Finland,
Scotland, Portugal, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Japan, Manchuria, Azores, Canaries, Madeira, Netherlands; China,
Philippines, India, Nepal (see Bates & al., 1997; Schuster, 1980; Srivastava & Srivastava, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
28. Lophocolea muricata (L.) Dumort. (Plate : 2; Fig. :1).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills- Kodaikanal (Kodai lake, Shembaganur)
(see also Srivastava & Srivastava, 2002).
2009] ALAM AND SRIVASTAVA : LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS -A CHECKLIST 107
Ecology : Grows as terricolous as well as corticolous, in moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Australia, Fiji IsL, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand Tasmania, Africa-
Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zimbabwe, North America
(Southern Appalachian and north Carolina), South America- Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Patagonia, Venezuela,
West Indies, India, Indonesia (Java) (see also Srivastava & Srivastava, 2002; Wigginton & Grolle, 1996;
Yamada, 1990; Yano, 1995).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
PLAGIOCHILACEAE
29. Plagiochila elegans Mitt. (Plate :2; Fig. :4).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : 17047/2003 (LWU).
Ecology : Plants grow as corticolous, in moist and shady habitat.
Distribution : Bhutan, China, India, Nepal (see Inoue, 1964; Long & Grolle, 1990; So, 2001a; So &
Grolle, 2000; Rawat & Srivastava, 2007).
Status in Palni hills : New record for the Palni hills.
30. Plagiochila indica Mitt. & Steph.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : Shembaganur; 131 68/2000,
20080/2006, 20092/2006, 20117/2006, 20129/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Plants grow as corticolous, in moist and shady conditions in pure population.
Distribution : India, Thailand (Inoue, 1974a; So & Grolle, 2001; Rawat & Srivastava, 2007).
Status in Palni hills : Common. New record for the Palni hills.
31. Plagiochila nepalensis Lindenb. (Plate : 2; Fig. : 5).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Silver Cascade : 12949/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Plants grow as corticolous, in moist and shady conditions in pure population
Distribution : Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam,
Japan (see Inoue, 1967; So & Grolle, 2000; Srivastava & Dixit, 1994; Rawat & Srivastava, 2007).
Status in Palni hills : Common.
32. Plagiochila peradenyensis Schiffn.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Silver Cascade : 12995/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Plants grow as corticolous, in moist and shady habitat.
Distribution : India, Sri Lanka (Srivastava & al, 2002; Rawat & Srivastava, 2007).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
LEPIDOZIACEAE
33. *Bazzania tridens (Reinw., Blume & Nees) Trevis.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : 199 S/1971 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, growing on soil covered rocks, in crevices, on sloppy cliffs, loosely fixed with
the substratum commonly grows in association of Cephaloziella sp., Dumortiera hirsuta, Herbertus sp.,
Heteroscyphus sp. and Notoscyphus sp.
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[Vol.51
Plate 3. 1. Frullania arecae ( x 13); 2. Frullania tamarisci var. obscura ( x 14), 3. Frullania campanulata ( x 15);
4. Frullania neurota ( x 11); 5. Lopholejeunea subfusca ( x 13); 6. Leucolejeunea xanthocarpa (x 9);
7. Lejeimea discareta (x 13); 8. Lejeuneaflava ( x 14) and 9. Cheilolejeunea imbricata ( x 10).
2009] ALAM AND SRIVASTAVA : LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS -A CHECKLIST 109
Distribution : India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, North America, Europe, Azores,
Caucasus, Guatemala (see Sharma & Srivastava, 1993).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
CALYPOGIACEAE
34. Calypogeia azurea Stotler & Crotz. (Plate :2; Fig. : 6).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Silver Cascade : 7349/1983,
12966/2000, 12967/200, 20120/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Commonly terrestrial, growing on soil covered rocks, rarely on humus, associated with
Heteroscyphus sp., Jungermannia sp.
Distribution : India, Japan, CIS, Taiwan, Britain, Denmark, Fueroe Islands, France, Germany, Hungary,
Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Mexico (see also Sharma & Srivastava, 1993).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
CEPHALOZIELLACEAE
35. Cephaloziella kiaerii (Austin) Arnell
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 12935/2000,
12936/2000, 13014/2000, 13015/2000, 20086/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, growing on soil covered rocks, in crevices, on sloppy cliffs commonly grows in
association of Notoscyphus sp.
Distribution : Africa, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique,
New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Zaire, Zimbabwe (Udar & Kumar, A.,
1985).
Status in Palni hills : Common.
CEPHALOZIACEAE
36. Cephalozia hamatiloba Steph.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 209 S/1971,
13499/2000, 20086/2006, 20087/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, growing on soil covered rocks, loosely fixed with the substratum commonly grows
in association of Cephaloziella sp., Heteroscyphus sp. and Notoscyphus sp.
Distribution : Bhutan, India, Thailand (Bapna & Kachroo, 2000; Udar & Kumar, A. 1982).
Status in Palni hills : Rare in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
PORELLACEAE
37. Porella campylophylla (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Trevis. (Plate :2; Fig. : 7).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Silver Cascade : 12996/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under tree canopy as pendent.
Distribution : Bhutan, India, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Nepal (Hattori, 1978; Udar & Shaheen,
1983 a, b).
Status in Palni hills : New record for Palni hills.
38. Porella perottetiana (Mont.) Trevis.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 6842/1954,
2901 S/1971 (LWU).
110 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under tree canopy as pendent.
Distribution : Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan,
Japan, China (see Hattori, 1967, 1969, 1975b, 1978; Hong, 2003; Yamada&al., 1981; Yamada& Choe, 1997;
Udar & Shaheen, 1983a, b).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
JUBULACEAE
39. Frullania acutiloba Mitt. (Plate : 2; Fig. : 8).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : 133 S/1971, 13190/2000,
13212/2000, 20084/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as exposed conditions.
Distribution : India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka (see also Hattori, 1979; Mitten, 1861; Srivastava & Alam,
2002).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
40. Frullania arecae (Spreng.) Gottsche. (Plate : 3; Fig. : 1).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 13 161/2000,
13162/2000, 13179/2000, 13189/2000, 13191/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as exposed conditions.
Distribution : Australia, New Guinea, Norfolk islands, Pacific islands, Bioko, Burundi, Cameroon,
Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Madagascar, Reunion, Rwanda, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Galapagos Isl.,
Panama, Venezuela, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand (see Wigginton
& Grolle, 1996; Yamada & al, 1981; Yuzawa, 1983; 1991; Yuzawa & Koike, 1994; Srivastava & Alam,
2002).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable. New to Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
41. Frullania campanulata Taylor (Plate : 3; Fig. : 3).
Specimens examined : Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 127 S /1971, 20088/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as exposed conditions.
Distribution : India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka (see Hattori, 1974b; Onraedt, 1981; Srivastava & Alam, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
42. Frullania ericoides (Nees) Mont. (Plate :2; Fig. : 9).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 1291 8/2000,
13073/2000, 13219/2000, 20082/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as exposed conditions.
Distribution : Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Arabian Peninsula; Angola, Ascension
Island, Annobon, Bioko (Fernando Po), Burundi, Cameroon, Central African republic, Congo, Cape Verde Isl.,
Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Principe, Reunion, Rwanda,
Seychelles, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Scotia, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe; Canada,
United States of America, Brazil, Venezuela, Galapagos Isl.; Antilles, Caribbean Isl., Mexico, Bhutan, India,
Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Japan; Europe (see Fischer, 1993; Nath &
Asthana, 1998; Srivastava & Alam, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
43. Frullania muscicola Steph.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 12920/2000,
13195/2000 (LWU).
2009] ALAM AND SRIVASTAVA : LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS -A CHECKLIST 111
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist and shady as well as exposed conditions.
Distribution : Japan, Korea, Northern China, Mongolia; CIS, India, Nepal, Taiwan (see Hattori & al.,
1977; Hattori &Lin, 1985; Vana & Ighatov, 1995; Yamada and Choe, 1997; Srivastava & Alam, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
44. Frullania neurota Taylor (Plate : 3; Fig. : 4).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 12945/2000,
13204/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as exposed conditions.
Distribution : Africa, Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Surinam, Bhutan, China, India,
Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Vietnam (see Hattori, 1979; Hattori & Lin, 1985; Yuzawa,
1991; Srivastava & Alam, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
45. *Frullania tamarisci var. obscura (L.) Dumort. (Plate :3; Fig. : 2).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 1 36 S /l 972,
137 S/1972 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as exposed conditions.
Distribution : China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Asia Minor, CIS, Japan, Korea,
China (see also Hattori & Lin, 1985; Yamada & Choe, 1997; Srivastava & Alam, 2002).
Status in Palni hills : Rare in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
LEJEUNEACEAE
46. Cololejeunea cardiocarpa (Mont.) Steph.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 13207/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous and epiphyllous, grows under moist, humid and wet conditions.
Distribution : Australia, Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zimbabwe, Antilles, Bahamas, Cuba, Guadalupe, Mexico, Puerto Rico; Brazil,
Galapagos IsL, India (Grolle, 1995; Schuster, 1980; Yano, 1995; Wigginton & Grolle, 1996; Asthana &
Srivastava, 2003).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
47. Cheilolejeunea imbricata (Nees) S. Hatt. (Plate : 3; Fig. : 9).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 13 196/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Bonin IsL, Papua New Guinea, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan,
Korea (see also Asthana & al, 1995; Hong, 2003; Piippo, 1990; Streimann, 1991).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
48. Lejeunea aloba Sande Lac.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Silver Cascade : 7342/1982,
7437/1983, 7461/1983, 7480/1983, 7577/1983, 7615/1983, 12996/2000, 13195/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Samoa, Zaire, India, Indonesia (see also, Agarwal, 1986; Grolle & Wigginton, 1996).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
112 NELUMBO [Vol.51
49. Lejeunea discreta Lindenb. (Plate : 3; Fig. : 7).
Specimens examined: South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Silver Cascade : 14272/1909
(G) ; 12999/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Norfolk IsL, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Korea, Bhutan, Cambodia, China,
India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Moluccas, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (see Grolle, 1982; Mizutani, 1971; Piippo,
1990; Yamada & Choe, 1997; Zhu & So, 2001).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
50. Lejeunea flava (Sw.) Nees (Plate : 3; Fig. : 8).
Specimens examined: South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 198 S/ 1971,
202 S/ 1971, 13003/2000, 13180/2000, 13181/2000, 13181/2000, 13186/2000, 13187/2000, 13194/2000,
20091/2006, 20096/2000, 20096/2006, 20102/2006, 20104/2006, 20104/2006, 20106/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Central African
Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, South Africa, Sierra Leon, Tanzania, Uganda,
Zaire, Zambia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Europe,
Azores, Madeira, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, Guadalupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico,
Virgin IsL, Trinidad, Venezuela, U.S.A. (see also Mizutani, 1964; Schuster, 1957, 1980; Wigginton & Grolle,
1996; Zhu & So, 2001; Gupta & Udar, 1986).
Status in Palni hills : Very Common.
51. *Lejeunea neelgherriana Gottsche.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 7342/1982
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Korea (Hong, 2003; Long & Grolle, 1990; Yamada &
Choe, 1997; Zhu & So, 2000, 2001).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
52. Lejeunea perrottetii Steph.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Kodai Lake : 7693/1983
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Agarwal, 1986).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
53. *Lejeunea tenerrima Lindenb.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 138 S/1971
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (South India) (see Agarwal, 1986)
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
54. Lejeunea wightii Lindenb.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 7400/1983,
7413/1983, 7583/1983, 13005/2000, 13164/2000 (LWU).
2009] ALAM AND SRIVASTAVA : LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS -A CHECKLIST 113
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (See Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
55. Leucolejeunea xanthocarpa (Lehm. & Lindenb.) A. Evans (Plate : 3; Fig. : 6).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 13210/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Papua New Guinea, Bioko, Cape of Good hope, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, St. Helena, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zimbabwe, Brazil,
Colombia, Galapagos IsL, Puerto Rico, Venezuela; Bahamas, Guyana, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, New Providence,
Maidenhead, Mexico, Trinidad, United States of America, Bhutan, Celebes, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri
Lanka, Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Mangolia (Gradstein 1997; Grolle & Piippo, 1984; Menzel, 1988;
Piippo,1990; Schuster, 1980; Stephani, 1911; Yano, 1995; Wigginton & Grolle, 1996; Zhu & So, 1996, Udar
&Awasthi, 1983).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
56. Lopholejeunea sikkimensis Steph.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 137 S/1971,
13012/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist, wet and shady conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Awasthi & al., 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
57. Lopholejeunea subfusca (Nees) Steph. (Plate : 3; Fig. : 5).
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 13198/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Awasthi & al., 2000).
Status in Palni hills : New and vulnerable in Kodaikanal(Palni hills).
58. Microlejeunea ulicina (Taylor) A. Evans (Plate :1; Fig. : 7).
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 4 1 6-445/ 1 962,
384-409/1966, 198-200 S/ 1971, 12963/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
Distribution : Ivory Coast, U.S.A., Canada, Brazil, Chili, Japan, Azores, Britain, France, Italy,
Luxembourg, Madeira, Canary IsL, India (see Aleffi & al., 1998; Gonzalez- Macebo & Losada-Lima, 2003;
Werner, 1993; Yamada & al., 1981; Verma, 2005).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
59. Schiffneriolejeunea polycarpa (Nees) Gradst.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shembaganur : 13014/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows under moist as well as dry conditions.
114 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Distribution : Angola, Central African republic, Congo, Fernando Po, Ghana, Guinea, Mozambique,
Nigeria, Sao Tome, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Puerto Rico, India, Sri Lanka
(see Gradstein & Inoue, 1980; Yano, 1995; Wigginton & Grolle, 1996; Udar & Awasthi, 1983).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
RADULACEAE
60. *Radula kurzii Steph.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : 8222 (G).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows on tree barks.
Distribution : India, Sri Lanka. (Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
61. *Radula meyeri Steph.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Shenbaganur : 5792/ 1982
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows on tree barks.
Distribution : India, East and West Africa (see Udar & Kumar, D., 1982; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
62. *Radula tabularis Steph.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 132 S/1971
(LWU).
Ecology : Corticolous, grows on tree barks.
Distribution : India, Australia, New Zealand, Mascarene Island, South Africa (Bapna & Kachroo,
2000).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
ORDER : MARCHANTIALES
CLEVEACEAE
63. *Athalamia pusilla (Steph.) Kashyap
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- 1960 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks.
Distribution : India, Nepal (Udar & Srivastava, 1965).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
AYTONIACEAE
64. *Asterella khasyana (Griff.) Pande & al.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 12927/2000
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks, also on exposed rocks
Distribution : India, Indonesia, Thailand (Bapna & Kachroo, 2000; Alam, 2005).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
65. *Mannia foreaui Udar & V. Chandra
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal : B5745/1962 ((LWU).
2009] ALAM AND SRIVASTAVA : LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS -A CHECKLIST 115
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on moist soil and soil covered rocks.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Udar & Chandra, 1965; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
66. Plagiochasma cordatum. Lehm. & Lindenb.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 158 S/1972,
12923/2000, 20089/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks, also on exposed rocks.
Distribution : Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Hawaii, India, Nepal, Taiwan. (Bapna & Kachroo, 2000;
Alam, 2005).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
67. Plagiochasma rupestre (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Steph.
Specimen examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 20093/2006
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks, also on exposed rocks.
Distribution : Greece, Italy, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Iran,
Nepal, Taiwan, Sri-Lanka. Ethiopia. (Bapna & Kachroo, 2000; Alam, 2005).
Status in Palni hills : New record for Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
68. Reboulia hemisphaerica (L.) Raddi.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 12933/2000,
12992/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks, also on exposed rocks.
Distribution- Asia Minor, Caucasus, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Nepal, South Africa, Australia, New
Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, (see Udar & Chandra, 1964b; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
LUNULARIACEAE
69. Lunularia cruciata (L.) Dumort.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 12927/2000,
12937/2000, 12958/2000, 13183/2000, 13184/2000, 20101/2006, 20107/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks.
Distribution : Abyssinia, Australia, Europe, India, Japan, Norway, S. Africa (Bapna & Kachroo, 2000;
Alam, 2005).
Status in Palni hills : Common.
MARCHANTIACEAE
70. Dumortiera hirsuta (Sw.) Nees
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 12957/2000,
12984/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks and also on exposed rocks.
Distribution : Africa, Europe, Hawaii, India, Japan, N. America, Nepal, New Zealand, S. America
(Srivastava & Sharma, 1987; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
116 NELUMBO [Vol.51
71. Marchantia paleacea Bertol.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 12954/2000,
12955/2000, 12956/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks and often on exposed rocks.
Distribution : Afghanistan, Africa, Azores, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Europe, Guatemala, Hawaii, India,
Italy, Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, N. America, S. America, New Zealand, Pakistan, Somoa, Tahiti (Bapna &
Kachroo, 2000; Alam, 2005).
Status in Palni hills : New record for Kodaikanal (Palni hills); vulnerable.
72. Marchantia palmata Nees
Specimens examined: South India : Tamil Nadu- Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 156 S/1971,
12941/2000, 12984/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks and also on exposed rocks.
Distribution : Sri Lanka, China, Europe, India, Japan, Indonesia, New Guinea, Pakistan, Tonkin (Bapna
& Kachroo, 2000; Alam, 2005).
Status in Palni hills : Vulnerable in Kodaikanal (Palni hills).
TARGIONIACEAE
73. Targionia hypophylla L.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 12926/2000,
12923/2000, 12928/2000, 12929/2000, 12930/2000, 12938/2000, 13041/2000, 13060/2000, 13061/2000,
20093/2006 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on wet soil and soil covered rocks.
Distribution : China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Chile, Ecuador,
Madagascar, Hawaii, Peru, Tenerife (Udar & Gupta, 1983; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : New record for Kodaikanal (Palni hills); common.
RICCIACEAE
74. Riccia fluitans L.
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 1 3040/2000,
13058/2000, 13059/2000 (LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on extremely wet soil and soil covered rocks, often in water.
Distribution : Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, CIS, Australia- New
Zealand; Britain, West Indies; Argentina, Brazil (Pande & Udar, 1958; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : New record for Kodaikanal (Palni hills); vulnerable.
75. *Riccia grollei Udar
Specimens examined : South India : Tamil Nadu - Palni hills - Kodaikanal- Perumalmalai : 424/1962
(LWU).
Ecology : Terrestrial, grows on soil and soil covered rocks.
Distribution : Endemic to India (Pande & Udar, 1958; Bapna & Kachroo, 2000).
Status in Palni hills : Endangered in Kodaikanal.
2009] ALAM AND SRIVASTAVA : LIVERWORT DIVERSITY IN PALNI HILLS -A CHECKLIST
DISCUSSION
117
Tropical and subtropical rain forests host various biotic communities, holding about 50% of the global
species, but population density of individual is very low. Such forests also host a large number of endemic-native
species found only in these locations. Rarity is a multifaceted concept and species can show different degree
of rarity at global, regional and local levels. Any individual become rare either by unfavourable ecological
niche or by man made disturbance. Poorly dispersing species become vulnerable due to habitat loss and its
fragmentation, (see also Pocs, 1982; Smith, 1982).
An assessment of current status of hepatic diversity in and around Kodaikanal in Palni hills revealed the
presence of 36 genera and 75 species falling under 3 orders and 22 families. Of these 33 species are corticolous
epiphytes, 38 species are terricolous and 4 species occur as both corticolous as well as terrestrial. This data is
an outcome of investigations on several past and recent collections as well as those previously reported from
this region. Of these only 68 species are at lower risk in the region (Fig. 1).
3U -
28
25 -
25
■
< 20-
<
h-
Ll_
2 15-
LU
CD
2
15
■
i io -
7
5 -
|
n
■
H
u
1
Out of risk
Rare
Vul
nerable
Endangered
CATEGORIES
Fig. : 1. Distribution of Taxa under different categories in Palni hills.
The rarity of 7 species (4 terricolous and 3 corticolous) in Palni hills may be attributed to habitat
destruction and degradation due to various reasons like tea and coffee plantation, uncontrolled grazing,
increased tourism, etc. making the survival of these plants highly vulnerable. A couple of endemic species,
FossombroniaforeauiVdav & S.C. Srivast. (Srivastava & Udar, 1975b) and Manniaforeaui Udar & V. Chandra
(Udar & Chandra, 1965) described from Palni hills were never recollected from the area after their original
discovery. A species which has declined to low numbers tend to suffer from loss of genetic diversity, reducing
the potential for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In this connection Mackenzie & al. (1999)
rightly remarked that a minimum viable population (MVP) is required for a long term survival of species to
ensure maintenance of genetic variability. There is a further need to assess the entire bryo-diversity of the area
including mosses, liverworts and hornworts.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt, of India, New Delhi for
financial assistance under AICOPTAX and to the Head of the Botany Department, University of Lucknow
for providing necessary facilities.
118 NELUMBO [Vol.51
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NELUMB0 51: 123-156. 2009
TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA
S. S. Dash
Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Itanagar 791111
e-mail : ssdash2002@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
The paper deals with the 225 different uses of 1 67 plant species belonging to 84 families for the
treatment of 27 major ailments among ten rural communities of Sikkim. All the gathered information
were based on the herbal practices of selective representative villages of Sikkim. During the collection of
information, traditional uses pattern, parts used for, mode of preparation and administration of doses were
also discussed. Out of the total uses of plants, herbs constitute c. 50% , trees by 25% and shrubs by 17%,
while climbers constitutes the lowest habitat category (8%). Most herbal medicines were used in the form
of paste of the plant or of a particular part. The other modes of uses were decoction, powder or inhalations
etc. Remedies for common ailments were known to all households, while medicines or doses for critical
ailments were taken as per the advice of the herbal healers or Jakris. The present study also indicated that
the region harbors a high diversity of medicinal plants. A list of 167 plant species along with their Local
name, habit, flowering and fruiting period, plant part/s used, medicinal properties and the mode of use are
also enumerated.
Keywords: Herbal remedy, Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge.
INTRODUCTION
The traditional societies throughout the world possess vast knowledge regarding the use of plants. Folk
medicines constitute the basic parameter to develop the modern health care system (Balick & Cox, 1996).
About 64% of the global population depends directly on traditional medicines for their health care system
(Farnsworth, 1994; Steenkamp, 2003; Sheldon & al, 1997); while in India about 75-80% of population depends
upon the traditional folk medicines (Hebbar & al., 2004; Nagarguna & Rao, 1990; Jain & al., 2004; Jain &
Saklani, 1991; Katewa & al, 2004; Dash & Mishra, 1998, 2002). Majority of folk medicines have remained
confined to certain region or to certain tribes of India (Dash, 1994).
The traditional knowledge of medicinal plants survives only by words of mouth from generation to
generations (Dash & Misra, 1997; Shrestha & Dhillion, 2003; Figueiredo & al, 1993; Tabuti & al, 2003).
Till today the different methods of preparation of drugs, dosages etc. have remained secret to a family or clan.
Unfortunately, such valuable knowledge are vanishing rapidly due to the change of cultural values of traditional
societies (Caniago and Siebert, 1998) and non exchange of ideas and exposure to modern health care systems
( Plotkin,1988; Leach, 1994; Dash, 1994).
Traditional use of plants is a part of the cultural heritage of the people in Sikkim (Hajra & Chakraborty,
1981;Bennet, 1983, 1985; Krishna & Singh, 1987; Kumar & al, 1994;Rai& Sharma, 1994; Singh & Chauhan,
1997; Jana & Chauhan, 2000). Traditional herbal healers in Sikkim are known as Lamas (The monastery
heads) or Jakris by the local people. Mostly the plants are recommended by the elderly people of the village
or the headman of the monastery All the herbal healers do not recommend medicines for all ailments, but
there are different specialists for recommending different diseases and persons, for example, Jakris specialize
in children diseases and medico religious problems, Lamas expertise in woman and other herbal remedies.
Not only the rural mass but also the good number of urban population also depends on the herbal remedies
in Sikkim (Dash & al., 2003). Most interestingly, one plant may be used for different remedies in different
combinations and different doses. The present paper emphasizes the traditional uses of plants by the different
tribes of Sikkim for treating different ailments.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
124 NELUMBO [Vol.51
STUDY AREA
The state of Sikkim one of the smallest north-east States of India is situated in the Western flank of
Eastern Himalaya and lies in between 27°10" to 28°9" N and 87°59" to 88°56" E. This encompasses an area
of 7096 sq km. The State is bounded by Nepal in the West, Bhutan in the South-east, Tibet in the North and
the districts of Darjeeling (West Bengal) in the South. The mountain chains which run southward from the
main Himalayan ranges form the natural boundaries of Sikkim. The area is inhibited by number of ethnic
groups including its aboriginals Lepchas, Bhutia, Nepali, Limbu, Serpa, Sikkimese communities. Wide range
of topography, varied climatic condition and high annual precipitation makes the state of Sikkim one of the
richest phyto-geographic regions of India. Above 44.07% of the total geographic area of the state is under
forest, out of which 34.16% (2424 sq km is under dense forest cover and 9.91 %( 703 sq km) is under open
forest. It is estimated that about more than 26% of the flowering plants of India are found in this 0.2% of the
total geographic region of the country. (Dash & Singh, 2002). About 5000 species of vascular plants occur in
this region (Singh & Chauhan, 1999).
The Villages
The field study was carried out in the villages of Rongli, Phodomchen and Gnathang of East district;
Yuksum and Ravangla of West district; Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang of North district; Namchi and
Tendong of south district. The elevation of the selected villages ranges from 1 500 to 3700 m. Rongli and Namchi
situated at 1500 m, Phodomchen, Chungthang and Yuksum situated at 2000 m, Lachen and Lachung situated
at 2400 - 2600 m, while Gnathang situated at 3700 m height. In all the villages different ethnic communities
dominated. The terrain is characterised by steep hill slopes or valleys and the households are scattered and
consisting of hamlets. The climate of the area is characterised by a prolonged winter and rainy season with
a short and pleasing summer. The state receives rainfall of 200 - 500 cm. Lower hills and valleys enjoys a
subtropical climate, warm in winter, hot and humid in summer.
Vegetation of the Area
Depending upon the altitudinal variation, the vegetation of the State can be divided in to the tropical
(up to 900 m), sub-tropical (900 - 1500), temperate (1500 - 3500 m) and alpine (3500-4500 m). All the studied
villages fall between the subtropical to sub-alpine regions. Sub tropical vegetation is mixed and comprises of
Adina cordifolia, Callicarpa arborea, Castanopsis indica, Fraxinus floribunda, Macaranga denticulata etc.,
Dominant elements of temperate forests are Alnus nepalensis, Acer campbelli, Engelhardtia spicata, Juglans
regia and spp. from Quercus. While the alpine vegetation is dominated by shrubby species of Rhododendron,
Berberis, Cotoneaster, Gaultheria.
METHODOLOGY
Ethno-botanical information was collected during the year 1997 - 2002. Both qualitative as
well as the quantitative information regarding the use of plants were collected through individual
interviews as well as participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method. Open ended and structured interviews
were conducted with questionnaire for the collection of data on Local names, uses, Parts used and mode of
preparation and administration. During the interviews, free listing of information were made about a particular
topic, disease and a specific plants used for. During the PRA study, different groups of people were
interviewed independently and each group was allowed to give their own opinion about the herbal
remedies. Each group was asked to make a preference ranking of the uses of plant, when a particular
plant is being used for different diseases. People were asked to assign mean numerical values to a plant
species according to their perceived significance. The details regarding the method of preparations of
various doses were discussed elaborately and documented. The plant specimens collected, were later
processed, identified (Hara & al, 1978, 1982; Hara & Williams, 1979; Polunin & Stainton, 1984; Grierson
& Long, 1983 - 1987) and deposited in the Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalayan Circle,
Gangtok (BSHC).
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 125
Enumeration of the medicinal plants and their uses.
1. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic. (Malvaceae); S.S.Dash 17644, 21164.
Local name: Janglii bhindi.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Chronic cold and cough.
Mode of use and dose: Root decoction is taken orally with salt to cure sour throat and running nose.
2. Abies densa Griff. (Pinaceae); S.S.Dash 24034, 16210(a).
Local name: Gobresaalla.
Parts used: Bark, Cones.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Toothache, diuretic; ii. Emmenogogue.
Mode of use and dose: i. Bark powder brushed with finger to get rid of toothache, ii. Strong decoction
of the cones are taken orally to reduce white discharge after menstruation. This also reduces the bad odour
of urine.
3. Abroma augusta L. (Sterculiaceae); S.S.Dash 19718.
Local name: Kapasi.
Parts used: Bark and Flowers.
Therapeutic use(s): Menstrual disorders.
Mode of use and dose: Paste of about 10 gm of bark and 2/3 flowers taken orally to regularize
menses.
4. Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae); S.S.Dash 10783.
Local name: Lallgeri.
Parts used: i. Seed; ii. Leaf.
Therapeutic use(s)s: i. Emmenogogue, abortifacient; ii. Cough and cold.
Mode of use and dose: i. About 7/8 seeds are ground into paste and mixed with 100 ml of fresh goat
milk. The whole mixture is kept is a wooden vessel and left for 12 hours. The mixture is taken orally in empty
stomach to cure menstrual disorders. Concentrated paste taken orally for abortion, ii. Smoke of dried leaves
inhaled to clear nasal congestion.
5. Achyranthes bidentata Blume ( Amaranthaceae) S.S.Dash 20703.
Local name : not known.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Piles, skin eruptions.
Mode of use and dose: Fresh plants paste is applied externally to cure pile and to reduce pain. The paste
is also applied to cure skin eruptions.
6. Aconitum ferox Wall, ex Ser. (Ranunculaceae); S.S.Dash 27225.
Local name: Bikhuma.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Rheumatism.
Mode of use and dose: About one gm of root paste is taken orally twice a day for one month to cure
rheumatic pains.
126 NELUMBO [Vol.51
7. Aconitum heterophyllum Wall, ex Royle (Ranunculaceae); S.S.Dash 21221.
Local name: Bikh.
Parts used: i. Dried root; ii. Rhizome.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Blood dysentery, anthelmintic; ii. Epilepsy.
Mode of use and dose: About 5gm. of root paste is taken orally to cure blood dysentery and to expel
worms. Excess dose proves fatal, ii. Rhizome paste is made into small tablets of 5mg each. One tablet twice
a day taken orally to cure mental depression and headache.
8. Acoros calamus L. (Acoraceae); S.S.Dash 22082.
Local name: Bojo.
Parts used: Rhizome.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Cough and fever; ii. Dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: i. Decoction of the root is taken orally to cure cough and fever, ii. A piece of
rhizome is chewed to cure dysentery.
9. Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae); S.S.Dash 22053.
Local name: Ilamey.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: Fresh leaf paste is applied on cuts and wounds as antiseptic.
10. Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. ( Saxifragaceae); S.S.Dash 24354.
Local name: Kukrapankha.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Gastric disorders, blood dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: Root decoction is taken orally to cure gastric disorders. Root paste is taken orally
to cure blood dysentery.
11. Ainsliaea latifolia (D.Don) Sch.- Bip. (Asteraceae); S.S.Dash 24101.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomachache.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste after dilution with warm water taken orally for stomachache caused
due to indigestion.
12. Ajuga bracteosa Wall, ex Benth. (Lamiaceae); S.S.Dash 22785.
Local name: Ratipa.
Parts used: i. Root; ii. Plant paste.
Therapeutic use(s): Urinary disorder; ii. Boils, Carbuncles, Purgative.
Mode of use and dose: i. Decoction of the root taken orally to cure urinary disorders and burning sensation
during urination, ii. Decoction of root is also taken orally to cure hangover caused due to over consumption
of liquor, iii. Plant paste is mixed with flour of ragi locally known as Kodu and applied around the boils and
carbuncles to facilitate easy burst.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 127
13. Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms. (Alangiaceae), BSHC 2168.
Local name: Okhne.
Parts used: Shoot and root.
Therapeutic use(s): Emmenogogue.
Mode of use and dose: The tender shoots and roots in equal quantity mixed with 5-7 black pepper and
crushed to a paste. Pills of 5 gm each are prepared from the paste and one pill daily for 15 days taken orally
to regularize the menses.
14. Alstonia scholaris R.Br. (Apocyanaceae) ; S.S.Dash 21118.
Local name: Chatiwan.
Parts used: Shoot.
Therapeutic use(s): Galactagogue, (enhances milk flow).
Mode of use and dose: About 100 ml of strong decoction of tender shoot is cooled and given orally in
empty stomach to new mothers for easy flow of milk.
15. Amaranthus spinosus L. (Amaranthaceae) BSHC 1657.
Local name: Ginegi.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Amenorrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: i. One teaspoon of the root paste is administered orally to regularize menstrual
disorders, ii. The root is cooked with the banana pith and taken orally to alleviate abdominal pains during
menstruation.
16. Ammomum subulatum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae); S.S.Dash 20578.
Local name: Bada elachi.
Parts used: Fruit.
Therapeutic use(s): Cold & cough.
Mode of use and dose: About 5 gm of fruits paste is taken orally 4 times a day to cure sour throat and
cold.
17. Anemone rivularis Buch. Ham. ex DC. (Ranunculaceae); S.S.Dash 22752.
Local name: Supka.
Parts used: Leaf and shoot.
Therapeutic use(s): Veterinary use.
Mode of use and dose: The paste of above ground part is applied externally on yaks to get relief from
flies and other insects.
18. Anaphalis contorta Hook.f. (Asteraceae); S.S.Dash 24009.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Flower.
Therapeutic use(s): Styptic.
Mode of use and dose: Flower paste is applied on bleeding wounds as an antiseptic.
19. Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) Parker (Meliaceae); S.S.Dash 22090.
Local name: Lahasune.
128 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Parts used: i. Seed; ii. Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Anthelmintic; ii. Abdominal pain before delivery, health tonic.
Mode of use and dose: i. Seed paste is given orally to children to cure stomachache and expelling
intestinal worms, ii. Decoction of the bark is given orally to get relief from abdominal pain and stretching
pain after delivery. Two teaspoons of the decoction is mixed with mild and taken orally as a health tonic after
delivery.
20. Artemisia nilagirica (C.B.Clarke) Pamp. (Asteraceae); S.S.Dash 22852.
Local name: Titeypati.
Parts used: i. Leaves; ii. Leafy inflorescence.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Vermifuge for children; ii. Antiseptic; iii. Nose bleeding.
Mode of use and dose: i. Leave paste is diluted with water and given orally in the evening to expel
intestinal worm. ii. Two to three teaspoons of thick decoction of leafy inflorescence given orally to cure fever,
iii. Leaves are crushed in hands and inserted in the nasal cavity to stop nose bleeding due to altitudinal effect.
The juice of the leaf also used as an antiseptic in external cuts and wounds.
21. Astilbe rivularis D.Don (Saxifragaceae) S.S.Dash 20926, 24135.
Local name: Boro okhati.
Parts used: i. Rhizome; ii. Stem + Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Gynecological disorders; ii. Body ache.
Mode of use and dose: i. Decoction of the rhizome is given orally to cure bad odour discharges during
menses, ii. The decoction of the stem and root is given orally or mixed with the bathing water to cure general
body ache. This dose is given to new mothers particularly.
22. Begonia cathcartii Hook.f. & Thomson (Begonicaceae); S.S.Dash 20712.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Febrifuge.
Mode of use and dose: Two teaspoon of the plant paste mixed with warm milk and taken orally to reduce
body temperature and to cure fever.
23. Belamcanda chinensis DC. (Iridaceae); S.S. Dash 18775.
Local name: Tarwarphula Root.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Constipation.
Mode of use and dose: Raw roots are chewed in the evening to cure constipation.
24. Berberis aristata DC. (Berberidaceae); S.S.Dash 27008.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root and bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Conjunctivitis.
Mode of use and dose: The juice of the root and bark is mixed in equal proportion and applied externally
on eyes for 15 minutes to cure conjunctives. Eyes should be washed properly after 15 minutes.
25. Berberis wallichiana DC. (Berberiaceae); S.S.Dash 22776.
Local name: Chitrokanra.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 129
Parts used: Fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): Dog bite, antidotes.
Mode of use and dose: Fruit paste is given orally in case of dog bite and also applied externally on
affected parts to neutralize the toxic effect.
26. Bergenia purpurascens (Hook. f. & Thomson) Engl. (Saxiafragaceae); S.S.Dash 27221.
Local name: Pakhan bet.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomachache, pneumonia and inflammation in tonsil.
Mode of use and dose: i. Small piece of the root is crushed and the juice is taken orally to cure
stomachache. The paste of the root is taken orally to cure pneumonia, ii. The decoction of the root is gargled
to cure inflammation in tonsils and throat infections.
27. Berginia ciliata (Haworth) Sternb. (Saxifragaceae); BSHC 5380.
Local name: Pakhanbet.
Parts used: i. Rhizome; ii. Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Diarrhoea and vomiting; ii. Leucorrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: i. Fresh root paste mixed with warm water and given orally to check diarrhoea
and vomiting, ii. About 10 gm of the plant paste is given orally to check white discharge.
28. Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. (Betulaceae); S.S.Dash 24019.
Local name: Sour.
Parts used: i. Bark paste; ii. Stem bark.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Body ache and sprain; ii. Liver disorder, antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: i. Bark paste is applied externally to alleviate pain. ii. About 30 ml of the bark
decoction is taken orally in empty stomach to cure bile related ailments and acidity.
29. Betula utilis D. Don (Betulaceae); S.S.Dash 22751.
Local name: Bhojpata.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Bronchitis.
Mode of use and dose: 10 ml of bark juice is taken orally to cure bronchitis and cough.
30. Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae); S.S.Dash 22051.
Local name: Kuro.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Herbal bath for body ache; ii. Earache.
Mode of use and dose: i. Fresh leaf of the plant is kept in hot water for one hour, then the warm water
is used for bathing to cure general bodyache. ii. Four to five drops of the fresh leaf juice is dropped in each
ear to cure earache and pus in the ear.
31. Bischofia javanica Blume (Nyssaceae); S.S.Dash 18774.
Local name: Kainjal.
Parts used: Bark, Seed.
130 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Therapeutic use(s): Muscular pain and inflammation.
Mode of use and dose: Paste of bark and seeds (mixed in 1:2) is applied externally to cure muscular
pain and inflammation.
32. Bistorta affinis (D. Don) Green (Polygonceae); S.S.Dash 27292.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Anodyne; ii. Astringent.
Mode of use and dose: i. Root paste is applied externally around the affected areas to get relief from
pain and to reduce inflammations, ii. Root paste applied on external injuries to stop bleeding.
33. Bistorta vivipara (L.) Gray (Polygonaceae); S.S.Dash 22719.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Astringent; ii. Sore throat and cold.
Mode of use and dose: i. Root paste is applied externally to stop bleeding, ii. Decoction of the root is
gargled to cure sore throat and cold.
34. Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hook.)Reichb. (Rutaceae); S.S.Dash 20729.
Local name: Yerma shing.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Anti-inflammatory.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied around the inflammatory part to get a quick relief from
pain and swelling.
35. Bombax ceiba L. (Bombacaceae); BSHC 8515.
Local name: Simal.
Parts used: Bark, Root bark.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Diuretic; ii.Emmenogogue.
Mode of use and dose: i. Decoction of the bark is taken orally daily for 7 days to cure burning sensation
during urination, ii. The bark of the root is crushed into paste with garlic and taken orally twice a day for 7
days to regularize menses.
36. Brugmasnia suaveolens Bercht & Presl (Solanaceae); S.S.Dash 18878.
Local name: Dhokrey Phul.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Cough & Cold.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is tied in a clean cloth and squeezed in nasal cavity to clear nasal
congestion and sinusitis.
37. Buddleja asiatica Lour. (Buddlejacaeae); S.S.Dash 23813.
Local name: Sanapati.
Parts used: Leaf.
Therapeutic use(s): Headache, fore head pain.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied externally on fore head to cure headache.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 131
38. Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub.(Leguminosae-Papilionoideae)
Local name: Palase, Mauwa.
Parts used: i. Stem bark + Leaf, Seed.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Contraceptive; ii. Amenorrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: i. Stem bark along with the tender leaves crushed into paste. The paste is fried
with butter. One tea spoon of the paste is taken orally daily in the evening as contraceptive.
ii. One teaspoon of seed paste diluted in cow milk and taken orally daily in the evening as contraceptive.
Bark One teaspoon of bark paste is diluted in milk and taken orally to regularize menses.
39. Caesalpinia bonduc Roxb. (Leguminosae subfam. Caesalpinioideae);
Local name: Nicker Ruk.
Parts used: Seed.
Therapeutic use(s): Emmenogogue and Amenorrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: About 50 gm of seeds are ground with about 40 gm. dried roots of Brassica
juncea L. and a paste is made out of this. One teaspoon of the paste is taken orally twice a day to regularize
menses.
40. Callicarpa arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae); BSHC 11343.
Local name: Guenyhlo.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Gastric trouble.
Mode of use and dose: Fresh bark is kept in water for one night and the water is taken orally to cure
gastric troubles.
41. Caltha palustris L. (Ranunculaceae); S.S.Dash 22721.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Rheumatic pains.
Mode of use and dose: Plant paste is applied externally on affected parts to get relief from pain and
swelling.
42. Campylandra aurantiaca Baker (Zingiberaceae); S.K. Rai 3629.
Local name: Nakima.
Parts used: Flowers.
Therapeutic use(s): Body ache after delivery.
Mode of use and dose: Fresh flowers of the plant is kept in hot water for one hour, then the warm water
is used for bathing to cure general bodyache as a post delivery measure.
43. Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabinaceae); S.S.Dash 13781.
Local name: Ganja.
Parts used: Inflorescence.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomachache due to indigestion.
Mode of use and dose: 10 gm of the paste of the inflorescence in taken orally to cure stomachache due
to indigestion.
132 NELUMBO [Vol.51
44. Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Moench (Brassicaceae); S.S.Dash 18074.
Local name: Shepherds purse (E).
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Hemorrhage, veterinary.
Mode of use and dose: Plant paste applied externally to stop bleeding in cattle and other domestic
animals.
45. Cassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae); S.K.Rai 11901.
Local name: Raj Birse, Sunala.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Rheumatism.
Mode of use and dose: Decoction of the root is taken orally to cure inflammation due to rheumatism.
46. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Apiaceae); S.S.Dash 20705.
Local name: Golpata.
Parts used: i. Aerial parts; ii. Flowers.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Hypertension; ii. Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: i. Stem of the plant is chewed for half an hour to cure hypertension, ii. Flower
paste is applied around wounds of cattle to speedy recovery.
47. Cinnamomum tamala Nees (Lauraceae); S.S.Dash 19297.
Local name: Tejpata.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Diarrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: Equal amount of the bark and the tender leaves of Psidiumjuajava is mixed and
made in to a paste. About 10 mg of paste is taken orally to cure diarrhoea.
48. Circaea alpina L. (Onagraceae); S.S.Dash 25436.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic; Styptic.
Mode of use and dose: Plant paste is applied externally on bleeding wounds for stop bleeding and rapid
recovery.
49. Cissampelos pareira L. (Menispermaceae); S.S.Dash 21492.
Local name: Tamarkey.
Parts used: Stem.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomachache, liver disorder.
Mode of use and dose: Small piece of the stem is chewed for half an hour to cure stomachache due to
excessive bile. This also checks vomiting tendency due to acidity.
50. Clematis buchananiana DC. (Ranunculaceae); S.S.Dash 20786.
Local name: Pinasi lahar.
Parts used: i. Root; ii. Plant decoction.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 133
Therapeutic use(s): i. Nasal congestion, sinusitis; ii. Eczema and fungal infections.
Mode of use and dose: i. Small piece of the root is crushed and inhaled in every half an hour interval to
clear nasal congestion and sinusitis, ii. Hot plant decoction of the plant is used to wash regularly the affected
areas to cure eczema and other fungal infections.
51. Clematis wightiana Wall. (Ranunculaceae); S.S.Dash 22701.
Local name: Pinesey lahara.
Parts used: i. Root; ii. Bark + Leaf.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Indigestion; ii. Nasal congestion and sinusitis.
Mode of use and dose: i. About 5 ml of root decoction is taken orally in every half an hour to cure
indigestion and flatulent, ii. Equal amount of the stem bark and leaf is crushed and tied in a clean cloth. The
cloth is squeezed and one to two drops of the juice sap is dropped in the nasal cavity to cure nasal congestion
and sinusitis.
52. Cleome viscosa L. (Capparaceae); BSHC 23456.
Local name: Harhare.
Parts used: Tender shoot.
Therapeutic use(s): Galactagogue.
Mode of use and dose: bout 250 gm of tender shoots are boiled to make a strong decoction. 2-3 teaspoon
of this decoction is given orally for 3-4 times a day to breast feeding mothers for better lactation.
53. Clerodendrum infortuanatum Gaertn. (Verbenaceae); S.S.Dash 22047.
Local name: Chitu Banker.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Abdominal pain during mense.
Mode of use and dose: One teaspoon of root paste is taken orally to alleviate acute abdominal pain
during menstruation. The prescription is very much effective for teen aged girls.
54. Clinopodium umbosum (Bieb.) Koch. (Lamiaceae); S.S.Dash 22804.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf juice is applied externally as antiseptic.
55. Coelogyne fuscescens Lendley (Orchidaceae); S.S.Dash 22038.
Local name: Sunakhadi.
Parts used: Pseudo bulb.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomach ailment.
Mode of use and dose: Five to six pseudo bulbs are grounded in to paste and spread over a clean cloth
and dried in sun. The cakes like things are chewed to cure stomach ailments.
56. Coix lachryma-jobi L. (Poaceae); S.S.Dash 20939.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Urinary disorder.
134 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Mode of use and dose: About 50 gm. of the root is boiled in 5 Its of water to make a decoction. About
50 ml of the decoction is taken orally twice a day for 7 days to cure urinary infections and burning sensation
during urination.
57. Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm. (Lamiaceae); BSHC 15316.
Local name: Dhusro.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied externally as antiseptic.
58. Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae); N.R Mandal 11901.
Local name: Kanijhar.
Parts used: Leaf.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied externally as antiseptic.
59. Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm. (Costaceae); BSHC 15801.
Local name: Betlauri.
Parts used: Rhizome.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Breast swelling; ii. Health Tonic.
Mode of use and dose: i. About 25 gm of rhizome is grounded to paste and cooked. Warm paste of the
rhizome is given orally after delivery to reduce pain in breast and for easy flow of milk. ii. One teaspoon
of sun dried root powders is mixed with Rum or chaang (local beer) and given orally as a health tonic after
delivery.
60. Croton caudatus Geiseler (Euphorbiaceae); BSHC 7177.
Local name: Holonre.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Contraceptive.
Mode of use and dose: Stem bark is crushed with equal amount of Curcuma longa L. and Piper longum
L. and made into a paste. One teaspoon of paste is taken orally daily in the evening as contraceptive.
61. Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (Cuscutaceae); S.S.Dash 22097.
Local name: Binajarhi.
Parts used: i. Whole plants; ii.Stem.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Anodyne; ii. Leucorrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: i. Stem paste is applied externally around the swollen parts to get relief from
pain. ii. Equal amount of stem and leaves of Cerastium spp. is crushed in to a paste. About 10 gm of the paste
is taken orally twice a day for 1 5 days to cure white discharge in urine.
62. Cyathea spinulosa Wall, ex Hook. (Cyatheaceae); BSHC 5182.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaf pith.
Therapeutic use(s): Anodyne.
Mode of use and dose: The paste of the leaf pith applied externally to get relief from pain and
inflammation.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 135
63. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo (Orchidaceae); BSHC 22936.
Local name: Panchaule.
Parts used : Root, tuber.
Therapeutic use(s): Aphrodisiac.
Mode of use and dose: 5 gm of root/ tuber paste is taken orally daily in the evening as an enhancer of
sexual stamina.
64. Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. (Fabaceae); S.S.Dash 14392.
Local name: Satisal.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Ovulation and Sexual potency.
Mode of use and dose: About 10 gm of the dried bark paste is taken orally twice a day for one month
to increase sexual potency and for good ovulation.
65. Daphne bholua Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don (Thymeliaceae); S.S.Dash 20710.
Local name: Kagatey.
Parts used: Leaves and Seed.
Therapeutic use(s): Urinary disorders.
Mode of use and dose: Decoction of the leaf and seeds is mixed in equal proportion and taken orally to
cure bad odor in urine and other urinary infection.
66. Datura metel L. (Solanaceae); S.K.Rai 13780.
Local name: Dhatura.
Parts used: Seed.
Therapeutic use(s): Against mad dog bite.
Mode of use and dose: Seed paste is given orally against mad dog bite. Precautions are to be taken
during preparation of the doses as higher dose may cause insane.
67. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees & Arn. (Poaceae); BSHC 697 '.
Local name: Tamaa.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Menstrual disorder.
Mode of use and dose: Tender leaves are crushed with seeds of Hibiscus cannabinus L. (Nep. Posto)
and made in to a paste. The paste is given orally twice or thrice a day to reduce the excessive bleeding during
menstrual cycle.
68. Desmodium elegans DC. (Fabaceae); B.Mitra 6855.
Local name: Sarkinu.
Parts used: i. Root; ii. Fruit.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Expectorant; ii. Diuretic.
Mode of use and dose: i. Warm root decoction is gargled and taken orally to cure cough and also acts as
an expectorant, ii. About 50 ml of the fruit decoction is taken orally in every 15 minutes to promote discharge
of urine.
136 NELUMBO [Vol.51
69. Dichroa febrifuga Lour. (Hydrangiaceae); S.S.Dash 20755.
Local name: Nilgeri, Basak.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Febrifuge, Bodyache.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste is administered twice a day to cure fever and to get relief from the
body pain.
70. Dichrocephala integrifolia (L.f.) O. Kuntze (Asteraceae); S.S.Dash 22069.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Astringent.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied externally around fresh wounds to stop bleeding.
71. Didymocarpus pedicellata R. Br. (Gesneriaceae); S.S.Dash 20732.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Mode of use and dose: Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied in cuts and wounds as antiseptic.
72. Dioscorea belophylla Viogl. ex Haines (Dioscoriaceae); S.S.Dash 22069.
Local name: Panu tarul, Githa tarul.
Parts used: Tubers.
Therapeutic use(s): Anodyne, anti inflammatory.
Mode of use and dose: Tuber paste is applied around the affected part to get relief form pain and
inflammation.
73. Drymaria cordata Willd. (Caryophyllaceae); S.S.Dash 20758.
Local name: Abhijhal.
Parts used: Plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Viral fever, Sinusitis.
Mode of use and dose: out 10 gm of plant paste taken orally daily to cure chronic cough and cold. Plant
paste is tied in a cloth, one or two drops of juice is squeezed in nasal cavity to cure sinusitis.
74. Elephantopus scaber L. (Asteraceae); BSHC 1137.
Local name: Godhi (H).
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Abdominal pain before and during delivery.
Mode of use and dose: Fresh root are made into fine paste and applied externally on lower abdomen
during labour pain to facilitate easy delivery. This use also reduces prolonged labour pain.
75. Ephedra gerardiniana Wall. (Gnetaceae); BSHC 6013.
Local name: Tseing.
Parts used: Stem.
Therapeutic use(s): Bronchitis, respiratory problems.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 137
Mode of use and dose: 5 ml of the stem juice is taken orally twice a day to cure bronchitis and other
respiratory problems.
76. Equisetum diffusum D. Don (Equisetaceae); BSHC 32272.
Local name: Kurkure.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Skin rashes.
Mode of use and dose: The plant paste is applied externally around the affected parts to cure the skin
rashes and other skin irritations.
77. Erythrina arborescens Roxb. (Fabaceae); S.S.Dash 22095.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Seed.
Therapeutic use(s): Rheumatic pains.
Mode of use and dose: Seed paste is applied around affected areas to reduce pain and
inflammation.
78. Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. (Asteraceae); S.S.Dash 18878.
Local name: Banmara.
Parts used: Leaf juice.
Therapeutic use(s): Swelling, Inflammation, Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf juice is mixed with the latex of any Ficus sp. and applied externally to cure
swelling and inflammation of bones. The also acts as an antiseptic.
79. Eupatorium cannabinum L. (Asteraceae) ; S.S.Dash 24879.
Local name: Kalijhar, banmara.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Styptic (Blood coagulate).
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste applied on bleeding wounds to stop bleeding immediately.
80. Eurya acuminata DC. (Theaceae); S.S.Dash 20713.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: i. Seed ii. Leaf paste.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Rheumatic pain; ii. Insect antidote.
Mode of use and dose: i. Fruit paste is applied around the affected parts to get relief from pain due to
rheumatic, ii. Leaf paste is applied around the affected area and taken orally in case of insect biting. This
application decreases the burning sensation.
81. Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) BSHC 13349.
Local name: Dudhi.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Galactagogue.
Mode of use and dose: The whole plant along with the roots are washed carefully and grounded into
paste. The paste is applied externally on and around breast for easy flow of milk and better lactation. The also
reduce pain in the breast.
138 NELUMBO [Vol.51
82. Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham ex J.E.. Smith (Moraceae); S.S.Dash 21466.
Local name: Rai khaniu.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Purgative.
Mode of use and dose: Bark paste is applied externally around boils and carbuncles for easy burst and
reduce pain.
83. Floscopa scandens Lour (Commelinaceae); S.S.Dash 19231.
Local name: Kanejhar.
Parts used: Inflorescence.
Therapeutic use(s): Eye and ear drops.
Mode of use and dose: The inflorescence is crushed and wrapped in a wet cloth. Two to three drops
of the juice is poured in ears to cure fungal infection and pain.
84. Fraxinus floribunda Wall. (Oleaceae); BSHC 17994.
Local name: Lnakoore.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Laxative.
Mode of use and dose: Bark decoction is taken orally in night to cure constipation.
85. Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (Asteraceae) ; S.S.Dash 20706.
Local name: Udase.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Antidote for insect bite.
Mode of use and dose: The plant is crushed and rubbed in the affected area to reduce burning sensation
due to insect bite.
86. Gaultheria nummularioides D. Don ( Ericaceae); S.S.Dash 24045
Local name: Shokpa.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Laxative.
Mode of use and dose: About 100 ml of the leaf decoction is taken orally in night to cure constipation.
87. Girardinia diversiflora (Link.) Friis (Urticaceae).
Local name: Bhangresishnu.
Parts used: i. Whole plant; ii. Root paste.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Bronchitis, Tuberculosis; ii. To burst boils.
Mode of use and dose: i. Hot decoction of the whole plant is taken orally to cure bronchitis and also
believed to cure tuberculosis, ii. Root paste is applied around the boils for easy burst and also to recover
rapidly.
88. Gloriosa superba L. (Colchiaceae); S.S.Dash 20456.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Tuber.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Leucorrhoea; ii. Reduce pain and bleeding after delivery.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 139
Mode of use and dose: One tea spoon of tuber paste is diluted in milk and given orally for seven days
to regularize the menstrual cycle and to reduce excessive abnormal mucus discharge, ii. The tuber paste is
applied externally on lower abdomens during labor pain to facilitate easy delivery and also easy release of
placenta. This application after delivery reduces bleeding and pain due to stretching.
89. Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae); S.S.Dash 22341.
Local name: Khamari.
Parts used: i. Leaves; ii. Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Febrifuge; ii. Demulcent, Scabies.
Mode of use and dose: Leaves decoction is taken orally to cure fever, ii. Bark paste is applied through
out the body to cure scabies and irritation.
90. Gynocardia odorata R. Br. (Flacourtiaceae).
Local name: Badre phal.
Parts used: Seed.
Therapeutic use(s): Epilepsy.
Mode of use and dose: Seed paste is applied on the forehead to cure headache and epilepsy.
91. Hedera nepalensis Koch (Hydrangiaceae); S.S.Dash 20789.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: i. Stems; ii. Leaves + Fruit.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Anthelmintic; ii. Stimulants.
Mode of use and dose: i. Stem bark is crushed into paste and about 5 gm. of paste taken orally with
warm water expelling worms, ii. Equal amount of leaves and fruit paste mixed and taken orally as a sexual
stimulant for women.
92. Hedyotis scandens Roxb. (Rubiaceae); S.S.Dash 20745.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Anodyne, anti-inflammatory.
Mode of use and dose: About 50 gm. of root bark is crushed into a paste and applied around the affected
area reduce inflammation due to sprain. This application also reduces pain.
93. Hedychium spicatum Ham. ex Smith (Zingiberaceae).
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomach disorder and dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste is taken orally to cure dysentery due to indigestion. The dose also
cures other stomach disorder.
94. Hemiphragma heterophyllum Wall. (Scrophulariaceae); S.S.Dash 24046.
Local name: Malajhar.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Pharyngitis and Inflammation of tonsils.
Mode of use and dose: Warm decoction of the plant is gargled to cure pharyngitis and inflammation
of tonsils.
140 NELUMBO [Vol.51
95. Heracleum wallichi DC. (Apiaceae); S.S.Dash 18427.
Local name: Chimpling.
Parts used: i. Fruits; ii. Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Cough and cold; ii. Body ache.
Mode of use and dose: i. Fruit paste is taken orally to cure cough and cold due to viral fever, ii. Root
decoction is mixed with one bucket of water and used for bathing to cure general body pain.
96. Hippophae salicifolia D. Don ( Elaeagnaceae); S.S.Dash 18954.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): Throat and Tongue infection.
Mode of use and dose: Ripen fruit is chewed in mouth to cure throat and tongue infection.
97. Houttuynia cordata Thounb. ( Saururaceae); S.S.Dash 20765.
Local name: Gandhejarh.
Parts used: i. Leaves; ii. Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Laxative; ii. Stomach disorders.
Mode of use and dose: i. Leaf paste taken orally to cure chronic constipation, ii. One tea spoon of the
root paste is mixed with one glass of water and taken orally in the morning to flatulent.
98. Ilex dipyrena Wall. ( Aquifoliaceae); BSHC 25090.
Local name: Lisha.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Diuretic.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paset is taken orally to cure foul smell in urine and also to cure painful
urination.
99. Iris clarki Hook. f. & Thomson (Iridaceae); S.S.Dash 20173.
Local name: Cema.
Parts used: Dried bulb.
Therapeutic use(s): Purgative.
Mode of use and dose: The dried bulb is grounded to a fine paste and applied around the external ulcer
and carbuncle for rapid recovery.
100. Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae); S.S.Dash 22702.
Local name: Okhar.
Parts used: Fruit coat.
Therapeutic use(s): Eczema.
Mode of use and dose: Paste of the fruit coat is applied externally around affected parts to cure eczema
other skin ailments.
101. Juniperus recurva Buch.-Ham. (Cupressaceae); S.S.Dash 24004, 22769.
Local name: Dhupi.
Parts used: i. Fruits; ii. Root.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 141
Therapeutic use(s): i. Stomach disorders; ii. Skin eruption.
Mode of use and dose: i. Fruit is boiled for an hour and kept for a night. The decoction is taken orally next
morning to cure stomach disorders, ii. Root paste is applied externally to cure skin eruption during winter.
102. Laportea terminalis Wight (Urticaceae ); S.S.Dash 22818.
Local name: Patley sisnu.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Diuretic.
Mode of use and dose: About 5 gm of the plant paste is diluted in 100 ml of water and taken orally to
cure urinary problem.
103. Litsea cubela Pers. (Lauraceae); S.S.Dash 22874.
Local name: Siltimmur.
Parts used: Fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomachache.
Mode of use and dose: Fruit decoction is taken orally to cure stomachache due to indigestion.
104. Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude (Ericaceae); S.S.Dash 22086.
Local name: Angeri.
Parts used: Shoots paste.
Therapeutic use(s): Scabies and Skin disorders.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste of before night is applied in the morning to cure skin diseases particularly
itching sensation in the epidermal area.
105. Maesa chisia D. Don (Myrsinaceae); S.S.Dash 20710.
Local name: Bilaune.
Parts used: Fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): Veterinary.
Mode of use and dose: Equal amount of leaf and bark paste mixed and applied all over the body of
domestic animals for relief from insects, worm and leech.
106. Mahonia nepalensis DC. (Berberidaceae); BSHC 28224.
Local name: Chitray.
Parts used: Fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): Diuretic, Urinary disorder.
Mode of use and dose: Fruit paste is diluted with water and taken orally to cure bad odour discharges
and burning sensation during urination.
107. Mallotus philippensis DC. (Euphorbiaceae); BSHC 18055.
Local name: Sundare.
Parts used: Glandular hairs of fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): Vermifuge.
Mode of use and dose: The glandular hairs of the fruits are kept in water for an hour and taken orally
twice a day for 7 days to expel worms from intestine
142 NELUMBO [Vol.51
108. Michelia doltsopa L. (Magnoliaceae); S.S.Dash 14930.
Local name: Rani champ.
Parts used: Seed + Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Contraceptive.
Mode of use and dose: 30 gm of seed and bark in equal amount mixed and grounded to paste. One to
two teaspoon of the paste is taken orally in the evening as contraceptive.
109. Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae); BSHC 365.
Local name: Curry pata.
Parts used: Leaf + Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Rheumatism, body ache.
Mode of use and dose: Equal amount of root and leaf is mixed and grounded to a paste. The paste is
applied externally on affected parts to cure rheumatism and body ache.
110. Nardostachys grandiflora DC. (Valerianaceae); BSHC 8880.
Local name: Jatamansi.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Spasmodic pain and hysteria.
Mode of use and dose: About 5 ml of root paste is diluted water and given orally to cure spasmodic
pain.
111. Nasturtium officinale R. Br. (Brassicaceae); S.S.Dash 22002.
Local name: Simbrya.
Parts used: Whole Plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Cough.
Mode of use and dose: Plant decoction is taken orally to cure cough. This dose also acts as an
expectorant.
112. Ophiorrhiza treutleri Hook. f. (Rubiaceae); S.S.Dash 20791.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Diuretic, Strangury.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is diluted with water and taken orally thrice a day to cure burning
sensation in urine.
113. Oroxylum indicum Vent. (Bignoniaceae); S.S.Dash 14442.
Local name: Totala.
Parts used: i. Bark + Seed; ii. Seed; iii. Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Contraceptive; ii. Amenorrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: i. Sun dried seeds and fruit cover is kept in water for one night. The mixer is
then crushed with fresh bark of the plants to a paste, The paste is taken orally twice a day as contraceptive,
ii. The seed are grounded with gur and taken orally to regularize mense. iii. Root of the plant and flowers of
Michelia champaca L. are grounded into paste. One teaspoon of the paste is given orally in empty stomach
to newly wedded women as a safe guard against miscarriage.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 143
114. Osbeckia nepalensis Hook. (Melastomataceae); S.S.Dash 17269.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Flowers.
Therapeutic use(s): Astringent.
Mode of use and dose: Flower paste is taken orally and applied on wounds for rapid recovery.
115. Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae); S.S.Dash 17042.
Local name: Amrul.
Parts used: Root + Leave.
Therapeutic use(s): Galactagogue.
Mode of use and dose: Equal amount of fresh root and leaves are grounded with 5-7 black pepper and
make in a paste. One teaspoon of the paste is diluted in one glass of milk and given orally after delivery as a
health tonic and for easy flow of milk.
116. Panax pseudoginseng Wall. (Araliaceae); S.S.Dash 14064.
Local name: Ginseng.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Aphrodisiac.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste is diluted with milk and taken orally to increase sexually potency
and vigor.
117. Bistorta amplexicaulis Green (Polygonaceae); S.S.Dash 28992, 24002.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Blood dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste is given orally to stop blood dysentery.
118. Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach. (Polygonaceae); S.S.Dash 22066.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Emmenogogue.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste taken orally to regularize menses.
119. Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. (Phytolaccaceae); P. Chakrabotry 387.
Local name: Jaringo.
Parts used: i. Leaf juice; ii. Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Gastric ailments; ii. Rheumatism.
Mode of use and dose: i. Leaf juice is diluted with water and given orally to cure gastric ailments, ii.
Root paste is applied externally to get relief from pain and swellings of bones due to rheumatism.
120. Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell (Scrophulariaceae); BSHC 15559.
Local name: Kutki.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Blood dysentery.
144 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Mode of use and dose: Root paste is diluted with water and given orally to cure blood dysentery and
gastro-intestinal disorders.
121. Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbginaceae); S.S.Dash 20790.
Local name: Chitapari.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Contraceptive.
Mode of use and dose: Tender roots are grounded in to a paste and made in to small pills of 5 gm each.
One pill daily taken orally in the evening as contraceptive.
122. Podophylum hexandrum Royle (Podophyllaceae); S.S.Dash 27029.
Local name: Papri.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Laxative.
Mode of use and dose: About 5 gm root paste is given for one week to cure constipation.
123. Polygala arillata L. (Polygalaceae) S.S.Dash 20715.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Anti-dysentery vermifuge.
Mode of use and dose: i. Root paste is taken orally to cure chronic dysentery, ii. Root bark and stem
bark paste in equal amount taken orally to expel intestinal worms.
124. Plantago erosa Wall, ex Roxb. (Plantaginaceae); S.S.Dash 22013.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Astringent.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied around the external injuries to stop bleeding and also for
rapid recovery.
125. Potentilla saundersiana (Rosaceae) S.S.Dash 22762.
Local name: Chiriya phal.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Chest pain, cold, fever.
Mode of use and dose: Root decoction is used to make a sweet preparation with wheat flour and taken
orally to cure cold and chest congestion.
126. Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae); BSHC 515.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: i. Whole plants; ii. Flowers.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Headache, sore throats; ii. Febrifuge.
Mode of use and dose: i. Hot plant decoction is inhaled to cure headache due to nasal congestion, ii.
Flowers paste is taken orally to cure fever.
127. Prunus cerasoides D.Don (Rosaceae); S.S.Dash 22096.
Local name: Paiyung.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 145
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Inflammation.
Mode of use and dose: Bark paste is applied externally with Ragi (Elesine corocana Gaertn.) flour
locally known as kodu to cure inflammation due to external injury.
128. Przewalskia tangutica Maxim. (Solanaceae); S.K.Rai 1987.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Tympanitis.
Mode of use and dose: Root juice is diluted with water and taken orally to cure flatulent and distention
of the belly.
129. Ranunculus diffusus DC. (Ranunculaceae) S.S.Dash 20796.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic, Styptic.
Mode of use and dose: Plant paste is applied on and around the external injuries to stop bleeding and
also as an antiseptic.
130. Reinwardtia indica Dum (Linaceae); BSHC 13728.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic and Astringent.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf paste is applied externally to cure bleeding wound and also acts as an
antiseptic.
131. Rhaphidophora glauca Schott. (Araceae); S.S.Dash 17241.
Local name: Kanshirna.
Parts used: Stem.
Therapeutic use(s): Body ache.
Mode of use and dose: About 100 ml of the stem decoction is taken orally daily for 15 days to cure
general body-ache.
132. Rheum acuminatum Hook.f.& Thomson (Polygonaceae); S.S.Dash 18569.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Rheumatism; ii. Febrifuge.
Mode of use and dose: i. Root decoction boiled with bark of Cinnamomum tamala T. Nees and Ebern.
and taken orally to cure inflammation due to rheumatism, ii. Root paste is taken orally to cure fever.
133. Rhododendron arboreum Sm. (Ericaceae); S.S.Dash 15094.
Local name: Guras.
Parts used: Flower buds.
Therapeutic use(s): Dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: Paste of flower bud is taken orally to cure blood dysentery.
146 NELUMBO [Vol.51
134. Rhus semialata Murray (Anacardiaceae); S.S.Dash 18872.
Local name: Bakhimlo.
Parts used: Fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): Blood dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: Ripen fruits are made in to paste. About 20 gm. of the paste is diluted with water
and taken orally to cure blood dysentery.
135. Rhus succedanea L. (Anacardiaceae); S.S.Dash 17262.
Local name: Rani bhalaya.
Parts used: i. Leaf; ii. Leaf + Bark; iii. Branch gall.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Viral infection and cough; ii. Dysentery; iii. Expectorants.
Mode of use and dose: i. The paste of leaf and branch galls mixed in equal proportion and made into
small tablets of 5mg each. Two tablets taken orally trice a day to cure cough, ii. Equal amount of leaf and
bark is made into paste and tablets of 10 gm each are made. Two tablets twice a day taken orally to cure blood
dysentery, iii. About 25 gm of the paste of branch gall is mixed with a local prepared beer Chang and taken
orally to expel cough and clear chest congestion.
136. Ribes acuminatum G. Don (Grossulariaceae); S.S.Dash 22796, 22799.
Local name: Chamze.
Parts used: i. Leaves; ii. Fruits.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Astringent, Antiseptic; ii. Constipation.
Mode of use and dose: i. Leaf paste is applied externally on cuts and wound for rapid recovery and as
an antiseptic, ii. Fruit paste is taken orally to cure chronic constipation.
137. Rubia manjiith Roxb. ex Flem. (Rubiaceae); S.S.Dash 22021.
Local name: Majito.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Leucorrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: About 100 gm of roots are crushed and boiled in water to prepare a strong
decoction. The decoction is then mixed with Curcuma longa L. paste. Two teaspoon of the preparation is taken
orally twice a day to reduce excess white discharge.
138. Rubus ellipticus Sm. (Rosaceae); S.S.Dash 22094.
Local name: Aiselu.
Parts used: i. Bark; ii. Root
Therapeutic use(s): i. Dysentery; ii. Jaundice.
Mode of use and dose: i. Equal amount of the bark and tender leaves of the Psidium guajava L. is mixed
and pounded to a paste. One tea spoon of the paste is taken orally to cure dysentery, ii. Root paste given orally
to cure jaundice and liver ailments.
139. Rumex dentatus L. (Polygonaceae); S.S.Dash 22985.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Skin blisters.
Mode of use and dose: Root decoction is used to wash and applied externally on affected areas to cure
painful skin blisters.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 147
140. Rumex nepalensis Spreng. (Polygonaceae); S.S.Dash 22080, 27268.
Local name: Holhaley.
Parts used: i. Leaves; ii. Root decoction.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Antacids; ii. Food poison.
Mode of use and dose: i. About 1 ml of the leaf decoction is taken orally as antacid. Leaf paste given orally
to cure stomach upset, ii. Root decoction is taken orally to cure food poison particularly due to indigestion.
141. Sanicula elata Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don (Apiaceae); S.S.Dash 20722.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: i. Whole plant; ii. Flowers.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Blood dysentery; ii. Antiseptic, Styptic.
Mode of use and dose: i. About 5 gm of plant paste is taken orally to cure blood dysentery, ii. Flower
paste is applied on and around external injuries to stop bleeding and as an antiseptic.
142. Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth (Theaceae); S.S.Dash 17243.
Local name: Chilaune.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Febrifuge.
Mode of use and dose: A small piece of the root is chewed to reduce body temperature during fever.
143. Scurrula parasitica L. (Loranthaceae); BSHC 235 13.
Local name: Ajiru.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Contraceptive.
Mode of use and dose: The root is crushed in to paste with ginger. One teaspoon of the paste is taken
orally daily as contraceptive. Concentrated paste of root is taken orally for seven days in empty stomach within
3 weeks of sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
144. Solanum torvum Sw. (Solanaceae); BSHC 11356.
Local name: Barabihi.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Stomachache, carminative.
Mode of use and dose: The leaf and fruits of the plant is boiled and paste is made out of that. One
teaspoon of the paste is taken orally to cure stomachache due to indigestion. This dose is also cure flatulent
and acts as an appetizer.
145. Solanum viarum Dun (Solanaceae); BSHC 22362.
Local name: Sanabihi.
Parts used: Fruits with bark.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Cough and cold; ii. Nasal congestion.
Mode of use and dose: i. Equal amount fruit and bark is mixed and crushed into a paste. One teaspoon
of the paste is taken orally twice daily to cure viral fever and cold. ii. The paste is also inhaled to clear nasal
congestion.
146. Stellaria patens D.Don (Caryophyllaceae); S.S.Dash 22034.
Local name: Not known.
148 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Parts used: Whole plant.
Therapeutic use(s): Piles, hemorrhoids.
Mode of use and dose: Plant paste is applied around the anus to get relief from pain in piles and to cure
anal fissure.
147. Swetia chirayita (Roxb. ex Flem.) Korst (Gentianaceae); S.S.Dash 24047.
Local name: Chirowta.
Parts used: i. Leaves; ii. Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Febrifuge; ii. Purgative.
Mode of use and dose: i. Leaf decoction is taken orally to cure fever, ii. Root paste is applied around
boils and carbuncles to easy burst and to speed recovery.
148. Symplocus glomerata King (Symplocaceae); S.S.Dash 13776.
Local name: Kharaney.
Parts used: Fruit.
Therapeutic use(s): Dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: Tablets of about 5 gm of fruit paste are made. Two tablets in each 4 hours taken
to cure dysentery.
149. Taxus baccata subsp. wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilger. (Taxaceae); BSHC 22362.
Local name: Dhengre salla.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Health tonic.
Mode of use and dose: About 30 ml of the bark decoction is mixed with water and is taken orally as
general health tonic.
150. Tetradium fraxinifolium Wall, ex Royel (Rutaceae ) S.S.Dash 17273.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Fruits + Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Dysentery.
Mode of use and dose: Equal amount of the fruit and bark is mixed and grounded to a paste. About
1 gm of the paste are taken orally to cure dysentery.
151. Terminalia myriocarpa Heurck & MuelL- Arg. (Combretaceae); S.K.Rai 18873.
Local name: Panisaj.
Parts used: Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Strangury.
Mode of use and dose: Bark of tree, along with bark of Sygygium cumini (L.) Skeels ( Nep. Jumun) are
crushed into paste. Two teaspoon of the paste of diluted with sugarcane juice and taken twice or thrice a day
for five days to cure painful urination process. This dose is also prescribed to reduce bad odors in urine.
152. Thalictrum foliolosum DC. (Ranunculaceae); S.S.Dash 24197 '.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Conjunctivitis.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 149
Mode of use and dose: Roots of one or two plants are boiled to prepare a decoction. Eyes are washed
with this decoction twice a day to cure conjunctivitis.
153. Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb. (Thunbergiaceae); S.S.Dash 14399.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): Carminative.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf decoction is taken orally to cure indigestion.
154. Thunbergia lutea (Roxb.) Kuntze (Thunbergiaceae); S.S.Dash 22063, 22041.
Local name: Not known.
Parts used: Seeds.
Therapeutic use(s): Abortifacient.
Mode of use and dose: Seed paste is taken orally within one week of the sexual intercourse for
abortion.
155. Thysanolaena maxima (L.) Lam. (Poaceae); S.S.Dash 22066.
Local name: Amlisho.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Purgative.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste is applied around boil and carbuncles for easy burst and recovery.
156. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. (Rutaceae); BSHC 22569.
Local name: Singanem, Mein Khanra.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Diarrhoea.
Mode of use and dose: Small pils of 5gm. is made out of the root paste of the plant and taken orally to
cure dysentery.
157. Trichosanthes lapiniana Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae); S.S.Dash 22823.
Local name: Indreni.
Parts used: i. Seed; ii. Root.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Contraceptive; ii. Food poison.
Mode of use and dose: i. Seeds are sun dried and powdered. The powder is mixed thoroughly with equal
amount of powder of sun dried peeled tubers of Dioscoria bulbifera L. About one or two teaspoons of the
mixture is taken orally for 7 days after menstruation to prevent pregnancy, ii. The root paste or root decoction
of the plant is taken orally to wash the stomach in case of food poison.
158. Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. (Cucurbitaceae); S.S.Dash 22823(A).
Local name: Indreni.
Parts used: Fruit.
Therapeutic use(s): Asthma, bronchitis.
Mode of use and dose: Dried fruit powder smoked to cure bronchitis.
159. Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae); S.S.Dash 22064.
Local name: Sishnu.
150 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Purgative.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste is applied around boil and carbuncles for easy burst and recovery.
160. Urtica parviflora Roxb. (Urticaceae); S.S.Dash 22064.
Local name: Gharia sishnu.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Inflammation.
Mode of use and dose: Root paste applied externally to cure inflammation.
161. Valeriana hardwickii Wall. (Valerianaceae). BSHC 17303.
Local name: Chammaha.
Parts used: Root.
Therapeutic use(s): Antiseptic.
Mode of use and dose: The roots are crushed in to a paste and applied externally as antiseptic.
162. Viola thomsonii Oudem. (Violaceae); S.S.Dash 17256.
Local name: Heele.
Parts used: Leaf.
Therapeutic use(s): Eczema, fungal infection and other skin diseases.
Mode of use and dose: Leaf juice is applied around the affected area to cure skin blisters and ailments
due to fungal infection.
163. Viscum articulatum Burm.f. (Loranthaceae); S.S.Dash 12730.
Local name: Harchur.
Parts used: i. Root; ii. Leaves.
Therapeutic use(s): i. Aphrodisiac; ii. Minor bone fracture.
Mode of use and dose: i. Roots of the plant along with fruits of Piper peepuloides Roxb. ( Nep. Rukh
peeple) are grounded to a paste. Small pills of 5 gm each are made out of the paste and taken orally within
3 weeks of sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy, ii. Leaves are crushed with bark of Mucuna pruriens
(L.) DC. and when taken orally believed to be aphrodisiac, ii. Leaf paste is used to make plaster around the
affected area with the help of bamboos and wet cloth. Then the plaster is left for 15 days to cure minor bone
fractures.
164. Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae). S.S.Dash 20345.
Local name: Siwali.
Parts used: Leaf.
Therapeutic use(s): Earache.
Mode of use and dose: Two drops of leaf juice is poured in the ears to cure earache.
165. Wrightia arborea (Dennst.) D.J. Mabberley (Apocynaceae).
Local name: Karingi, Khira.
Parts used: i. Root; ii. Bark.
Therapeutic use(s): Abdominal pain during menses, ii. Emmenogogue.
2009] DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA 151
Mode of use and dose: i. Root bark is grounded with 5-8 seeds of Piper nigrum L. and taken orally
twice daily for relieve of abdominal pain. ii. Bark of the plant is grounded to a fine paste, one teaspoon of the
paste is taken orally daily twice for 7 days to regularize menses.
166. Zanthopxylum armatum DC. (Rutaceae); BSHC 3456.
Local name: Bale timur.
Parts used: i. Leaves; ii. Seeds
Therapeutic use(s): i. Indigestion; ii. Anthelmintic.
Mode of use and dose: i. About 1 ml of the leaf decoction is taken orally twice a day to cure indigestion
and acidity, ii. Seed paste is given orally to infants to expel intestinal worms.
167. Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. (Rutaceae); S.S.Dash 13777 '.
Local name: Bokey timbur.
Parts used: Fruit.
Therapeutic use(s): Toothache.
Mode of use and dose: Fruit powder is used for brushing teeth to reduce toothache.
RESULTS
The ethnobotanical information gathered reveals 225 different uses of 1 67 plant species belonging to 84
families for the treatment of 27 major ailments. The plants species are presented in alphabetical order followed
by the family name, collection number, vernacular name (mostly in Nepali), the parts used, the therapeutic
symptoms for which the plants were used and the methods of preparation of doses. Herbs are represented by
approximately 50% of the total species, followed by trees (25.7%) and shrubs (16.7%); while climbers constitute
the lowest habitat category (8.38%). Out of the total species, 106 species show their range of distribution in
tropical and sub-tropical region, 26 species found in temperate region, 16 species found in alpine region while
19 species found in transitional belts.
Table - 1 : Medicinal plants arranged by habitats
Habitat Total species Percentage
Herbs 82 49.1
Shrubs 28 16.76
Trees 43 25.75
Climber 14 8.39
Total 167 100
Plant parts used :
The plant parts used for different ailments bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, rhizomes, seed, stems and
young shoots. Herbs were mostly used as whole, while in case of trees, the parts were used differently.
(Fig. -1). It is interesting to note that there were 17 types of medicines which were used in combinations of
different parts.
Roots are used most frequently, may be due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds
(Anonymous 1966, Baualdo & al., 1995; Robinson, 1974). It is significant to note that uprooting of plants or
removal of roots is the main cause of loss of a particular species.
Ailments treated :
All total 28 ailments were treated. Instances are there that single plant is used for different ailments
in different combination and different doses. The table-II show the different ailments and the plants or plant
parts used for treatment.
152
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
60 i-
Parts used
Fig.- 1: Plant parts used in preparation of different medicines and doses.
Table- II: Medicinal Plants used various ailments
□ Bail
■ Branch gall
□ Combined
□ Cone
■ Loaves
□ Rhizome
■ Ron I
■ Seed
■ Whole plart
□ Young ShooLs
SI. Therapeutic use(s)/
No. Diseases symptoms
Plants used
Aconitum heterophyllum, Aphanamixis polystachya, Hedera nepalensis, Zanthoxylum
armatum,
Berberis wallichi, Datura metel, Eurya acuminata, Galinsoga parviflora
Achyranthes bidentata, Ageratum conyzoides, Anaphalis contorta, Artemisia
nilagirica, Centella asiatica, Circaea alpina, Clinopodium umbrosum, Colebrookea
oppositifolia, Didymocarpus pedicellata, Eupatorium adenophorum, Eupatorium
cannabinum, Ranunculus diffusus, Reinwordtia indica, Sanicula elata, Terminalia
myriocarpa, Stellaria patens, Valeriana hardwickii
Dalbergia latifolia, Hedera nepalensis, Panax pseudoginseng, Viscum articulatum
Abrus precatorius, Thunbergia lutea
Betula utilis, Clematis wightiana, Clematis buchananiana, Desmodium
elegans, Ephedra gerardiniana, Girardinia diversifolia, Rhus semialata, Solanum
viarum, Trichosanthes tricuspidata
Bistorta affinis,, Bistorta vivipara, Dichrocephala integrifolia, Osbeckia nepalensis,
Plantago erosa, Ribes acuminatum
Clematis wightiana, Solanum torvum, Thunbergia grandiflora, Zanthooxylum
armatum
Berberis aristata, Thalictrum folilosum
Butea monosperma, Croton caudatus, Michelia doltsopa Oroxylum indicum, Plumbago
zeylanica, Scurrula parasitica, Trichosanthes lapiniana
Abies densa, Zanthoxylum acanthopodium
Clematis buchananiana, Equisetum diffusum, Gmelina arborea, Juniperus
recurva, Lyonia ovalifolia, Rumex dentatus, Viola thomsoni
Agrimonia pilosa, Berginia ciliata, Bistorta amplexicaule, Cinnamomum tamala,
Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Polygala arillata, Rhododendron arboreum, Rhus
semialata, Rubus ellipticus, Sanicula elata, Symplocus glomerata, Tetradium
fraxinifolium, Toddalia asiatica,
1.
Anthelmintic
2.
Antidotes
3.
Antiseptic, Cut &
Wounds/Styptic
4.
Aphrodisiac/ Libido
5.
Arbortifacient
6.
Asthma/Bronchitis and
Respiratory problems
7.
Astringent
8.
Carminative
9.
Conjunctivitis
10.
Contraceptives
11.
Dental care
12.
Dermatological use/
Skin disorders
13.
Diarrhoea & Dysentery
2009]
DASH : TRADITIONAL HERBAL REMEDIES USED IN SIKKIM, INDIA
153
SI. Therapeutic use(s)/
No. Diseases symptoms
Plants used
14. Diuretic
15. ENT problems
16.
17.
18.
19.
Febrifuge,
Cold and cough
Galactogogue
Gastro-intestinal
ailments
Gynecological
disorders
Ajuga bracteosa, Bombax ceiba, Coix lachryma-jobi, Daphne bholua, Desmodium
elegans, Ilex dipyrena, Laportea terminalis, Mahonia nepalensis, Ophiorrhiza
treutleri.
Bergenia purpurascens, Bidens pilosa, Bistorta vivipara, Flascopa scendens,
Hemiphragma heterophyllum, Hippophae salicifolia Juglans regia, Vitex negundo
Abelmoschus manihot, Abrus precatorius, Acoros calamus Artemisia
nilagirica, Ammomum subulatum, Begonia cathcartii, Brugmansia suaveolens, Dichroa
febrifuga, Drymaria cordata, Gmelina arborea, Heracleum wallichi, Nasturtium
officinale, Potentilla saundersiana, Prunella vulgaris, Rheum acuminatum, Schima
wallichii, Swertia chirayita, Solanum viarum
Alstonia scholaris, Cleome viscosa, Costus speciosus, Oxalis corniculata
Agrimonia pilosa, Ainsliaea latifolia, Bidens pilosa, Bergenia
purpurascens, Callicarpa arborea, Cannavis sativa, Cissampelos pareira, Coelogyne
fuscescens, Hedychium spicatum, Houttuynia cordata, Juniperus recurva, Litsea
cubela, Nardostachys grandiflora, Phytolacca acinosa, Przewalskia tangutica,
Solanum torvum
Abies densa, Abroma augusta, Abrus precatorius, Alangium chinense,
Amaranthus spinosus, Astilbe rivularis, Berginia ciliata, Bombax ceiba, Butea
monosperma, Caesalpinia bonduc, Clerodendrum infortuatum, Dendrocalamus
hamiltonii, Gloriosa superba, Oroxylum indicum, Persicaria hydropiper, Rubia
manjiith, Wrightia arborea
Betula alnoides, Cissampelos pareira, Rubus ellipticus
Belamcanda chinensis, Fraxinus floribunda, Gaultheria nummularioides,
Houttuynia cordata, Podophyllum hexandrum, Ribes acuminatum
Astilbe rivularis, Betula alnoides, Bidens pilosa, Bischofia javanica,
Bistorta affinis, Boenninghausenia albiflora, Buddleja asiatica, Cuscuta reflexa, Cyathea
spinulosa, Dichroa febrifuga, Dioscorea belophylla, Eupatorium adenophorum,
Heracleum wallichi, Prunus cerasoides, Rhaphidophora glauca, Urtica parviflora,
Aphanamixis polystachya, Campylandra aurantiaca, Costus speciosus, Elephantopus
scaber, Gloriosa superb, Michelia champak, Taxus baccata var wallichiana
Ajuga bracteosa, Girardinia diversifloa, Ficus semicordata, Iris clarki, Swetia
chirayita, Thysanolaena maxima, Urtica dioica
Aconitum ferox, Caltha palustris, Cassia fistula, Erythrina arborescens, Eurya
acuminata, Murraya koenigia, Phytolacca acinosa, Rheum acuminatum
Anemone rivularis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Maesa chisia,
Berginia ciliata, Centella asiatica, Rumex dentatus, Trichosanthes lapiniana, Viscum
articulatum
DISCUSSION
During the open ended interviews it was revealed that the use of plants for common ailments viz. cough &
cold, nasal congestion, fever, pain reliever were quite familiar to most of the inhabitants. However, knowledge
regarding complicated ailments like gynecological problems, ailments dealing with infants, pregnancy, pre
& post natal treatment were known to a particular section of the people; some of which serve as local herbal
healer. This kind of traditional curative knowledge was usually inherited in a family which kept the information
'. Jaundice and Liver
disorders
Laxatives
Muscular pain/
Anti- inflammation
Pre & post natal cai
Purgative
Rheumatism
Veterinary use
Others
154 NELUMBO [Vol.51
for secret for generation to generation in a belief that the remedial effect of the medicines would loose its
potency if disclosed to other people (Dash, 1 994). Similar observations were also made by others in Himalayan
region (Shrestha & Dhillion, 2003; Bhat & al, 1990; Jain & Salkani, 1991).
All the treatments were based on the medicines prepared from single plant. However 16 medicinal
remedies were based on the mixture of two or three plants. The preparation of doses included powder, decoction,
paste, raw plant material (unprocessed), smoke and juice. About 62% of remedies were cured by paste, 1 7%
were cured by decoctions while 19% of remedies were cured by other applications. Like wise the decoction
was made by boiling of the parts of whole plant to a thick solution.
Use of the drug includes oral administration, inhalation, poultice, external application and massage.
Most of the medicines are administrated orally, while poultice of the 21% of the plants are applied externally.
Internal uses of medicines were maximum in the gastro-intestinal ailments while external application was
maximum in skeleto-muscular and dermatological ailments. Similar findings were also reported from other
parts of the world (Bonet & al, 1992; Raja & al, 1997).
Some of the interesting remedies were Centella asiatica L. used for controlling blood pressure, Costus
speciosus used for reducing breast swelling, Rubus ellipticus used for jaundice, Gynocardia odorata used
for epilepsy and Berberis walhchii used for mad dog bite. The high use of plants for gynecological disorders
reflects the socio-economic condition of the people inhibited in this region.
It is very difficult to assess the effectiveness of the herbal medicines. Literature survey revealed that
some of the plants practiced by the people are likely to be effective; for example seeds of Abrus precatorius
contain alkaloid abrine, which is mild poison, the dose used for abortion. The use of Aconitum ferox against
epilepsy is supported by the presece of a toxic alkaloid pseudo-aconitine which has an antidepressant effect on
central nervous system. (Anonymous 1956). Use of Dichroa febrifuga as antipyretic supported the presence
of a bitter substance and possess anti malarial activity. Similarly the use of Swertia chirayita for fever is
substantiated by presence of a bitter substance Chiratin (Anonymous 1956). The application of leaf juice of
Eupatorium adenophorum externally to stop bleeding is supported by presence of a haemostatic substance
ayapanin ( Bose & Roy, 1936). However, the purpose of this paper is not to prescribe any remedy against any
diseases but to report the traditional uses of the plants; which would be screened and tested by the pharmacogist
before used as medicines.
CONCLUSION
Sikkim is one of the smallest States of India not fully explored ethnobotanically. Many parts of the
State are inaccessible and modern health care is not easily available. The recorded information was gathered
mainly from the rural sectors of the state and not reported from the earlier published data. The local names of
the plants are different from place to place but the uses are same.
In recent years the rural folk have started discarding their traditions including the herbal remedies. The
use of the plants has also declined due to scarcity of medicinal plants in the region. Over exploitation of the
plants for domestic as well as commercial uses is also a great threat. The opening up of several high altitude
areas like Nathula, Gurudangmar lake, Cholamau lake, Dzongri ect. to tourists in Sikkim has also affected the
microclimatic conditions of these fragile ecosystems. Overgrazing and large scale timber extractions are also
major threats to the existing biodiversity. Legal as well as illegal trade of some important medicinal plants
viz. Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Nardostachys grandiflora, Aconitum spp, Swertia chirayita, Podophyllum
hexandrum and Taxus wallichiana have already endangered many unique populations of these species in the
region.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author is thankful to Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata and Joint Director, BSI, Sikkim
Himalayan Circle, Gangtok for encouragement and facility.
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NELUMB0 51: 157-160. 2009
GENUS COLOLEJEUNEA (SPRUCE) SCHIFFN. IN
NILGIRI HILLS (WESTERN GHATS)
P. K. Verma
Rain Forest Research Institute, Deovan, SotaiAH, Jorhat 785 001
e-mail : pkverma_bryo@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
The present paper deals with the status of the Cololejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. in Nilgiri hills of Western
Ghats. Till date the genus is represented in Nilgiri hills by 5 species Cololejeunea nilgiriensis G. Asthana &
S. C. Srivast., C. latilobula (Herzog) Tixier, C. minutissima (Sm.) Schiffn. C. appressa (A. Evans) Benedix
and C. pseudofloccosa (Horik.) Benedix. Recent investigations have however, shown the presence of two
more species, C. udarii G. Asthana & S. C. Srivast. and C. cardiocarpa (Mont.) A. Evans.
Keywords: Bryophyta, Cololejeunea, Hepaticae, Nilgiri hills, Western Ghats.
INTRODUCTION
The Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu is considered to be one of the treasurer houses of the bryo-diversity
including Hepaticae, Anthocerotae and Musci not only in Western Ghats but also in entire peninsular India. Due
to the tropical and subtropical climate, coupled with physical and biotic factors, the area is well suited for the
growth and differentiation of Lejeuneaceae, Jubulaceae and Porellaceae. The family Lejeuneaceae has maximum
generic as well as species diversity in Nilgiri hills. The genus Cololejeunea (subfamily Cololejeuneoideae) is
frequently distributed in tropical and subtropical part of the world and mostly found as epiphytic population
more commonly as foliicolous (epiphyllous) form and less so corticolous (Pocs, 1982). The genus is one of the
most delicate among the hepaticae and is characterized by hyaline nature of leaf, lack of underleaves and highly
reduced stem anatomy (i.e. comprising only single medullary cell surrounded by cortical cells) and asexual
reproduction by means of discoid gemmae occurring exogenously on leaf surface. In India the genus has a
rich diversity with 30 validly recognized species. The South Indian territory is represented with 22 species of
which 5 species are known from Nilgiri, Cololejeunea latilobula (Herzog) Tixier, C. nilgiriensis G. Asthana &
S. C. Srivast., C. minutissima (Sm.) Schiffn., C. appressa (A. Evans) Benedix and C. pseudofloccosa (Horik.)
Benedix (Asthana & Srivastava, 2003). During a recent exploration in the area two more species of genus
Cololejeunea, C. cardiocarpa (Mont.) A. Evans, and C. udarii G. Asthana & S. C. Srivast. were collected from
Nilgiri hills making a total of 7 species in the area. The paper also discusses the peculiarities of the species
with range of distribution in India as well as abroad.
Key to subgenera and species of genus Cololejeunea
la. Plants small (up to 2 mm long), fragile in nature;
branching athecal, Aphanolejeunea-type;
leaves distantly arranged ...Cololejeunea subgen. Aphanolejeunea (C nilgiriensis)
lb. Plants medium to long (4 mm to 16 mm long);
branching thecal, Lejeunea type, leaves
sub-imbricate to closely imbricate ...2
2a. Leaves with dimorphic leaf-lobule, ligulate
or inflated; leaf-lobe margin with elongated,
hyaline cells ...Cololejeunea subgen. Pedinolejeunea..3
2b. Leaves with monomorphic leaf-lobule, only inflated,
Ungulate lobule absent, leaf-lobe margin crenate
(hyaline cell always absent) ...5
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
158 NELUMBO [Vol.51
3a. Marginal hyaline cells of leaf-lobule elongated
(finger like projection); in cluster at the tip of apex ...C. cardiocarpa
3b. Marginal cells of leaf-lobe rectangulate, present all along the margin ...4
4a. Leaf-lobule lingulate to triangulate, with defined first tooth, while second tooth absent ...C. latilobula
4b. Leaf-lobule variable, lingulate to inflated, with distinct first and second tooth ...C. udarii
5a. Dorsal pappilosity on leaf-cells absent,
plants loosely appressed ...Cololejeunea subgen. Leptocolea (C. minutissimd)
5b. Dorsal pappilosity on leaf-cells well developed and
prominently present throughout all the leaves, plants
closely appressed Cololejeunea subgen. Taeniolejeunea ...6
6a. Vitta present, first tooth larger than second tooth ...C. appressa
6b. Vitta absent, second tooth larger than the first tooth C. pseudofloccosa
1. Cololejeunea nilgiriensis G. Asthana & S. C. Srivast., Bryophytorum Bibliotheca 60: 27. 2003.
Type locality : India (Tamil Nadu-Avalanche).
Range : Endemic to India (Nilgiri hills).
Distribution : India : South India: Tamil Nadu-Nilgiri hills (Avalanche, Ebanadu, Ketabettu (see also
Asthana and Srivastava, 2003).
Specimen examined : Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri hills-Coonoor (Ketabettu), 1850-1900 m,
09.04.2002, P.K. Verma, A. Alam and N. Sahu 15330/2002 (LWU).
The species was recently instituted species from Avalanche, Nilgiri hills (Asthana & Srivastava, 2003)
and been recently collected from Coonoor (Ketabettu), a new locality from the area. The species is characterized
by distantly arranged leaves with crenate margin of leaf lobe and dorsal pappilosity.
2. Cololejeunea cardiocarpa (Mont.) A. Evans, Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 8: 177. 1902.
Type locality : North America (Cuba).
Range : Australia, Africa, Central & South America and Asia (see also Wigginton & Grolle, 1996;
Verma, 2005).
Distribution : India : South India: Kerala-Murukkaddy; Tamil Nadu-Palni hills-Kodaikanal (Periyakulam,
Perumalmalai) (see also Asthana & Srivastava, 2003), Nilgiri hills-Singara Tea Estate.
Specimens examined : Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri hills - Coonoor (Singara Tea Estates), 1850
m, 11.10.2000, S.C. Srivastava and party 12828/2000 (LWU).
This species is a new addition to liverwort flora of Nilgiri hills, collected from Coonoor and easily
separable from other species of Cololejeunea subgen. Pedinolejeunea in having finger like elongated non-
chlorophyllous cells present at the tip of leaf - lobe. The species was earlier known from Kerala (Murukkaddy)
and Tamil Nadu (Palni hills: Periyakulam, Perumalmalai) in south India (Asthana & Srivastava, 2003)
3. Cololejeunea latilobula (Herzog) Tixier, Bryophytorum Bibliotheca 27: 156. 1986.
Type locality : China.
Range : Africa and Asia (see also Asthana & Srivastava, 2003).
Distribution : India : Western Himalaya: Uttarakhand: Bageshwar, Nainital (Chaubatia). Eastern
Himalaya: Meghalaya-Cherrapunji. Central India: Madhya Pradesh (Pachmarhi). South India: Karnataka-
Mercara, Jog falls, Agumbe; Kerala-Trichur (Peechi dam), Kottayam, Murukkaddy, Thekkady, Trivandrum;
Tamil Nadu - Nilgiri hills (Kendurai, Kalahatty slope, Sim's park; Palni hills - Kodaikanal (Periyakulam) (see
also Asthana & Srivastava, 2003).
2009] VERMA : GENUS COLOLEJEUNEA (SPRUCE) SCHIFFN. IN NILGIRI HILLS 159
Specimens examined : Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri hills-Kalahatty slope reserve forest,
1600-1800 m, 26.03.2001, P.K. Verma and A. Alam 13525/2001 (LWU). Kendurai, 2100 m, 28.03.2003, P.K.
Verma and A. Alam 16775/2003, 16776/2003, 16777/2003 (LWU).
Initially this species was reported from India as Leptocolea himalayensis (= Cololejeunea himalayensis)
by Pande and Misra (1943) from Uttarakhand. It is and extensively distributed in all four major bryo-
geographical regions of the country. Recently Zhu and So (2001) reduced it as synonymies under Cololejeunea
latilobula (see also Asthana & Srivastava, 2003).
4. Cololejeunea udarii G. Asthana & S. C. Srivast., Bryophytorum Bibliotheca 60: 40. 2003.
Type locality : India: Karnataka (Jog falls).
Range : Endemic to India.
Distribution : India : Eastern Himalaya: Assam; Arunachal Pradesh (Yingkiyong, Siang-Shimar
forest). South India: Karnataka- Jog falls, Agumbe (see Asthana & Srivastava, 2003); Tamil Nadu-Nilgiri hills
(Avalanche).
Specimen examined : Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri hills-Avalanche, 2200 m, 09.10.2000,
S.C. Srivastava and party 12563/2000 (LWU).
Cololejeunea udarii instituted from Jog falls, Karnataka (Asthana & Srivastava, 2003), shows an
extended range of distribution in Nilgiri hills (Avalanche). The species is characterized by hyaline marginal
cells present only along the antical margin and dimorphic leaf-lobule (Ungulate to inflated).
5. Cololejeunea minutissima (Sm.) Schiffn., Engler and Prantl, English Bot. PI. 1633. 1806.
Type locality : Great Britain.
Range : Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America (see also Asthana & Srivastava,
2003; Mizutani, 1980, 1984).
Distribution : India : Eastern Himalaya: Meghalaya-Shillong (Vishnupur); West Bengal. South India:
Karnataka-Mercara; Kerala-Thekkady, Murukkaddy, Trivandrum; Tamil Nadu-Nilgiri hills (Parson's valley,
Emerald, Kendurai, Government Botanical Garden, Avalanche; Palni hills-Kodaikanal.
Specimens examined : Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri hills - Ootacamund (Kendurai), 2100-2200
m, 30.03.2003, P.K. Verma and A. Alam 16771/2003, 16772/2003, 16773/2003, 16776/2003 (LWU).
This species was earlier reported from Nilgiri hills as Lejeunea minutissima (Mitten, 1 861). Now it is one
of the most abundant species of the genus in Nilgiri hills and seems closer to genus Microlejeunea, especially
M. ulicina (Lejeuneoideae) because of its nature of appearance. The species is characterized by small plant,
bidentate inflated leaf-lobule, with 2 celled first tooth.
6. Cololejeunea pseudofloccosa (Horik.) Benedix, Feddes Repert. 134: 36. 1953.
Type locality : Taiwan.
Range : Australia and Asia (see Zhu & So, 2001).
Distribution : India: Eastern Himalaya: Arunachal Pradesh-E. Siang, Shimar forest; Sikkim; West Bengal-
Darjeeling (Rimbic); Meghalaya-Cherrapunji. South India: Tamil Nadu-Nilgiri hills (Avalanche, Coonoor)
(see also Asthana & Srivastava, 2003; Verma, 2005).
Specimen examined: Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri hills -Upper Bhavani (Avalanche), 2200 m,
09.10.2000, S.C. Srivastava and party 12563/2000 (LWU).
Cololejeunea pseudofloccosa was recently reported from Avalanche, Nilgiri hills (Asthana & Srivastava,
2003). The species is characterized by leaf lobule morphology where the first tooth of leaf-lobule is crossed
over by the second tooth.
160 NELUMBO [Vol.51
7. Cololejeunea appressa (A. Evans) Benedix, Feddes Repert. Beih. 134: 31. 1953.
Type locality : Jamaica.
Range: Africa, Asia and South America (see also Zhu & So, 2001).
Distribution : India : Eastern Himalaya: Meghalaya-Cherrapunji, Shillong (Elephant falls); West
Bengal - Darjeeling, Jorpokhri. South India: Karnataka-Agumbe, Jog falls; Tamil Nadu-Nilgiri hills [Kotagiri
(Shollarmattum), Gudulur (Naduvattam reserve forest), Ootacamund (Ebanadu), Upper Bhavani (Avalanche)];
Palni hills-Kodaikanal, (Perumalmalai); Andaman and Nicobar Isl. (see also Asthana & Srivastava, 2003).
Specimen examined : Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri hills- Avalanche, 2200 m, 09.10.2000, S.C.
Srivastava and party 12563/2000 (LWU).
The species was initially reported from Avalanche, Nilgiri hills (Asthana & Srivastava, 2003). It has
also been collected from Gudulur and Coonoor. The species is characterized by 4 celled uniseriate vitta and
papillosity of the leaf.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author is grateful to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt, of India, New Delhi for financial
assistance under AICOPTAX.
REFERENCES
Asthana, G and Srivastava S. C. 2003. Indian Cololejeunea. (A taxonomic study). Bryoph. Biblioth. 60 : 1-155. J.
Cramer, Berlin, Stuttgart.
Mitten, W. 1861. Hepaticae Indiae Orientalis: an enumeration of the Hepaticae of the East-Indies. J. Proc. Linn. Soc,
Bot. 5 : 385-392.
Mizutani, M. 1980. Notes on the Lejeuneaceae.3. (Some Asiatic species of Cheilolejeunea). J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 47 :
319-331.
Mizutani, M. 1984. Notes on the Lejeuneaceae.8. Japanese species of the subgenus Taeniolejeunea of the genus
Cololejeunea. J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 57 : 153-170.
Pocs, T. 1982. Tropical forest ecology. In: Bryophyte Ecology, (ed. A.J.E. Smith). Chapman and Hall, New York. 59-
104.
Wigginton, M. J. and R. Grolle. 1996. Catalogue of the Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of sub- Saharan Africa. Bryoph.
Biblioth. 50 : 1-267. J. Cramer, Berlin, Stuttgart.
Zhu R. L. and M.L. So. 2001. Epiphyllous liverworts of China. Nova Hedwigia Beih. 121: 1-418.
^ffa "Plft H*|R*4 ("qf^Rt W) ^' qb)d)/d^A^/ (^T) f^FFT. ^ fMcT ^FT cpfa tl 3T*ft ^F
HldPlR W\\kM\ $ ^T tfc\ ^Ft 5 ^nfcFqf f : wttfrF?]fim HldPlR^Rw, wMf^f¥TT rlfedl^dl,
NELUMB0 51: 161-174. 2009
TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF
PACHMARHI BIOSPHERE RESERVE (MADHYA PRADESH), INDIA
V. Nath and R. Gupta
Bryology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001
ABSTRACT
Nine taxa belonging to Bryaceae: Anomobryum auratum (Mitt.) Jaeg., Brachymenium acuminatum
Harv., Brachymenium ptychothecium (Besch.) Ochi, Bryum argenteum Hedw., Bryum caespiticium L. ex
Hedw., Bryum capillare L. ex Hedw., Bryum coronatum Schwaegr., Bryum par adoxum var. reflexifolium
(Ochi) Ochi and Pohlia flexuosa Hook., growing on various habitats in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
(PBR), between altitude 800-1060 meters have been assessed. These mosses are being reported from the
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve for the first time.
Keywords : Bryaceae, Bryopsida, Pachmari.
INTRODUCTION
Bryaceae is one of the largest families of mosses (Bryopsida) with worldwide distribution of 13
genera and 850 species (Shaw 1985). It includes erect mosses with generally sparsely branched stems.
There is extensive variation among the members of the family in leaf shape, shape of cells and capsules and
development of capsule (from perfect to absent). The family was divided by Brotherus (1924) into 3 subfamilies
viz. Orthodontioideae, Bryoideae and Melichhoferioideae. Andrews (1935) and Ochi (1959) have divided
Bryaceae into two subfamilies: Bryoideae and Pohliodeae. Gangulee (1977) has followed the two subfamily
classification and described 1 genera of the family from India. However, Lai (2005) has listed 1 1 genera under
this family from India viz. Anomobryum Schimp., Bryum Hedw., Brachymenium Schwaegr. Epipterygeum
Lindb., Leptobryum (B.S.G) Wilson, Mielichhobryum Srivastava, MielichhoferiaNees & Hornsch, Mniobryum
Limpr., Plagiobryum Lindb., Pohlia Hedw., Rhodobryum (Schimp.) Limpr.
Bryaceae is often considered a taxonomically difficult family Some workers have extensively worked
on it and revised several genera of the family Traditional generic concepts in the family as exemplified by
those of Brotherus (1924) are based sometimes on gametophytic and at other times on sporophytic characters.
Later, several workers have worked on various genera. Ochi (1959, 1972, 1972a,) has revised Bryum and
related genera. Crundwell and Nyholm (1964), Syed (1973) and Mohammed (1979) revised several groups
of the family. Shaw and Fife (1984) discussed peristome variation and taxonomy in Anomobryum.
The central Indian zone is rich in terms of bryoflora. Mosses of the central Indian region have been
studied and described by several authors, Nath & al. (2005, 2007, 2008), Chaudhary and Sharma (2002),
Chaudhary and Deora (1996, 2001), Bapna (1975). But the mosses of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
have not been explored to a satisfactory extent. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is situated in Madhya Pradesh,
covering three civil districts - Chhindwara, Betul and Hoshangabad, undertaking an area of 4987.38 square
kms. This region is of great importance due to the fact that this area lies in what was known in the past as
the Gondwanaland and its age can be calculated to the Triassic period. The flora and fauna of the region thus
hold much importance phylogenetically Further, the region also forms a link between the biodiversity of the
southern Indian region and that of the Himalayan region, and this makes the Biosphere Reserve a connecting
link between the two belts. Nearly 57 species of liverworts, 37 species of epiphytic mosses and 46 species
of terrestrial mosses have been reported from there so far (Singh and Kaul 2002). Family Bryaceae shows
considerable representation as evident from 9 taxa belonging to 4 genera being encountered from here.
The genus Bryum is represented by 5 species namely B. argenteum Hedw., B. caespiticium L. ex Hedw.,
B. capillare L. ex Hedw., B. coronatum Schwaegr. and B. paradoxum var. reflexifolium (Ochi) Ochi. The
genus Brachymenium is represented by only 2 species viz. B. acuminatum Harv. and B. ptychothecium
(Besch.) Ochi whereas, genus Anomobryum and Pohlia are represented by one species each, A. auratum
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
162 NELUMBO [Vol.51
(Mitt.) Jaeg and P. flexuosa Hook, respectively. Previously, Singh and Kaul (2002) reported 4 genera viz.
Anomobryum, Brachymenium, Bryum and Pohlia of this family from the Biosphere Reserve area.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The specimens were collected in the successive years in 1992, 1993 and 2006 respectively from
10 localities situated at an altitudinal range between 800 to 1060 m, of the Biosphere Reserve. The specimens
were collected from terrestrial habitats such as rocks, soil covered rocks and wet rocks etc. and have been
deposited in the Bryophyte Herbarium, NBRI, Lucknow (LWG).
Key to the genera
la. Plants slender, unbranched , leaf cells in upper & middle region
nearly four times as long as broad, basal leaf cells longer 1 . ...Pohlia
lb. Plants frequently branched , leaf cells in middle & upper region
not in 4: 1 ratio, basal cells abruptly shortening at the base ...2
2a. Plants slender, julaceous, long slender sub- floral innovations.
leaves small, appressed to stem, costa ending much below leaf apex 2. ...Anomobryum
2b. Plants moderately robust, non- julaceous, robust sub- floral
innovations, leaves longer, erect to erectopatent, costa ex-current ...3
3a. Plants with hyaline or shorter arista, leaf cells spindle shaped
or rhomboidal, broader 3. ...Brachymenium
3b. Plants with hyaline or shorter arista, leaf cells spindle
shaped or rhomboidal, narrower 4. ...Bryum
1. Pohlia flexuosa Hook, in Icon. PL Rar., 1:19 (1836). (Fig. 1).
Plants terrestrial, in lax tufts, yellowish green. Stem erect, up to 8 mm long, with subfloral innovations.
Leaves loosely arranged below, dense at apex; erectopatent, lanceolate up to 1.4 mm and 0.4 mm broad. Leaf
margin flat, slight dentitions at apex. Costa strong, brownish, percurrent. Leaf cells in the upper region thick
walled, rhomboid, ± 40 x 8 urn in size, basal cells rectangular to quadrate, + 36 x 8 um. Sporophyte not seen.
Specimen examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi : Tamia Valley, growing on soil over rock, alt.
c.lOOOm, 10.10.1992, V. Nath & A. K. Asthana 205486.
2. Anomobryum auratum (Mitt.) Jaeg. in Ber. Tsitigk. St. GallischenNaturwiss. Ges., 1873-74: 142(1875).
(Fig. 2).
Plants terrestrial, julaceous, tufted, yellowish green, bounded by rhizoids at base. Stem upto 1.2 cm
long, branched by 2 to 3 subfloral innovations, densely covered by leaves. Leaves closely appressed to the
stem, ovate - elliptical with obtusely apiculate to rounded tip + 1.2 x 0.6 mm in size. Costa pale, ending much
below the leaf apex. Leaf cells thick walled, linear up to 48 x 6 urn at apex; basal cells rhomboidal to sub-
rectangular up to 40 x 16 urn. Sporophyte not seen.
Specimens examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi: on way to Dhoopgarh, growing on soil, alt.
c.1056 m 16.12.1993, V. Nath & A.K. Asthana 205556; On Pandav Caves, growing on rock, alt. c.820 m,
1.12.2006, V.Sahu & V. Awasthi 227685C.
Key to the species of Genus Brachymenium
la. Plants smaller (up to 6 mm), pale- yellowish, leaves small,
margin entire ... B. acuminatum
lb. Plants longer (up to 10 mm), glossy green, branched,
leaves larger, margin dentate ...B. ptychothecium
3. Brachymenium acuminatum Harv. in Hook, in Icon. PI. Rar, 1:19 (1863). (Fig. 3).
Plants terrestrial, pale to yellowish green plants in dense mats. Stem erect, up to 6 mm high, branched
by several subfloral innovations, matted by tomenta. Leaves erect, ovate - lanceolate up to 1.2 mm long and
2009] NATH AND GUPTA : TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF PBR 163
nnnn
0.05mm
8-11),
0.5mm
Fig. 1 (1-10) : Pohliaflexuosa Hook. 1-3. vegetative plants, 4-7. leaves, 8. apical leaf cells
9. middle leaf cells, 10. basal leaf cells.
164
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
Fig. 2 (1-9) : Anomobryum auratum (Mitt.) Jaeg. 1. vegetative plant, 2. T.S. of stem, 3-6. leaves,
7. apical leaf cells, 8. middle leaf cells, 9. basal leaf cells.
2009] NATH AND GUPTA : TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF PBR
165
f
16
W ," —
4-6,13-16.
17
0.1mm
7-11,17-10
OBfTim
3
0.1mm
1mm
Fig. 3.(1-19): Brachymenium acuminatum Harv. 1,2. vegetative plant, 3. T.S. of axis, 4-6. leaves, 7. apical leaf cells
8. middle leaf cells, 9. basal leaf cells. Figures 10-19 Brachymenium ptychothecium (Besch.) Ochi.
10,11. vegetative plants, 12. T.S. of stem, 13-16. leaves, 17. apical leaf cells
18. middle leaf cells, 19. basal leaf cells.
166 NELUMBO [Vol.51
0.42 mm wide, acuminate, margin entire. Costa strong, excurrent in an arista + 0.11 mm long. Leaf cells
rhomboid, up to 75 x 12 um at apex, gradually getting rectangular at base, 50x16 urn in size; marginal cells
narrower but no distinct margin seen. Sporophyte not seen.
Specimens examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi : Jambu Dweep, growing on soil over rock,
alt. c.900m, 17.12.1993, V.Nath &A.K. Asthana 205598; 205599.
4. Brachymenium ptychothecium (Besch.) Ochi in Adv.Front. PI. Sc, 4: 108 (1963).
Plants terrestrial, tufted, glossy, green, reddish at base. Shoot erect, up to 10 mm high, with subfloral
innovations. Leaves erectopatent, curled when dry, oblong - spathulate, bordered and apiculate, + 1.93 mm
long and + 65 mm broad at middle. Leaf margin entire below, slightly dentate at apex, usually revolute from
base to mid leaf. Costa strong, deep brownish, excurrent in a slightly denticulate arista, + 0.27 mm in size.
Leaf cells rhomboid to hexagonal at apex, + 37.5 urn long and + 17.7 urn wide; basal cells subrectangular, +
41.7 x 19.8 um; marginal cells elongated, narrow, forming a border of 2 - 3 rows. Sporophyte not seen.
Specimen examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi : Down Fall, growing on moist rock, alt. c.884
m, 28.11.2006, V. Sahu & V. Awasthi 227601.
Key to the species of Genus Bryum
la. Plants glossy green with silvery tinge, leaf apex hyaline,
branches julaceous ... Bryum argenteum
lb. Plants green without silvery appearance, leaf apex not hyaline,
branches non- j ulaceous . . .2
2a. Smaller leaves ( + 2 x 0.5 mm in size), appressed to stem,
characteristic pendulous capsule ...Bryum coronatum
2b. Larger leaves( +4x2 mm in size), erectopatent, capsule
non- pendulous ... 3
3a. Leaf margin recurved at places, distinct border formed by
normal or tinted cells ...Bryum capillare
3b. Leaf margin revolute, marginal cells slender
forming an indistinct border ...A
4a. Plants larger (up to 10 mm), leaves distant below, densely arranged
above but not in comal tufts, leaf tips show mild denticulations ...Bryum par adoxum
4b. Plants smaller (up to 7 mm), leaves at apical region form comal
tufts, margin entire with no denticulations ...Bryum caespiticium
5. Bryum argenteum Hedw. in Sp Muse. : 181 (1801). (Fig. 4).
Plants terrestrial, small, tufted. Stems erect, short with subfloral julaceous branches which may be up
to 15 mm in height; silvery white in colour. Leaves uniformly arranged on stem, ovate, concave, acuminate.
Leaf size 0.8 to 1.1 x + 0.4 mm, entire. Costa percurrent in some leaves, in others ending in a hyaline arista.
Leaf cells rhomboidal above, + 54 x 12 um and rectangular up to 40 x 12 um at base. Sporophyte not seen.
Specimen examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi : Near Pandav Caves, growing on soil, alt. c.
820 m, 1.12.2006, V. Sahu & V. Awasthi 227688A.
6. Bryum caespiticium L. ex Hedw. in Sp. Muse. : 180 (1801).
Plants terrestrial, up to 7 mm long with subfloral innovations. Leaves small, forming comal tufts only
on main shoots, erect to erectopatent, acuminate up to 1.5 mm long and 0.42 mm broad; margin revolute all
along the length, entire. Costa excurrent in arista up to 0. 18 mm long. Leaf cells rhomboidal, up to 52 x 12.5 um
at apex, becoming sub - rectangular at base, up to 75 um long and 20.8 um broad. Marginal cells narrower
and longer but generally distinct border not seen. Sporophyte not seen.
Specimen examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi : On way to Chota Mahadev, growing on soil
covered rock, alt. c.854 m, 29.11.2006, V. Sahu & V. Awasthi 227628B.
2009] NATH AND GUPTA : TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF PBR
167
Fig. 4 (1-19): Bryum argenteum Hedw. 1,2. vegetative plants, 3. T. S. of axis, 4-6. leaves, 7. apical leaf cells
8. middle leaf cells, 9. basal leaf cells, Figures 10-19 Bryum caespiticium L. ex Hedw. 10,11. vegetative plant
12. T. S. of stem, 13-16. leaves, 17. apical leaf cells, 18. middle leaf cells, 19. basal leaf cells.
168 NELUMBO [Vol.51
7. Bryum capillare L. ex Hedw. in Sp. Muse; 182 (1801). (Fig. 5).
Plants terrestrial, up to 12 long mm, densely tufted, deep green above, reddish below, generally branched.
Leaves lax in lower region, dense in upper regions. Comal tufts seen. Leaves erectopatent, ovate, acuminate, up
to 4.25 mm long and 1.8 mm wide; margin entire with fine dentitions at tip. Costa stout, excurrent in an arista
up to 1.9 mm long. Leaf cells thin walled; rhomboid -hexagonal up to 60.5 x 11.5 urn at top, rectangular up
to 67 x 21 urn at base. Marginal leaf cells narrow, elongated forming border. Seta apical, erect but curved at
tip, up to 2.5 cm long, deep red in colour. Capsule horizontal, ovate, cylindrical, with a wide mouth, + 3 mm
long and 1 mm in diameter. Peristome normal; outer teeth reddish at base, paler at tips, endostome hyaline
with segments as high as outer teeth. Spores not seen.
Specimens examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi: Down Fall, growing on soil covered rock,
alt. c.1056 m, 15.12.1993, V. Nath & A.K. Asthana 205546; Jalgali, growing on soil covered rock, alt. c.900
m, 16.12.1993, V. Nath & A.K. Asthana 205577; Little Fall, growing on wet rock; alt. c.884 m, 28.11.2006,
V. Sahu & V.Awasthi 229392; Near Jambu Dweep, growing on rock, alt. c.790 m, 29.11.2006, V. Sahu & V.
Awasthi 227646, 227655A.
8. Bryum coronatum Schwaegr. in Sp. Muse. Frond. Suppl. 1(2): 103 (1816). (Fig. 6).
Plants terrestrial, tufted, slender, bright to dull green, tomentose at base. Stem usually branched, up
to 15 mm high. Lower leaves smaller, upper ones larger, oblong - ovate, acuminate, ± 2 mm long and 0.5 mm
wide. Margin entire, flat, costa reddish at base, excurrent in a arista which shows mild dentitions. Upper leaf
cells thin walled, narrow, rhomboid, ± 48 x 6.5 urn; basal cells shorter, rectangular, + 40x 16 urn, border cells
not differentiated. Perichaetial leaves shorter, triangular. Seta apical, erect, curved at tip, reddish brown, up to
28 mm long. Capsule pendulous, thick, + 2.5 mm long and 1 mm in diameter; capsule mouth wide, peristome
reddish, outer teeth broad with sharp, hyaline, papillose tips; endostome transparent - yellowish, as high as
exostome, with 2-3 appendiculate cilia. Spores not seen.
Specimens examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi : Near Pandav Caves, growing on soil alt. ca
820 m, 1.12.2006, V. Sahu & V.Awasthi 227 6SSB; On Pandav Caves, growing on rock, alt. c.820m, 1.12.2006,
V. Sahu & V.Awasthi 22768 1C, 227684.
9. Bryum paradoxum var. reflexifolium (Ochi) Ochi in Hikobia, 5: 158 (1969). (Fig. 7).
Plants terrestrial, tufted, matted with radicles below, green. Stems about 10 mm high, with subfloral
innovations. Leaves smaller and distant below, larger and closer above, erectopatent, oblong - lanceolate,
acuminate, + 4.4 mm long and ±1.5 mm wide; margin usually revolute all along, entire except showing mild
denticulations at tip. Costa strong, excurrent in an arista, up to 0.1 6 mm long. Leaf cells thin walled; rhomboid
to hexagonal at apex up to 69 x 17 um in size, becoming narrower at margin, forming indistinct border; basal
cells rectangular, 92 x 28 um in size. Sporophyte not seen.
Specimen examined : India, Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi : On way to Bee Fall, growing on wet rocks,
alt. c.820 m, 30.11.2006, V. Sahu & V.Awasthi 227666B.
DISCUSSION
The distribution of the mosses undertaken in the present study, among the major bryogeographical
zones of India has been provided in Table-I. Bryaceae has emerged as one of the most dominant acrocarpous
moss family at PBR, as indicated by the presence of 9 taxa in the region. Although, the mosses show abundant
occurrence at the PBR, yet the frequency of occurrence of any single taxon is not much. The genus Bryum
showed good representation with 5 species. Among these, B. capillare emerged to be the most widely distributed
moss with presence at about 4 localities and seems to exhibit some variations in its characters such as habit
which is characterized mostly by comal tufts at the apical region, but may be devoid of it in a few specimens.
Further, the leaf size may range from 2.5 to 4.25 mm in length and 1.3 to 1.8 mm in width. Subsequently, the
leaf cell size also varies with the cells at the apical region of leafbeing up to 60.5 x 11.5 um in size and those
of the basal region being up to 67 x 21 um in size. The basal leaf cells may have a reddish tint in some cases,
but not always so. The other plants studied, exhibit slight variations in characters which are not significant. In
PBR, the taxa of this family were found on diverse type of terricolous habitats (Table - II). The distribution of
2009] NATH AND GUPTA : TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF PBR
169
Fig.5 (1-12) : Bryum capillare L. ex Hedw. 1,2, vegetative plants, 3. plant with sporophyte, 4. T.S. of stem
5-8. leaves, 9. apical leaf cells, 10. middle leaf cells, 11. basal leaf cells, 12. Peristome teeth.
170
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[Vol.51
Fig. 6 (1-13) : Bryum coronatum Schwaegr. 1. vegetative plant, 2. plant with sporophyte, 3. T.S. of stem
4-7. leaves, 8. apical leaf cells, 9. middle leaf cells, 10. basal leaf cells, 11,12. perichaetial leaves
13. peristome showing exostome and endostome teeth.
2009] NATH AND GUPTA : TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF PBR
171
Fig. 7 (1-8) : Bryum paradoxum var. reflexifolium (Ochi) Ochi 1,2. vegetative plants, 3. T.S. of stem, 4,5. leaves
6. apical leaf cells, 7. middle leaf cells, 8. basal leaf cells.
172
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Table - 1 : Distribution of mosses in bryogeographical regions of India
[Vol.51
Bryogeographical Regions
Names of Taxa
Western Eastern Punjab and Gangetic
Himalaya Himalaya Rajasthan plains
plains
Central
Southern
India
India
+
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
+
-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Anomobryum auratum
+
+
Brachymenium acuminatum
+
-
Brachymenium ptychothecium
-
+
Bryum argenteum
+
+
B. caespiticium
+
+
B. capillare
+
+
B. coronatum
+
+
B. paradoxum var.
reflexifolium
+
+
Pohliaflexuosa
+
+
Table -
- 7/ : Distribution of the taxa on different habitats at Pachmarhi Biosphere
Reserve
Taxa
Habitats
Names of
On Soil
On Soil
covered rocks
On Rocks
Anomobryum auratum
Brachymenium acuminatum
Brachymenium ptychothecium
Bryum argenteum
Bryum caespiticium
Bryum capillare
Bryum coronatum
Bryum paradoxum var. reflexifolium
Pohliaflexuosa
+
+
+
+
+
+
Table- III : Distribution of the taxa in various localities of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Localities
Names of
Tamia
Taxa
Anomobryum
auratum
Brachym enium
acuminatum
Brachymenium
ptychothecium
Bryum
argenteum
Bryum
caespiticium
Bryum
capillare
Bryum
coronatum
Bryum
paradoxum
var. reflexifolium
Pohlia
flexuosa
Dhoopgarh Down Jalgali Jambu Little Near Near On way On Way On
Fall Dweep Fall Jambu Pandav to Bee to Chota Pandav Valley
Dweep Caves Fall Mahadev Caves
2009] NATH AND GUPTA : TAXONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BRYACEAE (BRYOPSIDA) OF PBR 173
these taxa collected from various localities is listed in Table -III. An account of distinctly recognized taxa of
mosses has been provided from the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve for the first time.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Dr. Rakesh Tuli, Director, National Botanical Research Institute,
Lucknow,(CSIR, New Delhi) for encouragement and providing the laboratory facilities, the Ministry of
Environment & Forests, New Delhi for providing financial assistance and the Chief Conservator of Forests,
Madhya Pradesh, for extending the necessary help during the course of field excursions. Dr R. P. Singh,
Scientist and Incharge of the PBR, Environmental Planning & Coordination Organisation (EPCO), Bhopal is
acknowledged for his valuable suggestions and help.
REFERENCES
Andrews, A.L. 1935. Bryaceae. In: Moss Flora of North America, North of Mexico (ed.)A.J. Grout Vol. 2 : 184-242.
Bapna, K.R. 1975. On Funaria (Entostodon) nutans (Mitt.) Broth, from Rajasthan and its distribution. J. Hattori Bot.
Lab. 54 : 234-237.
Brotherus, V.F. 1924. Musci In Die naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien, eds. A. Engler and K. Prantl, Vol.10.
Leipzig.
Chaudhary, B.L. and G.S. Deora. 1996. Occurrence of Bryum Hedw. in Rajasthan. Phytomorphology 46 : 299-304.
Chaudhary, B.L. and G.S. Deora. 2001. The mosses of Mt. Abu (India) - 1. In: Perspectives in Indian Bryology (eds.)
V. Nath & A.K. Asthana. B.S.M.P.S. Dehradun. India. 87-125.
Chaudhary, B.L. and LP. Sharma. 2002. Occurrence of epiphytic Stereophyllum Mitt, on Girnar hill, Gujarat (India).
Phytomorphology: 52 : 273-277 '.
Chaudhary, A. A. and E. Nyholm. 1964. The European species of Bryum erythrocarpum Complex Trans. Br. bryol. Soc.
4. 597-637.
Gangulee, H.C. 1977. Mosses of Eastern India and adjoining areas. Vol. II. Books and Allied Pvt. Ltd, Calcutta. India.
888-1022.
Lal, J. 2005. A. Checklist of Indian mosses. B.S.M.P.S. Dehradun. India.
Mohammed, M.A.H. 1979. A taxonomic study of Bryum billardieri Schwaegr. and related sps. J. Bryol. 10 :
401-465.
Nath, V, A.K. Asthana and R. Kapoor. 2005. A study on genus Fissidens Hedw. (Musci) of Achanakmar Sanctuary
(Chattisgarh) Indian J. For. 28(4) : 433-438.
Nath, V, A.K. Asthana and R. Kapoor. 2007. Enumeration of the Mosses in Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh), India-I,
Taiwania: 52 : 168-176.
Nath, V, A.K. Asthana and R. Kapoor. 2008. Pohlia gedeana (Bosch & Lac.) Gangulee -A new record from India.
J. Indian Bot. Soc. 87(1&2) : 49-52.
Ochi, H. 1 959. A revision of the Bryaceae in Japan and Adjacent regions. Publication by the Biological Institute, Faculty
of Libral Arts, Tattori University, Tattori, Japan.
Ochi, H. 1972. A revision of African Bryoideae, Musci-I. </. Faculty Educ. Tattotri Univ. Nat. Sci 23(1) :
1-126.
Ochi, H. 1972a. Some problems of distributional patterns and speciation in the subfamily Bryoideae in the regions
including Eurasia, Africa and Oceania. J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 35 : 50-67.
Shaw, J. and A.J. Fife. 1984. The evolutionary and taxonomic significance of peristome morphology in Anomobryum.
J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 57 : 285-298.
174 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Shaw, J. 1985. The correlation between taxonomy and peristome structure in the Bryaceae. J. Hattori Bot. Lab.
59 : 79-100.
Singh, V.P. and A. Kaul. 2002. Biodiversity and vegetation of Pachmarhi Hills. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India.
26-31.
Syed, H. 1973. A taxonomic study of Bryum capillare Hedw. and related species. J. Bryol. 7 : 265-326.
800-1060 ^fffec ~&M ~£ R?*T "T^R^t 4)<=W^d fWt ("qbft.SuT.) ^ f¥*FT yi<=^d°ll4H ~$ ~&Ft cfT^T
sm^it ^ ^ hm : v^ttfrnm 377W, m%*tftm ^M<m, m%$ftm zi^t^fwm, mm 3j$fmm,
mm iffMzftjsm, mm *7ve)w, mm wtift&R, mm Jt&Fm #*k ftmtfzmwtfam ^ ifwfmr
NELUMB0 51: 175- 178. 2009
OBSERVATIONS ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF PORPHYRA VIETNAMENSIS TANAKA &
P.H. HO (BANGIALES, RHODOPHYTA) AT VISAKHAPATNAM COAST, INDIA
S. Ghosh and J. P. Keshri*
CAS in Botany, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan 713104
* e-mail : jpkeshri@indiatimes.com
ABSTRACT
Porphyra vietnamensis Tanaka & P.H. Ho was collected from the east coast (various parts of
Visakhapatnam) of India during a low tide status. Detailed morphology of the taxon was studied. The
present specimens are smaller than the type material originally described but slightly bigger than the
material described from Visakhapatnam coast.
Keywords : Porphyra vietnamensis \ morphology, Visakhapatnam coast, India.
INTRODUCTION
Porphyra vietnamensis Tanaka & P.H. Ho (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) is an edible red alga (Subha Rao & al.
2007) first described from Viet-Nam (Tanaka & Pham-Hoang Ho, 1 962). The particular species of interest is not
so frequently found [Viet-Nam (Tanaka & Ho 1962, Ho 1969, Tsutsui & al. 2005)]; Hawaiian Islands (Abbott
1999, McDermid & al. 2005); China (Tseng, 1984); Pakistan (Silva & al.1996)]. Borgesen (1937) reported
P. vietnamensis as P. tenera Kjellman from harbour area of Madras. Sreeramulu (1952) defined the plants as
P. naidum Anderson from Visakhapatnam (Waltair) coast. Ultimately it was confirmed as P. vietnamensis by
Umameheswara Rao & Sreeramulu (1963). They collected the same specimens from the Visakhapatnam coast
in the year 1964 and 1970. Subsequently various other workers also reported this taxon from the west coast,
especially from the coastal area of Goa, [Dhargalkar & al. (1981), Sahoo & al. (2006)]. According to Sahoo
& al. (2001) Porphyra vietnamensis is the most abundant among the all other Porphyra species reported from
India. During an algal excursion to Visakhapatnam coast the authors recorded the above mentioned taxon and
studied its detailed morphology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Algal specimens were collected from intertidal zone of various localities of Visakhapatnam
coast (Collection No.V-14, V-33, V-38, and V-105) during a low tide state. Field photographs with
proper measurements were made by Nikon SLR camera. The collected samples were preserved in 5% formalin
solution made with marine water. The collected materials were kept in plastic bags and also in hard plastic
transparent containers with detailed field notes. The thalli were observed under a stereo binocular microscope.
Digital photographs by Leica DMLB system were made from preserved specimens. Identifications were made
following Desikachary & al. (1990). The collected preserved materials along with the slide preparations are
stored in Phycology laboratory, The University of Burdwan for future study and reference purpose.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Porphyra vietnamensis Tanaka & P.H. Ho.
(Tanaka & Ho 1962, p.34, f. 10-11; Desikachary & al. 1990, p.36, pl.2, f.4)
The plants are membranous, attached to the rocky substratum with the help of slightly circular disc shaped
holdfast like attachment organ. The specimens are mostly found along with some other algae like Enteromorpha
flexuosa, E. intestinalis, and Chaetomorpha aerea. Sometimes tiny filaments of Lyngbya cinerescens were
found lodged on the marginal part of the specimen.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
176
N ELUMBO
s
[Vol.51
';
v/.orv;,
\
iii
Fig. 1-6. Porphyra vietnamensis Tanaka & P.H. Ho: Thallus morphology: 1. Mature thallus
2. Thallus margine showing spines; 3. Enlarged view of marginal spines;
4. Pear shaped cells at the basal part of the thallus and 5 & 6. Part of cystocarpic thallus in surface view.
2009] GHOSH AND KESHRI : OBSERVATIONS ON MORPHOLOGY OF P. VIETNAMENSIS TANAKA & HO
The plant species of interest is monostromatic, 1.8-3.2 cm in length and 0.7-1.5 cm broad; monoecious,
prominent male gametangial portions along with zygotosporangial patches appear on the same thallus;
reproductive patches are observed along the marginal sides. Vegetative and reproductive portions are of almost
same thickness; margin wavy and serrated with spinous projections, The tip portions of the spinous projections
are slightly pointed to obtuse rounded in nature; vegetative cells in surface view 9.2-1 1 .3 urn in length and 4.5-
8.5 urn in breadth; there is a mucilage layer which is 4-5.2 urn thick; each cell is slightly globular to angular
in shape, with a single chromatophore, somewhat stellate and covers the whole cell partly; carpogonia are of
pinkish patches found in marginal as well as apical part and spermatangia showing its identity as slightly pale
patched region at the marginal side; here 64 spermatia arranged in four tiers of four each in a spermatangium
and the number of carpospores within a carposporangium is eight; the thallus expanding above into soft blade
of varying degrees with carpogonium simple with long trichogyne formed by vegetative cells; carpogonium
19.5-33.7 um in length and 9.6-11.63 um in breadth, trichogyne 0.4-1.1 um in thickness, carpogonia are found
on marginal to slight inward portions of the thallus.
After comparing with descriptions provided by Tanaka & Ho (1962) for the type species it is concluded
that the observed specimens are smaller than the type material but slightly bigger than the specimens described
by Umamaheswara Rao & Sreeramulu (1964) from Vishakhapatnam coast.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are thankful to the Head of the Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan for
providing laboratory facilities, to G. Mustafa and Prof. Pranjit Sarma for their support and encouragement
in various stages of this work and to Goutam Bala and C. Prakasam for their constant help in various
occasions.
REFERENCES
Abbott, I. A. 1999. Marine red algae of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu, Hawaii: Bishop Museum Press.
B0rgesen, F . 1937. Contribution to a South Indian Marine flora-II. J. Indian Bot. Soc. 16: 1-56.
Desikachary, T. V., V. Krishnamurthy and M. S. Balakrishnan. 1990. Rhodophyta II. Taxonomy Part. Part IIA. Madras
Science Foundation: Madras, India. 279.
Dhargalkar, V. K., V. V. Agadhi and A. G. Untawale. 1981. Occurrence of Porphyra vietnamensis (Bangiales,
Rhodophyta) along Goa Coast. Mahasagar-Bulletin of National Institute of Oceanography [India] 14:
75-77.
McDermid, K. J., B. Stuckcke, and O. J. Haleakala. 2005. Total dietary fiber content in Hawaiian marine algae. Botanica
Marina 48: 437-440.
Ho, Pham-Hoang. 1969. Rongbien Vietnam. Marine algae of South Vietnam. Saigon.
Sahoo, D., P. Baweja and N. Kushwah. 2006. Developmental studies in Porphyra vietnamensis; a high temperature
resistant species from the Indian coast. J. Appl. Phycol. 18 (3-5): 279-286.
Sahoo, D. B., Nivedita and Debasis. 2006. Seaweeds of Indian Coasts. APH publishing corporation, New Delhi.
India. 283.
Silva, P. C, P. W. Basson and R. L. Moe. 1996. Catalogue of the benthic marine algae of the Indian Ocean. Univ. of
California Publ. Bot. 79: 1-1259.
Subha Rao, P. V., A. Mantri Vaibhab and K. Ganesan. 2007. Mineral composition of edible seaweed Porphyra
vietnamensis. Food Chemistry 102 (1): 215-218.
Sreeramulu, T. 1952. On a Porphyra from Waltair Coast. Sci. and Cult. 18: 285-286.
Tanaka, T. and P. H. Ho. 1962. Notes on some marine algae from Viet-Nam I, Mem. Fac. Fish., Kagashima Univ. 11:
24-40.
Tseng, C. K. 1984. Common seaweeds of China. Beijing: Science Press. 1-318.
178 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Tsutsui, I., Q. N. Huybh, H. D. Nguyen., S. Arai AND T. Yashida. 2005. The common marine plants of the Southern
Vietnam. Japan Seaweed Association. 1-250.
Umamaheserwara, Rao. M. and T. Sreeramulu. 1963. Vertical Zonation and seasonal variation in the growth of Porphyra
on Visakhapatnam Coast. Curr. Science. 32 : 173-174.
Umamaheshwara Rao, M., and T. Sreeramulu. 1964. An ecological study of some inertidal algae of the Vishakhapatnam
Coast. J. Ecol. 52 : 595-616.
Umamaheswara Rao, M and T.Sreeramulu. 1970. An annotated list of the Marine algae of Visakhapatnam (India). Bot.
J. Linn. Soc. 63 : 23-45.
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NELUMB0 51: 179-182. 2009
TWO MOSSES NEW TO THE BRYOFLORA OF THE INDIAN MAINLAND
A. E. D. Daniels and J. L. Mabel
Botany Department, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil 629 003
ABSTRACT
Two mosses, viz., Calymperes moluccense and C. taitense, earlier known to occur only in the
Andamans in India, are recorded for the Indian mainland. They are described in detail and illustrated.
Keywords : Andamans, New Records, Mainland India, Calymperes moluccense, Calymperes taitense.
INTRODUCTION
Since the lower groups of plants are continued to be neglected in India, studies on the bryoflora of the
Southern Western Ghats were initiated in the Tirunelveli-Travancore hills about a decade ago with a view to
consolidating the flora and the important findings are published as and when found. In an earlier contribution
4 mosses, viz., Calymperes motleyi, Fissidens robinsonii, Leucophanses glaucescens and L. nicobaricum
were recorded for the Indian mainland (Daniels & Daniel, 2005). In the present contribution two mosses, viz.,
Calymperes moluccense Schwagr. and C. taitense (Sull.) Mitt., earlier known to be distributed only in the
Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India, are added here to the bryoflora of the Indian mainland. Each species
is provided with the correct name, basionym/synonyms, if any, a detailed description, notes on habitat and
distribution and an illustration. Specimens cited are at SCCN (Herbarium, Botany Department, Scott Christian
College, Nagercoil).
1. Calymperes moluccense Schwagr., Sp. Muse. Frond. Suppl. 2: 99. 1824; Bruehl, Rec. Bot. Surv. India
13(1): 33. 1931; L.T. Ellis, J. Bryol. 15: 705. 1989. - Type: Moluccas, Rawack, Gaudichaud 29(15)
(Isotypes - BM). C. kurzianum Hampe ex Mull.HaL, Flora 61: 82. 1878; Bruehl, Rec. Bot. Surv. India
13(1): 32. 1931; Gangulee, Moss. E. India. 1(3): 598. 1972; Lai, Checklist Indian Moss.: 35. 2005. -
Type: South Andaman Isl., S. Kurz 1665 (BM). C. contractum Besch., Ann. Sci. Nat, Bot. 8, 1: 264,
280. 1985. - Type: Sri Lanka, Thwaites 62 (BM). (Fig. 1).
Plants 4-6 mm high, caespitose or forming mats, pale green. Leaves curled and falcate when dry,
erectopatent to spreading when wet, ovate-lingulate, cuneate at base, 1.5-3 x 04-0.6 mm, dimorphic;
nongemmiferous ones obovate to lingulate, acute; margin entire at tip, faintly toothed at base; cells hexagonal to
quadrate, 1 -papillate; apical and median cells 4-8x4-8 urn; basal ones at margin 16-32x4-8 urn; those
of cancellina 9- or 10-rowed on either side of costa, 20 - 40 x 16-40 urn, transparent, elongate, rectangular,
smooth; teniola, submarginal, 2- or 3-rowed, extending to a little below apex; costa excurrent. Gemmae 120
- 200 x 24 - 40 urn, green, radiating and clustered at costal apex. Sporophyte not seen.
Habitat: Corticolous, in riparian forests, c. 500 m.
Distribution : Indonesia (Moluccas), Sri Lanka and India: Andaman & Nicobars and Tamil Nadu (W.
Ghats of Kanyakumari dist.).
Specimen examined : Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari dist., W. Ghats, Lower Kodaiyar, c. 500 m, 22.01.
2009, A.E.D. Daniels & J.L. Mabel 106.
2. Calymperes taitense (Sull.) Mitt., J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 10: 172. 1868; L.T. Ellis, J. Bryol. 15: 718. 1989.
Syrrhopodon taitense Sull, U.S. Expl. Exped., Muse: 6. 1860. - Type: Society Isl., Tahiti, 1838 - 1842,
C. Wilkes s.n. (BM). Calymperes andamense Besch., Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. 8, 1: 276. 1895; Bruehl, Rec.
Bot. Surv. India 13(1): 33. 1 93 1 ; Gangulee, Moss. E. India 1(2): 622. 1971; Lai, Checklist Indian Moss.:
35. 2005. - Type: South Andaman Isl, Kurz s.n. (BM). (Fig. 2).
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
180
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
2 mm
0.6 mm
B
50 ^m
25 nm
D
20 \im
E
30(im
Fig. l(A-F). Calymperes moluccense Schwagr.: A. Habit; B. Leaf; C. Leaf apex with gemmae; D. Gemmae
E. Leaf median cells; F. Leaf basal cells with teniola and cancellina.
2009] DANIELS AND MABEL : TWO MOSSES NEW TO THE BRYOFLORA OF THE INDIAN MAINLAND 181
0.5 cm
B
1 mm
0.3 mm
D
60 (im
H
Fig. 2(A-H). Calymperes taitense (Sull.) Mitt.: A. Habit; B. Leaf; C. Leaf apex; D. Leaf apical cells;
E. Leaf median cells; F. Median cells with teniola; G. Leaf basal cells with cancellina and teniola and
H. Cancellina cells.
182 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Plants 1 - 2 cm high, caespitose, green. Leaves closer above, lax below, erectopatent, curled when dry,
1.5 - 2.5 x 0.3 0.7 um, ovate-lingulate, serrate at margin; cells incrassate, quadrate-rectangular - hexagonal,
cells 8 20x6 16 urn, unipapillate; cancellinae cells 9 13 -rowed, hyaline, 16 32x12 20 um, rectangular,
on either side of costa; teniola submarginal, 3- or 4-rowed, extending to a little below apex; costa excurrent,
gemmiferous. Sporophyte not seen.
Habitat : Corticolous, in degraded evergreen forests, 200 - 550 m.
Distribution : South East Asia, Oceania and India: Andamans, Tamil Nadu (W. Ghats of Tirunelveli and
Kanyakumari dists.) and Kerala (W. Ghats of Thiruvananthapuram dist).
Specimens examined : Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari dist., W. Ghats, Maramalai, c. 550 m, 2.10.2004,
Hepzi 67; Perunchani, c. 260, 18.3.2004, Catherine 27; Kattuva, c. 200 m, 30.8.2004, Shoba 20. Kerala,
Thiruvananthapuram dist., W. Ghats, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, c. 300 m, 16.10.2007, Brijithlal 206;
22.12.2007, Brijithlal 259.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank the Tamil Nadu State Forest Department, for permission to explore the area in question and
help in the field, Dr. P. Daniel, formerly Joint Director, BSI, Coimbatore, for going through the Manuscript and
Dr. S.C. Rose, Principal, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), for encouragement. The financial assistance
from Ministry of Environment & Forests (AICOPTAX), Government of India, New Delhi, is gratefully
acknowledged.
REFERENCES
Bruehl, P. 1931. A census of Indian mosses with analytical keys to the genera. Rec. Bot. Surv. India 13(1): 1 - 135;
13(2): 1 - 152.
Daniels, A.E.D. and P. Daniel. 2005. Additions to the moss flora of the Indian mainland. Bull. Bot. Surv. India 47: 93
- 100.
Ellis, L.T. 1989. A taxonomic revision of Calymperes in Southern India and neighbouring islands. J. Bryol. 15: 697 -
732.
Gangulee, H.C. 1969 - 1980. Mosses of Eastern India and adjacent regions. 1 - 3(1 - 8): 1 - 2142. Calcutta.
Lal, J. 2005. A checklist of Indian Mosses. BSMPS, Dehradun.
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NELUMB0 51: 183-190. 2009
TAXONOMIC IMPLICATION OF CONDUCTING ELEMENTS IN THE
ACROCARPOUS MOSSES
S. SlNHA, H. GOVINDAPYARI, S. SUMAN AND P. L. UNIYAL
Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007
ABSTRACT
Present study deals with the structure and development of conducting elements in the nine orders
of acrocarpous mosses. The significance of conducting tissues in mosses in relation to their habitat
conditions, growth forms and leaf cell patterns has been discussed. Features of cells in different portions
of the stem and the laminal cell patterns and costa are taken into consideration. Although water-conducting
cells are unspecialized in mosses, yet the study shows that they seem to play a vital role in the conduction
and provide additional criteria for the distinction of taxa. Four categories have been determined as
(i) Acrocarpous mosses with a distinct thick-walled conducting strand (6-7 layered) as hydrome which
is surrounded by patches of leptoids. Cortex consists of thick walled cells (6-10 layered). Costa has
stereidal cells and well developed conducting elements in leaf, example Polytrichum (ii) Acrocarps with
thick-walled, narrow, elongated conducting strand (4-5 layered), cells angular in the cortex (6-8 layered).
Leaf cells are rectangular, irregular and porous with incrassate walls, example Dicranum (iii) Acrocarps
with conducting tissue (2-5 layered) stereidal, thick walled or thin walled varying in the course of
development. Leaf cells are mutipapillate, rounded-quadrate, costa is present, examples Hyophila,
Philonotis and (iv) Epiphytic pleurocarps with conducting cells rudimentary, thickened, scattered
(2-4 layers) and parenchymatous, cortical cells (2-3 layered) thick walled. Leaf cells are small, rounded
or linear and papillate, costa may be present or absent, example Leucodon. The study would constitute a
formidable task, especially if intraspecific structural variability is considered. It serves a model system in
the eco-physiological aspects.
Keywords : Ectohydric, Endohydric, External Conduction, Leaf cell pattern, Stereidal cells.
INTRODUCTION
Majority of plants on the land are adapted to absorb and conduct water from the soil. Bryophytes
adopted the alternative strategy of evolving desiccation tolerance, growing during moist period and suspending
metabolism during drought. Bryophytes show remarkable challenges to the water relations. Mosses developed
several strategies to absorb water and solutes including external transport, cell-to-cell transport and ability to
survive desiccation which make them to occupy diverse habitats. Most bryophytes take up water and nutrients
over the whole surface of shoots and leaves through external conduction (ectohydrism), though in some taxa
conduction occurs through specialized internal conducting cells. This strategy of bryophytes makes up them a
prominent part of vegetation. The growth forms of mosses also make them to hold water in larger quantities.
The water retention capacity directly influences the productivity Most vascular plants are Homoiohydric, i.e.
transpiratory water loss is greatly restricted when the potential for evaporative water loss exceeds the rate
at which water can be supplied through the xylem from the soil. Bryophytes are Poikilohydric, i.e. the rapid
equilibration of the plant's water content to that of the surrounding environment and desiccation tolerant,
i.e. to recover after being air-dry at the cellular level. External conduction of water by capillary action has a
great significance and considered as an effective path of water supply in numerous mosses. The exact role
played by external conduction depends on the morphology and anatomy of the gametophore and also on the
environmental factors, mainly the relative humidity The families Polytrichaceae and Mniaceae represent the
well-developed endohydric groups (Proctor, 2000) which has stereome, leptome and a central strand. Leptome is
composed of phloem like sieve cells. Hydroids and stereids make up the central strand (Zamski & Trachtenberg,
1976) and collectively called Hydrome. Endohydric taxa have well developed rhizoids or more root-like
structures, able to abstract water from moist porous substrate, and have relatively water-repellent surface.
Hydroids are water conducting cells that lack any horizontal connections. Stereids are elongate, thick-walled,
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
184 NELUMBO [Vol.51
and slender and fiber like cells occurring in leaf costa and cortex of the stem. Pleurocarpous forms led to the
movement of substances mainly in a horizontal pattern.
The present study is made on the internal structure of the leafy axis of the taxa of various taxonomic
groups and the anatomical features are elucidated in relation to the adaptive strategy for water conduction,
growth patterns and habitat conditions. The mosses with erect shoot axis absorb the water from the continuous
capillary stream of water present along the shoots and also through the conducting cells and developed stereidal
cells for mechanical support. The development of the conducting strand varies among different taxa indicating
their distribution and habitat type. The present work aims at the survey of conducting elements in some of
the mosses to describe organization and distribution of tissue components in the leafy axes in relation to their
habitat, laminal cells and costa. As no comprehensive survey of conducting tissues in Indian mosses has yet
been completed, this would constitute a formidable task, especially if intraspecific structural variability is
considered. It serves a model system in the eco-physiological aspects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Mosses from different habitats in the Western Himalaya were collected in polythene bags. They were air
dried, and stored in labeled standard-sized (10x15 cm) paper packets. Moss samples were revived in water and
regenerated in petridishes and immersed in 0.1% of Safranine solution. Transverse and longitudinal sections were
cut down serially by sharp razor. Whole mount of leaves were made in Gum Chloral Mounting Medium.
RESULTS
Significant variations are found in the distribution and the type of the conducting cells in different
groups of taxa. In Sphagnum, no specialized conducting cells are observed (Fig. lA).In Pogonatum, the
conducting strand consists of 5-6 layers of thick walled cells and the cortex of moderately thickened cells
(Figs. 1B,C). Members of the orders Pottiales and Bryales show a wide range of differentiation in conducting
cells. In Dicranum lorifolium (Dicranales), outer portion of cortex has extremely thick stereidal cells (4-5
layered) followed by moderately thick walled parenchymatous cells (8-9 layers) and the central portion has
thick-walled, narrow- elongated conducting cells with oblique end walls (Fig. ID). Leucobryum humillimum
shows less developed conducting strand (Fig. IE) in comparison to that of Dicranum lorifolium. Dicranum
grows on rocks and hard substrata that need efficient conducting system. Leucobryum generally grows on
the tree barks or on porous substrata and gets enough moisture from the bark. A well developed conducting
strand was observed in Bryum coronatum. It consists of a central core of small thick-walled cells in 2-3 layers
surrounded by a distinct layer of elongated and pigmented endodermal cells. The cortex is made of 6-7 layers
of pentagonal cells (Figs. C, D). In Bryum plumosum the central strand was observed to be less developed
probably as these plants were found growing on permanently moist and wet substratum and do not require
specialized conduction cells. A central core of 3-4 layers of pigmented cells is observed in Hyophila involuta
(Fig. IF). In Plagiomnium and Meteorium conducting cells are poorly developed and conduction is performed
by thick walled parenchyma cells (Figs. 2E, 3A, B). Brachythecium lacks the specialized conducting cells
(Figs. 3 C,D).
Highly developed conducting tissue is observed in those plants which were occurring on impermeable
substrata or dry soil as well as on exposed sites. During dry period the available moisture in porous soil particles
is absorbed by the conducting cells through rhizoids. The taxa with plagiotrophic shoots form large surface
area and are able to absorb water from the air. These plants showed poorly differentiated central core of cells
at different stem portions. The conducting cells in the shoots were found to be well developed in those taxa
where the laminal cells were small and rounded-quadrate. The conducting cells are poorly differentiated in the
taxa where the laminal cells are wide and thin walled. The taxa with narrow laminal cells lack the differentiated
conducting cells in the stem.
DISCUSSION
Bryophytes are distinguished from tracheophytes by two important characters - (i) Bryophytes are
ecologically persistent, (ii) Absence of lignin containing water-conducting xylem tissue. Despite the typical
relegation of Non-Vascular category, conduction has played a major role in the phylogenetic history of mosses.
In pleurocarpous mosses internal substances move horizontally (Kawai,1991). Among acrocarpous mosses
2009] SINHA& AL : TAXONOMIC IMPLICATION OF CONDUCTING ELEMENTS IN THE MOSSES 185
the axis may have a leptome, a surrounding sheath, a stereome and a central hydrome which constitute a
well-developed endohydric pathway The elongated hydroids typically occur in bryophyte stems (Hebant,
1970), but lack lignin and secondary wall thickenings (Taylor, 1988). Some acrocarpous mosses also show
ectohydric pathway, as they absorb water rapidly into the cells by capillary systems (Buch, 1947). Water is
being held in the larger capillary spaces between the moss shoots within the moss carpet and the porous cells
of the leaf base (Proctor, 1979).
Hebant (1974) described the conducting system in Polytrichales and the development of hydroids. The
extent of this development is influenced by various parameters such as moisture substrata, climatic conditions
etc. The conducting strands in mosses may be well developed, reduced or absent. The evolutionary significance
of distribution patterns of water conducting tissues in mosses has been interpreted in a variety of ways. Hebant
( 1 979) opined that characteristics of conducting tissues can provide additional support to bryophyte systematics
and gave three possible views regarding their evolution:
(1) No conducting strand ► reduced strand ► well developed strand
(2) Well developed strand ► reduced strand ► no strand
(3) Well developed strand i reduced strand ► no strand
On the basis of the present observations, the evolution of conducting cells seems to be related to a
number of factors as discussed below:
(A) Conducting tissue in relation to the distribution : The taxa, which have a wide distribution scenario,
possess a large variation in the presence of conducting tissues. The populations, which are found on higher
altitudes and arid areas show well developed conducting strand, whereas the population of the same species
growing in moist, temperate or tropical conditions shows poorly developed strand. Dicranum growing mainly
on barren rocks at higher altitudes shows well developed conducting tissue (Fig. 1 D). Leucobryum found in
moist areas on tree bark shows less developed conducting strand (Fig. IE). Bryum species show a wide array
of conducting elements from well developed to poorly developed strands, depending upon the distribution.
Taxa of dry habitats show well developed strand.
(B) Conducting tissue in relation to the habitat : The taxa which are found on hard substrates such as
rocks (Pogonatum, Bryum) have a well-developed conducting system (Figs. IB, 2C, D), whereas those on
permeable substrata, have poorly differentiated conducting strand. Sphagnum species which occurs in aquatic
habit lacks conducting strand at all. Epiphytic Isobryales possess a rudimentary system of central conducting
tissues with thick-walled cortical cells (Fig. 3 B). Thick walled cells maintain the turgidity and prevent rapid
collapse in dry conditions. Bryum plumosum found near damp areas, possessed less developed conducting
tissue, whereas Bryum argentums var. lanatum and Bryum coronatum, which were collected from arid habitat
showed well developed conducting tissue. Families Polytrichaceae and Mniaceae represent the well developed,
endohydric group (Proctor, 2000), but the presently studied population of Plagiomnium integrum shows poorly
developed conducting strand (Fig. 3A). The taxa of arid areas follow both endohydric as well as ectohydric
conduction.
(C) Conducting tissue in relation to the growth forms : Mosses show the predominating influence of
ground water supply in determining the growth forms. Turf, cushion, weft and dendroid forms are related to
dry conditions, so they acquired a differentiated internal conducting tissue as well as take the water through
ectohydric system. The mosses with mat and the pendant (Meteorium spp.) have rudimentary or undifferentiated
conducting cells (Fig. 3B) as their plant parts remain in contact with moist substrata or can directly absorb
water from the air. The pendant forms require more mechanical strength so they develop more thick walled
cells in the cortex. The prostrate forms such as Brachythecium spp. totally lack specialized conducting cells
(Figs. 3C, D)
(D) Conducting tissue in relation to the leaf cell patterns : The mosses with the leaves showing
plication, linear cell pattern, absence of costa or rudimentary costa represent the poor conducting system {e.g.
Leucodon sciuroides). The mosses with papillate leaf cells and defined costa, show a well defined tissue for
water conduction (e.g. Bryum and Hyophila). In Bryoerythrophyllum, the costa and the leaf cells both show
186
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[Vol.51
papillae, which indicate water retaining system. Splachnobryum spp. have broad leaf cells and ephemeral
habit in suitable habitat such that the water economy is compensated and the plant does not need much water
but is efficient in assimilation by large leaf cells. In some cases, the leaves possess well developed stereidal
cells in the costa region indicating that the plants can survive in prolonged dry conditions and maintain water
continuity through leaves and stem. In Sphagnum, the hyalocysts can retain enough water for longer duration
and the internal specialized conducting cells are not required. There is a trend that the plants with narrow
laminal cells possess poorly developed internal conducting system but well developed external conducting
system. The plants with large laminal cells have moderate conducting tissue. The conducting tissue is well
developed in leaves and stem of the plants that have small, rounded and papillate laminal cells.
Table 1 : Conducting elements in respect to the growth forms, habitat and leaf cell pattern
(laminal cells small, rounded or quadrate) :
Taxon
Habitat
Growth
form
Leaf cell pattern
Conducting cells
Sphagnum junghuhnianum
Atrichum longifolium
Pogonatum fastigiatum
Pogonatum proliferum
Pogonatum urnigerum
Dicranella pseudosubulata
Dicranum lorifolium
ID).
Leucobryum humillimum
Fissidens zollingeri
Hyophila involuta
Semibarbula orientalis
Bryorythrophyllm
recurvirsotrum
Aquatic Tall turfs Large hyalocysts and
small chlorocyst
Mineral soil Turf Costate, cells small
rounded
Rocks Dendroid Costate, cells rounded-
quadrate
Porous soil Dendroid Costate, cells irregular,
thick-walled
Soil gathered Dendroid Lamina cells are small,
on rocks thick-walled and quadrate
costa present with
stereidal cells
Rocks
Exposed rocks Turf
Cushion Cells small rectangular.
Rectangular cells at the
base of lamina.
Costate, cells small and
incrassate
Tree barks
Wet rocks
Rocks
Cushion Broad costa, scabrous
pattern of cell type and
elevated cells.
Turf
Turf
Old walls and Turf
cement floors.
Wet soils Turf
Costate, cells lax,
quadrate-hexagonal, small
Cells small, mamilose,
rounded-quadrate
Costate, small cells
multipapillose, rounded
quadrate-hexagonal
Costate, cells rounded-
quadrate, multipapillose
Absent (Fig. 1A)
Distinct thin walled 4-5
layered.
Well defined strand, 5-6
layered, thick walled
cells (Figs. IB, C)
Well-developed strand.
Cells thick walled and 6-
7 layered, surrouned by
patches of leptoids
Well developed thick
walled tissue, 6-7 layered,
surrounded by patches of
food conducting cells
Well-developed strand of
4-5 layers
Well differentiated central
tissue, 4-5 layered (Fig.
Defined zone of central
tissue 4-5 layers and have
thin walled cells (Fig. IE)
Central strand of
moderately thickened cells
of 4-5 layers
Conducting cells are 3-4
layered, pigmented
(Fig. IF)
Thin walled conducting
cells-2-3-layered
surrounded by stereidal
cells.
Thin walled cells in centre
3-4 layered surrounded by
2 layers of moderately
thickened cells
2009]
SINHA& AL : TAXONOMIC IMPLICATION OF CONDUCTING ELEMENTS IN THE MOSSES
187
Table 2 : Conducting elements in respect to the growth forms, habitat and leaf cell pattern
(laminal cells wide and large) :
Taxon
Habitat
Growth
form
Leaf cell pattern
Conducting cells
Physcomitrium cyathicarpum Damp soil Turf
Funaria hygrometrica
Splachnobryum synoicum
Bryum plumosum
Bryum argenteum
var. lanatum
Bryum coronatum
Plagiomnium integrum
Philonotis leptocarpa
Erpodium mangiferae
Leucodon sciuroides
Meteorium buchananii
Soil
Bricks
Wet soils
Turf
Turf
Turf
Dry soil, Turf
rocks
Cemented Turf
walls
Wet soil
Turf
Calcareous Turf
rocks and
marshy soils
Bark
Bark
Mat
Turf
Tree branches Pendant
Costate, cells are rectangular,
broad and thick walled.
Costate, cells thick-walled
and rectangular
Cells small and hexagonal to
rhomboidal
Cells are rhombic and broad
Wide rhombic, thin-walled
cells, costa percurrent
Cells are broad and
rhomboidal
Costa percurrent. Leaf
cells lax, thin walled,
quadrate-hexagonal
Costa percurrent. Leaf
cells thick-walled,
rectangular, papillose
Cells oval-hexagonal and
large
Conducting tissue 4-5
layered
Thick walled conducting
tissue of 6-7 layered
(Figs. 2A, B)
Extremely thin walled
conducting tissue of 1-2
layers
Conducting strand of thin
walled cells 2-3 layered
Thin walled cells of 2-3
layered form the
conducting strand.
Well developed and
consist of three zones of
tissues (Figs. 2C, D)
Poorly developed
(Figs. 2E, 3A)
Thin walled and poorly
differentiated, 2-3 layered
Not differentiated
Cells linear and thick walled, Not differentiated, some
nerve absent thick walled cells are
scattered in the cortex.
Costa present, cells narrow
and linear
Not differentiated, thick
walled cells are scattered
in the cortex (Fig. 3B)
(E) Conducting tissue in relation to the systematic placement : There is some correlation between the
development of conducting tissues with regard to their systematic placement (Tables 1 & 2). The conducting
strand is very much prominent in erect, acrocarpous orders such as Polytrichales, Dicranales, Funariales and
Eubryales.The members of Pottiales which occur in dry habitats, also show a wide range of conducting tissues
in respect to their habitat conditions. Isobryales show poorly developed conducting cells and the conducting
cells are absent in the highly specialized group Hypnales. From the evolutionary point of view, the primitive
types such as Polytrichales evolved well developed conducting system to compensate the erratic supply of
water. However, in advanced groups like Hypnales the plant adjusts the water availability by following the
ectohydric strategy.
Inspite of the great efforts made on the study of Indian mosses many areas still remain unexplored. Besides
the floristic work on mosses, no attempt has so far been made to study the anatomical details of the mosses
of India. The comprehensive survey of conducting tissues in mosses in relation to habitat and environmental
conditions is completely lacking. Present study gives an insight to the development of conducting cells in
relation to their distribution , habitat , growth forms and leaf cell patterns.
188
[Vol.51
Fig. 1: A-T.S. stem of Sphagnum (x 200), B - T.S. stem of Pogonatum fastigiatum (x 200) showing,
central core of conducting cells, C - L.S. stem of P. fastigatum showing prominent conducting
cells (arros) ( x 300) D - T.S. stem of Dicranum lorifolium (x 400) showing stereids in the
outer corted (arrow) E - T.S. stem of Leucobryum humillimum (x 400), F - T.S. stem of
Hypohila involuta (x 400).
Fig. 2: A-T.S. stem of Funaria hygrometrica (x 400) showing poorly developed conducting cells,
B - L.S. stem of F. hygrometrica showing conducting cells (arrow) (400 x) 5
C - T.S. stem of Bryum coronatum (200 x ) showing central thick walled cells and
pigented cells (arrow) surrounding them, D - L.S. stem of Bryum coronatum,
E - L.S. stem of Plagiomnium integrum (x 300).
2009]
SINHA& AL : TAXONOMIC IMPLICATION OF CONDUCTING ELEMENTS IN THE MOSSES
189
Fig. 3: A-T.S. stem of Plagiomnium integrum (x 400), B - T.S. stem of Meteorium buchananii showing
thick walled cells in the groudn tissue ( x 400), C - T.S. stem of Brachythecium phmiosum (x 400)
D - L.S. stem of B. phimosum (x 500).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to the University of Delhi for financial support which made this study
possible.
REFERENCES
Buch, H. 1947. Uber die Wasser-und Mineralstoffversorgungder Mosse (Part-2). Soc. Science Fenn Commemor. Biol.
9(20): 1-61.
Hebant, C. 1 970. Anew look at the conducting tissues of mosses (Bryopsida) : their structure, distribution and significance.
Phytomorphology 20:390-410.
Hebant, C. 1 974. Studies on the development of the conducting tissue-system in the gametophytes of some Polytrichales.
II. Development and structure at maturity of the hydroids of the central stand. J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 38 : 565-607.
Hebant, C. 1977. The conducting tissues of Bryophytes. J. Cramer. Lehre. Germany. 157.
Hebant, C. 1979. Conducting Tissues in Bryophyte Systematics. In: G.C.S. Clarke & J.G. Duckett (eds.). Bryophyte
Systematics. 365-383. Academic Press. London.
Kawai, I. 1 99 1 . Systematic studies on the conducting tissue of the gametophyte in musci (18). On the relationship between
the stem and the rhizome. Annual Report of Botanical Garden. Fascicle Sciene Kanazawa University 14: 17-25.
Proctor. M.C.F. 1979. Structure and eco-physiological adaptation in bryophytes. In : G. C.S. Clarke & J.G. Duckett. (eds.).
Bryophyte Systematics. 479-509. Academic Press. London.
Proctor, M.C.F. 2000. Mosses and alternative adaptation to life on land. New Phytologist 148:1-6.
Taylor, T.N. 1988. The origin of land plants : Some answers, more questions. Taxon 37:805-833.
Zamski, E. and S. Trachtenberg. 1976. Water movement through hydroids of a moss gametophyte. Israel J. Bot.
25:168-173.
190 NELUMBO [Vol.51
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NELUMB0 51: 191-198. 2009
THREE NEW RECORDS OF LIVERWORTS FOR HIMALAYAN REGION FROM
MEHAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
S. Das and D. K. Singh*
Botanical Survey of India, Central National Herbarium, Howrah 711 103
'Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700 064
* e-mail : singh_drdk@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Three liverworts, Lophocolea muricata (Lehm.) Nees (Geocalycaceae), Cololejeuneajelinekii Steph.
and C. nilgiriensis G. Asthana & S.C.Srivast. (Lejeuneaceae) are described from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary,
Arunachal Pradesh. All the species are being reported for the first time from the Himalayan region.
Keywords : Cololejeunea jelinekii, Cololejeunea nilgiriensis, Lophocolea muricata, Himalaya region,
Liverworts, New Records.
INTRODUCTION
The ongoing taxonomic studies on the liverworts of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
revealed the occurrence of Lophocolea muricata (Lehm.) Nees (Geocalycaceae), Cololejeuneajelinekii Steph.
and C. nilgiriensis G. Asthana & S.C.Srivast. (Lejeuneaceae). Of these, while Lophocolea muricata and
Cololejeunea nilgiriensis are so far known in Indian bryoflora from Western Ghats (Srivastava & Srivastava,
2002; Asthana & Srivastava, 2003) only, Cololejeunea jelinekii is known from Nicobar Islands (Asthana &
Srivastava, 2003). The same are described and illustrated for the first time from Himalayan region in general
and the state of Arunachal Pradesh in particular.
DESCRIPTION AND DISCUSSION
Key to the species
la. Leaves simple, succubous, sub-opposite to opposite,
ventrally free or united narrowly to broadly with adjoining
underleaf bases on one or both sides; female bracts and
bracteoles often larger or as large as the leaves and
underleaves; whole plant surface covered with acute spines ... 1. Lophocolea muricata
lb. Leaves complicate bilobed, incubous, alternate,
ventrally free; underleaves absent; female bracts
sometimes similar to vegetative leaves or larger,
bracteoles absent; leaf surface covered with blunt
or subacute papillae ... 2
2a. Leaves slightly contiguous - distant,
widely - slightly obliquely spreading;
lobules up to 2/5 of lobe length,
first tooth 1-2-celled, second tooth blunt;
gemmae present ... 2. Cololejeunea jelinekii
2b. Leaves distant, obliquely spreading; lobules c. 1/2 or
more than 1/2 of lobe length, first tooth 1 -celled,
second tooth subacute - obtuse, separated from
first tooth by slight indentation, sometimes first and
second tooth overlapping each other forming 'X'; gemmae absent ... 3. Cololejeunea nilgiriensis
1. Lophocolea muricata (Lehm.) Nees in Gottsche & al., Syn. hepat. 169. 1845; Abha Srivast. &
S.C.Srivast., Indian Geocalycaceae 162. 2002. Jungermannia muricata Lehm. inLinnaea4 : 363. 1829.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
192 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Chiloscyphus muricatus (Lehm.) JJ.Engel & R.M.Schust. in Nova Hedwigia 39 : 419. 1984.
(Figs. 1; 4 A, B).
Plants delicate, prostrate, light yellowish green - pale brownish green, 7-10 mm long, 1.07 -1.3 mm
wide, rarely branched; branches lateral intercalary. Stem dorso-ventrally symmetrical, dorsal surface spinose,
oval in outline in cross section, 0.1 - 0.2 x 0.15 - 0.2 mm, 8 - 10 cells across; cells undifferentiated, subquadrate-
rectangulate - ovate, thin-walled; cortical cells 8-20x8-18 um; medullary cells 8 - 28 x 8 - 24 urn. Leaves
alternate, imbricate, obliquely inserted, adaxially convex, ovate - quadrate to subtrapezoid, 0.4 - 0.9 mm long,
0.3 - 0.5 mm wide, bilobed, sometimes 3-lobed; lobes unequal, 8-17- cells long, 1 - 2-cells uniseriate at apex,
5-13 cells wide at base; dorsal margin straight, ventral margin slightly arched, margin and dorsal leaf surface
covered with erect, acute spines; spines 1 - 3-cells long; leaf cells undifferentiated, subquadrate - polygonal,
thin- walled with minute, triradiate trigones; apical lobe cells 10- 16 x 12- 16 um; marginal leaf cells 14 -
18 x 10 - 14 um; median leaf cells 14 - 26 x 8 - 18 um; basal leaf cells 22 - 40 x 12-22 um. Underleaves
distant, free or connate with the adjoining leaves on one side of its base only, 0.2 - 0.37 mm long, 0.18 - 0.33
mm wide, bilobed up to 1/3 - 1/2 of underleaf length; lobes slightly divergent, narrow, 8-16 cells long, 4 - 9
cells wide at base, (2-) 3-6 cells uniseriate at apex, sinus narrow; lamina 4 - 7-cells long, 12 - 20-cells wide,
with or without l(-2) tooth at one or both lateral margins, tooth (1)2-3 cells long, uniseriate throughout, a
hyaline cell present at the apex of the lobes of teeth; entire margin and surface of underleaves covered with
acute, 1-2-celled spines. Rhizoids in bunch at underleaves bases, branched at apices.
Dioecious. Male plants not seen. Gynoecia terminal on main shoot; bracts oblong, 0.5 - 0.6 mm long,
0.3 - 0.4 mm wide, bilobed, surface and margin covered with spines; bracteoles ovate, 0.4 - 0.5 mm long,
0.3 1- 0.36 mm broad, bilobed 1/3 - 1/2 of its length, margins and surface covered with spines; perianth oblong,
cylindrical, 0.9 - 1 .2 mm long, 0.5 - 0.6 mm wide, mouth broad, 1/4 trilobed, 3-plicate; plicae extending up to
1/2 of perianth length from base towards apex; margins and surface covered with spines. Mature sporophyte
not seen.
Habitat : Epiphytic, growing in moist and shady conditions in temperate forests.
Distribution : India : [Eastern Himalaya (Arunachal Pradesh - present study), Western Ghats (Tamil
Nadu)], Indonesia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia, Africa (Srivastava & Srivastava, 2002).
Specimens examined : India : Eastern Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Dibang Valley
district, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayodia Top, c. 2850 m, 18.11.2000, D.K. Singh 98220 (BSD); Mehao
Lake - Gahori camp, c. 2450 m, 25.11.2000, D.K.Singh 98434 (BSD).
Lophocolea muricata is characterized by dioecious, light yellowish green - pale brownish green plants
with all parts densely covered with erect, acute spines (Fig. 4 A, B); obliquely inserted, adaxially convex, ovate
- quadrate to subtrapezoid leaves (Fig. 1:4- 12); underleaves, either free or connate at base with adjoining
leaves only on one side (Fig. 1 : 17 - 22) and oblong, cylindrical, 3-plicate perianth with plicae extending up
to 1/2 the perianth length from base (Fig. 1 : 1, 2). The species was so far known in Indian bryoflora from
Western Ghats alone.
2. Cololejeunea jelinekii Steph. in Hedwigia 34 : 249. 1995; G. Asthana& S.C.Srivast. inBryophyt. Biblioth.
60 : 64. 2003. Leptocolea jelinekii (Steph.) Steph. in Sp. hepat. 5 : 851. 1916. (Figs. 2; 4 C, D).
Plants yellowish green in herbarium, appressed to the substratum, minute, 1.3 - 3.5 mm long,
0.5 - 0.65 mm wide, pinnate ly branched. Stem in cross section suborbicular - elliptic in outline, 0.04 - 0.05 mm;
cortical cells in 5 (- 6) vertical rows, quadrangular - obtrapezoid, 16.0 - 26.0 x 12.0 - 22.0 um, thin-walled;
medullary cell 1, polygonal, 12.0 - 14.0 x 14.0 - 16.0 um; ventral merophytes 3 cells wide. Leaves incubous,
alternate, slightly contiguous - distant, widely - slightly obliquely spreading at an angle of 30 - 40° from
the stem; leaf lobes oblong-ovate, 0.2 - 0.4 mm long, 0.16 - 0.27 mm wide, apex widely - narrowly obtuse,
rounded; margin crenate due to projecting cells, dorsal margin arched, ventral margin nearly straight - slightly
wavy; leaf cells dorsally papillose, thin-walled with indistinct trigones, intermediate thickenings absent; dorsal
papillae blunt, 8.0 - 12.0 umhigh; apical leaf cells rectangular - quadrate, 8.0 - 14.0 x 8.0 - 12.0 um; median
leaf cells polygonal, 10.0 - 14.0 x 12.0 - 20.0 um; basal leaf cells polygonal, slightly elongated, 24.0 - 46.0 x
14.0 - 20.0 um; lobules ovate, inflated, 0.11 - 0.15 mm long, 0.06 - 0.09 mm wide, up to 2/5 of lobe length,
2009] DAS AND SINGH : NEW RECORDS OF LIVERWORTS FROM MEHAO WLS, ARUNACHAL PRADESH 193
3,13-16.
Fig. 1. Lophocolea muricata (Lehm.) Nees : 1. A portion of female plant with perianth in dorsal view;
2. The same in ventral view; 3. T. S. of stem; 4 -12. Leaves; 13. Apical lobe cells of leaf;
14. Marginal cells of leaf; 15. Median cells of leaf; 16. Basal cells of leaf; 17 - 20. Underleaves;
21. The same enlarged showing fasciculated rhizoids at the base; 22. The same enlarged;
23. Apical cells of underleaf lobe; 24 & 25. Female bracts; 26 & 27. T.S. of perianth.
194
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fS11-?f> 0.1mm
Fig. 2. Cololejeunea jelinekii Steph. : 1 . A portion of vegetative plant in dorsal view;
2. The same in ventral view; 3. A portion of male plant with androecial branch in ventral view;
4 & 5. T. S. of stem; 6-10. Leaves; 11. Apical cells of leaf; 12. Median cells of leaf; 13. Basal cells of leaf;
14 & 15. Leaf lobules; 16-19. Gemmae; 20. A single antheridium.
2009] DAS AND SINGH : NEW RECORDS OF LIVERWORTS FROM MEHAO WLS, ARUNACHAL PRADESH 195
2-dentate, first tooth prominent, angular, 1 -2-celled, second tooth blunt, 1 -celled, hyaline papillae indistinct.
Rhizoids fasciculate, hyaline, forming rhizoidal disc on ventral stem surface. Gemmae present on dorsal leaf
lamina, discoid, 64 - 84 urn in diameter, with 3 mamillose adhesive cells.
Monoecious (?). Androecia terminal on short lateral branches; male bracts in 3 - 4 pairs, ovate, inflated,
margin crenate; antheridia 1 - 2 per bract, globose, c. 60 um in diameter, stalk uniseriate, 8 - 9 cells long.
Gynoecia not seen.
Habitat : Epiphyllous, growing densely all over the angiosperm leaf surface under moist and shady
conditions.
Distribution : India : [Eastern Himalaya (Arunachal Pradesh - present study); Andaman & Nicobar
Islands (Nicobar Islands)], Malaysia, New Guinea (Asthana & Srivastava, 2003).
Specimens examined : India, Eastern Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Dibang Valley, Mehao Wildlife
Sanctuary, 4 km from Tewarigaon towards Mayodia, c. 2000 m, 20.02.2006, M. Dey & S. Das 38618, 38619,
38620, 38622, 38623, 38624, 38625, 38626, 38627 (CAL); 2 km from Tewarigaon towards Mayodia, c. 1700
m, 20.02.2006, M. Dey & S. Das 38628, 38634, 38637 (CAL); 1 km from Tewarigaon towards Mayodia, c.
1500 m, 20.02.2006, M. Dey & S. Das 38639, 38640, 38641, 38642, 38643, 38645, 38648, 38649 (CAL);
Tewarigaon, c. 1500 m, 20.02.2006, M. Dey & S. Das 38658, 38659, 38660 (CAL).
Cololejeunea jelinekii, belonging to the subgenus Cololejeunea Benedix., is characterized by minute
plants with oblong-ovate leaves (Fig. 2:6- 10); densely papillose leaf surface (Fig. 2 : 11 - 13; Fig. 4C, D);
1 - 2-celled first tooth of lobule (Fig. 2 : 14, 15); discoid gemmae with three mamillose cells (Fig. 2 : 16 -
19); terminal male inflorescence on short lateral branches with inflated male bracts bearing 1 - 2-antheridia
(Fig. 2 : 3). Earlier the species was known in Indian bryoflora from Nicobar Islands only.
3. Cololejeunea nilgiriensis G. Asthana & S.C.Srivast. in Bryophyt. Biblioth. 60 : 27. 2003. (Figs. 3; 4E, F).
Plants whitish - light yellowish green in herbarium, appressed to the substratum, minute, 1.5 - 2.0 mm
long, 0.5 - 0.6 mm wide, rarely branched. Stem in cross section triangular - elliptic in outline, 0.04 - 0.05 mm;
cortical cells in 5 vertical rows, quadrangular - obtrapezoid, 14.0 - 20.0 x 8.0 - 14.0 urn, thin-walled; medullary
cell 1, polygonal, 12.0 - 14.0 x 8.0 - 10.0 um; ventral merophytes 2-cells wide. Leaves incubous, alternate,
distant, obliquely spreading from stem at an angle of 30 - 40°; leaf lobes oblong-ovate, 0.2 - 0.3 mm long,
0.12-0.16 mm wide, apex narrowly rounded; margin crenate due to projecting cells, dorsal margin arched,
ventral margin nearly straight; leaf cells dorsally papillose, thin-walled with feeble trigones; intermediate
thickenings absent; marginal spinose leaf cells quadrangular, 14.0 - 20.0 x 12.0 - 14.0 urn; median
leaf cells polygonal, 10.0 - 20.0 x 12.0 - 22.0 urn; basal leaf cells polygonal, slightly longer than median cells,
20.0 - 56.0 x 10.0 - 14.0 um; lobules large, ovate, inflated, 0.12 - 0.16 mm long, 0.06 - 0.10 mm wide, c. 1/2
or more than 1/2 of lobe length, 2-dentate; first tooth angular, 1 -celled, second tooth subacute - obtuse, also
1 -celled, separated from first tooth by slight indentation, sometimes first and second tooth overlapping each
other forming 'X'; lobule margin crenulate. Rhizoids fasciculate, hyaline, forming rhizoidal disc on ventral
stem surface. Gemmae absent. Fertile plants not seen.
Habitat : Epiphyllous, growing on angiosperm leaf surfaces under moist and shady conditions.
Distribution : India : [Eastern Himalaya (Arunachal Pradesh - present study), Western Ghats
(Tamil Nadu)], endemic (Asthana & Srivastava, 2003).
Specimen examined : India : Eastern Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Dibang Valley, Mehao Wildlife
Sanctuary, 6 km from Tewarigaon towards Mayodia, c. 2000 m, 20.02.2006, S. Das & M. Dey 38609 (CAL).
Cololejeunea nilgiriensis, belonging to the subgenus Aphanolejeunea (A. Evans) Benedix., is
characterized by whitish - light yellowish green plants with oblong-ovate leaves with narrowly rounded apex
and crenate margin (Fig. 3:5- 10); densely papillose leaf surface (Fig. 3 : 11 - 13; Fig. 4E, F); large, ovate
lobule, c. 1/2 or more than 1/2 of lobe length; angular, 1-celled first tooth and subacute - obtuse, 1-celled
second tooth, separated from first tooth by slight indentation, sometimes first and second tooth overlapping
each other forming 'X' (Fig. 3 : 14 - 16). The species is endemic to India and was so far known from Western
Ghats alone.
196
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
Fig. 3. Cololejeunea nilgiriensis G. Asthana & S.C. Srivast. : 1 . A portion of vegetative plant in dorsal view;
2. The same in ventral view; 3 & 4. T.S. of stem; 5-10. Leaves; 11. Apical cells of leaf; 12. Median cells of leaf;
13. Basal cells of leaf; 14-16. Leaf lobules.
2009] DAS AND SINGH : NEW RECORDS OF LIVERWORTS FROM MEHAO WLS, ARUNACHAL PRADESH 197
g
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LEAF SURFACE 4 I
Fig. 4. : Scanning Electron Microscope photographs of plants and leaf surface: A. Aportion of the plant of Lophocolea
muricata with perianth; B. A portion of the leaf of the same enlarged; C & D. Cololejeunea jelinekii;
E & F. Cololejeunea nilgiriensis.
198
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
1
t
To Hunli
Tewari
\Sindi Hill
% ->
To Shantipur
To Bhishmak Nagar
Koronu
Map of Mehao WLS showing distribution of 1. Lophocolea muricata; 2. Cololejeunea jelinekii and Cololejeunea
nilgiriensis (not to scale).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are thankful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India for facilities and encouragement and
to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, Itanagar for facilitating the exploration
work inside the sanctuary. One of us (SD) is also grateful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India for financial
assistance under 'Flora of India' project.
REFERENCES
Srivastava, A. and S.C. Srivastava. Indian Geocalycaceae (Hepaticae) (ATaxonomic Study). 1 - 246. BSMPS. Dehradun.
2002.
Asthana, G. and S.C. Srivastava. Indian Cololejeunea : Ataxonomic study. Bryophyt. Biblioth. 60 : 1 - 155. 2003.
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NELUMB0 51: 199-210. 2009
THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE NAMES FOR A FEW WELL KNOWN
ANGIOSPERM FAMILIES VIS-A-VIS FABACEAE VERSUS PAPILIONACEAE:
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
R. L. Mitra, V. S. Raju* and P. Singh +
Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah 711 103
e-mail : rl.mitra37@gmail.com
*Plant Systematics Laboratory, Kakatiya University, Warangal 506 009
e-mail: vatsavayar@hotmail.com
^Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700 064
e-mail: pchanna@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The paper is a brief historical resume on the genesis and development of familial concept as a natural
unit in plants and its nomenclature. It explains in the backdrop of Latin grammar, how names with diverse
terminations once dominated family nomenclature in taxonomic literature. It also narrates the logical efforts
that followed to rationalize the family names to its present state leaving room for use of alternative names
for a few angiosperm families. Besides, the paper discusses the proper use of the names Leguminosae,
Fabaceae and Papilionaceae, and the associated problems.
Keywords : Alternative names, Family names, Latin Grammar, History, Fabaceae, Papilionaceae.
INTRODUCTION
Plant nomenclature has attained an achievable stability. Any system devised or divined, which is dynamic
like plant nomenclature, can never reach complete steadiness. Certain of the provisions in the Botanical
Code which were deliberately incorporated for historical or other reasons, are sources of apparent instability
and providing room for confusion. One such issue is the use of alternative names for certain of the familiar
angiosperm families. There is an increasing demand for abandoning them and going for one name as envisaged
in Principle IV of the Botanical Code which seeks one name for one taxon with a particular circumscription,
position and rank. The recent three proposals (205-207) in this regard by Govaerts (2004) are a testimony to
the persisting problem. The defeat of the proposals is also not an end of the issue in itself and perhaps cannot
be avoided till a more rational solution is achieved. Therefore, for a proper introspection, this contentious issue
is brought to the fore again, emphasizing its historical perspective.
The discovery of more and more of novel plants at the beginning of 1 8th century put before the
botanists in Europe the stupendous task of naming, describing and publishing them. In the process, the
science of nomenclature was given a definite direction and destiny by Carolus Linnaeus with the publication
of Species Plantarum (1753) and Systema Naturae (1759). Yet, in the absence of any generally accepted rules
of nomenclature other than those elemental principles propounded by Linnaeus, the botanical nomenclatural
patterns and practices were set by the then Botanists of considerable prestige and repute. On the whole, some
of these were different from those which were in vogue later.
As the time passed, the inadequacies in plant nomenclature surfaced; the need for initiation of organized
corrective measures to standardize plant nomenclature became increasingly apparent. It resulted in enacting
a unified nomenclatural procedure, i.e., the International Rules of Botanical Nomenclature, to start with the
Paris Code, 1867 (The de Candollean Rules). The declared objective of the Rules, embodied subsequently as
Articles in the Code, is to put the nomenclature of the past into order and to provide for that of the future. In
other words, all the corrective measures to standardize the botanical nomenclature began much after the same
attained a certain stature independent of any internationally agreed rules. As and when many of the "proposed
rules" were put into practice during the formative era of the Code, the inherent deficiencies of some of the
rules became clear. In fact, the demand for the conservation of established names contrary to Principle of
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
200 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
Priority [of publication] was first voiced by German Botanical Society in 1 897. It was due to the fact that many
botanists became dismayed by the magnitude of name changes suggested by O. Kuntze in Revisio Genera
Plantarum{l89l-98). As it is impossible to legislate for every eventuality, there is a provision in the Code for
periodical modification of Code itself.
CONCEPT OF FAMILY AS A NATURAL UNIT
Linnaeus and the Natural Order : The two massive classics of pre-Linnean era, namely Rariorum
Plantarum Historia (1601) by Carolus Clusius and Historia Plantarum (1686-1704) by John Ray, greatly
influenced Carolus Linnaeus in conceiving his Species Plantarum. He intended that Species Plantarum together
with Genera Plantarum will provide a simple means of referring all the known plants of the world.
There existed systems of classification based on form, gross morphology of plant structures, etc., before
the time of Linnaeus. But none of those systems was adequate and simple enough to accommodate the increasing
number of newly described plants, nor could be easily used to identify the already known ones. Linnaeus,
therefore, introduced a system of classification in the 1 st edition of Systema 'Naturae ( 1 735), and employed the
said classification in arranging plants in Species Plantarum and Genera Plantarum. It is a simple but ingenious
arithmetical system whereby the genera are grouped into 24 classes according to number, union, length, etc.
of stamens. The classes were then subdivided into orders on the basis of number of pistils. It is true that the
sexual system mentioned above is usually associated with the name of Linnaeus. But it is seldom known that
Linnaeus himself was critical about the system and freely acknowledged the inadequacy of the same {Classes
Plantarum 440. 1738). He was compelled to adopt the system in Species Plantarum and Genera Plantarum
for no other system then available could be used to achieve his cherished objective. Though, at that time, the
concept of evolution was not there, yet from his vast experience in the study of nature in Western Europe
(1735-37), Linnaeus firmly believed that there certainly existed more close, natural and orderly relationship
in the creation of God. He, therefore, felt the need for such a method to bring together into groups the plants
which resemble each other in their botanical qualities and also knew it was all the more hard to write {Genera
Plantarum, Ratio Operis No.l. 1737). He even outlined what he thought might be such a system, publishing
a first draft, 'Fragmenta Methodi Naturalis' - an incomplete work as the name implied, in Classes Plantarum
(1738). Here he drew an outline of 65 orders in a schematic form by placing the related genera under each
Order. About the same time, Linnaeus also contributed a natural classification - 'Clavis Classium' to Adriaan
van Royen, Florae Leydensis Prodromus (1740).
In the preface of 'Fragmenta Methodi Naturalis' {Classes Plantarum 485-488. 1738), Linnaeus
remarked: 'A truly natural method is the highest goal of systematic botany . . . No one has so far succeeded in
designing a true natural method. I [Linnaeus] have labored long trying to work out such a method, and done
all I could, without reaching my aim. I will work at this task my whole life, publishing what I shall discover. . . .
It is impossible to give a key of the natural method before having placed every plant correctly as to order.
It is not enough to define an order using the common characters of its genera, but data must be provided in
addition by which one order can be set aside from another. My work is restricted to orders [i.e., families in
the modern sense] because once these are correctly placed, the classes [i.e., orders in the modern sense] can
be worked out at ease. No a priori rules can be laid down to write a natural method, and no part of flower
and fruit comes first in sequence of the character to be used. All that may count toward such a method is the
symmetry of every part, which is often peculiar to each group... Let everybody correct, extend, and perfect
this method who can. Let those leave it alone who cannot. Those who can are the best of botanists'. [Croizat,
Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 72: 57-58, 1945].
In the sexual system of Linnaeus, the orders were glaringly artificial in composition while in the natural
system each of these were composed of genera supposedly expressive of their true affinities hence called
'Natural Order", now known as family, a term of French origin and appears to have been introduced by Pierre
Mangol (1638-1715) in his Prodromus historie generalis ... (1689). Thus, we find genesis of modern familial
concept in Linnaeus's Classes Plantarum (1738), a land mark publication in Botany.
'Paris Code (1867) maintained the then term Order (Ordo) or Natural Order (Ordo naturalis) as synonymous to French term
'Family'.
2009] MITRA, RAJU & SINGH : THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE NAMES 201
Linnaeus published his 'Fragmenta' anew with little change in Philosophia botanica (1751) providing
the orders special descriptive names and also adopting for the orders similar such names already in use as
'descriptive terms' in plant classification in pre-Linnean texts. Linnaeus, however, did not give up his thoughts
on 'Fragmenta Methodi Naturalis' and went on perfecting his ideas with the knowledge then available. In the
sixth edition of Genera Plantarum ( 1 764), Linnaeus thus appended a section on his ' Ordines Naturales' which
he introduced with 1 1 aphorisms reiterating his thoughts on natural system of classification, for example:
10. 'Ordines naturales valent de natura plantarum. Artificiales in diagnosi plantarum.' ['Natural
orders indicate the nature of plant. Artificial orders are effectual for identification of plants.']
11. 'Genera qui condit naturalia, Naturales ordines ibi, ubi licet, perspectos reddat.'
['He who founds natural genera should refer them to the Natural orders where possible.']
Accordingly, Linnaeus added serial numbers to all the genera following Genera Plantarum in the schema
of his Ordines Naturales. Later on, he gave his much considered views in two series of lectures to the two
select little gatherings of his students, the first in 1764 to Ferber, Fabricius, Zoega, Meyer and Kuhn who had
come from Philadelphia, and the second in 1771 to Giseke, Vahl, Edinger and Tislef. From his own notes and
those of Fabricius, Giseke published in 1792 Linnaeus 's Praelectiones in Ordines naturales Plantarum. Even
today, Piperaceae ('Piperitae'), Papilionaceae and Compositae carry the name of Linnaeus in a true sense though
these are attributed to his student Giseke on nomenclatural ground, who compiled, edited and published the
lectures ('praelectiones') of Linnaeus posthumously.
de Jussieus and the Natural Order : Meanwhile, further major developments in natural classification
initiated by Linnaeus in 1738 took place in France. Bernard de Jussieu (1699-1777), a French contemporary
of Linnaeus and Professor of Botany at Royal Gardens, Trianon in Versailles, while attempting to lay plants
according to a natural system in the Botanical Gardens of Trianon and Paris brought about a number of
modifications to Linnaean system. It appears that at the time Bernard was also in possession of a draft manuscript
of Adanson's 'Families des Plantes' which was alleged to have been sent to him in 1750 from Senegal in West
Africa where Adanson was engaged in the study of plants and animals. But never being completely satisfied
with the changes he could bring about to the systems of Linnaeus and Adanson, Bernard did not publish his
results.
Antoine Laurent de Jussieu (1748-1836), who joined his uncle Bernard at the Royal Gardens at a very
young age and then succeeded him there, brought about a significant improvement to his uncle's incomplete and
unpublished system of classification. In fact, Bernard's quiet deed - observing natural system of classification
live at work in gardens, greatly influenced the botanical thoughts of younger de Jussieu. In 1789, A.L. de
Jussieu published his Genera Plantarum secundum Ordines naturalis disposita [Arrangement of Plant Genera
according to Natural Orders, i.e., Families] - the first complete system which can be claimed a natural one.
In the preface of his work A.L. de Jussieu also published (pp.LXIII - LXX) his uncle's manuscript, 'Bernardi
de Jussieu, Ordines naturalis, In Ludovici XV Horto Trianonense Dispositi, Anno 1759' - again a schematic
representation of 48 orders with their included genera. In A.L. de Jussieu's work, the orders (i.e., families)
which number 100 are carefully characterized, clearly differentiated and named. The excellence of the work lay
in the fact that in all modern classifications nearly all of them are recognized as distinct. It is perhaps because
of this uniqueness of the work, A.L. de Jussieu's Genera Plantarum (1789) has been accepted as starting point
date for family names of Spermatophyta 2 (Art. 13.1 & Appendix IIB, Vienna Code, 2006).
Adanson and the Plant Family : Michel Adanson (1727-1806), a French botanist, enriched by his
vast experience as an explorer in west tropical Africa, published second volume of his two volume work, 'Les
2 Lately it was noticed that the starting point for publication of supra generic names of Spermatophyta was included in Montreal Code
(1961) on the basis of an informal decision in Montreal Congress (1959). The provision was not therefore included in any articles of
the Code. When an attempt to ratify the decision in Tokyo Congress (1993) failed, there was a temporary setback which was reflected
in the authorship, date and place of publication of some family names in Appendix IIB, St. Louis Code (2000). However, a decision of
the Vienna Congress (2005) restored the original basis of Spermatophyta family names in Appendix IIB, dating to Montreal Congress
(1959).
202
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
Families des Flames' in 1 763 . Therein though Adanson named and properly described for the first time 5 8 plant
families, 'his lavish incorporation of doubtful or ill-known genera' in many of these families, systematists in
general did not consider his familial concept better than Linnaeus's ' Fragmented.
FAMILY NOMENCLATURE
As stated earlier, the first conscious attempt to name 3 the families ('orders') was there in Philosophia
botanica (pp.27 - 36. 1751) when the concept of order as a natural unit fairly crystallized. There under '77.
METHODI NATURALIS Fragmenta...' Linnaeus gave special descriptive names like Bicornes, Spathaceae,
Scabridae, Vepreculae, etc., and adopted similar such names for the orders - Piperitae, Palmae, Orchideae,
Liliaceae, Gramina, Compositi, Umbellate, Cariophillaei, Cucurbitaceae, Papilionaceae, and the like from the
works of his predecessors 4 though these were in use there in a different context (Fig.l).
CAROLI LINNjEI
Archiat*. Reg. Medic, et Botan. Profess. Upsal.
Acad, Imperial. Monspel, Berol.Tolos, Upsal.
Stockh.Soc.et Paris. Corresp.
PHILOSOPHIA
BOTANICA
IN QVA
EXPL1CANTUR
FUNDAMENTA BOTANICA
CUM
DEFINITIONIBUS PARTJUM,
EXEMPLTS TERMWORUM,
OBSEKVATIONIBUS R/UUORUM,
ArsjEcns
FIGURIS JENEIS.
Cum Privilegio.
STOCKHOLMUE,
Apup GODOFR. KIESEWETTER
i7fi.
SVSIEMAT A. 27
73. MUSCOS (77: 65) stLipenda.indListriadei.exit,
et absolvir. Dillenius (36).
CMypihti.
Calyptr* dcir.'tuti.
74. ALGAS (77 : 66) Dillenius ex Textura , ;Mi-
CHEi-ius secundum flores disposuit.
75. FUKG.OS (77 : 67) Dillenius (37) secundum
Pileos , Michelius (37) secundum frucurlcatic-
nes dtspescuit.
DILLENit divisio secundum .Pileos , .unde-
Echinati.
j6. L1THOPHYTA olim relicta PJutoni , Marsiluus
Flora itnperio subjecit., at Peysonellus eadem
Famae Regno resiitiiit.
Ar/iacn. ami. So, ratio Peysonelli IJ2J. B, Jussiei 1771.
77. METHODI NATURALIS Fragmenta studiose
inquirenda sunt.
Prim-urn , et nkimum hoc in .Botanicis desideratum est.
Natura aba facit saltus,.
Plantar qnines utrinque aftimtatem jir.onstrant , uti Terri-
torium in IWsppa geographica.
Fragmenta , qua? ego proposui,ha:c:sunt:
I. PIPERITA. Phceniy Satyrium
Arum Cycas . Serapias
Dr.afontium 3. SCITA'SJiNA. Herminium
Calla - Musa Neottja
Acorus : Thaiia Ophrys
Saururus Alpinia Cypripediuni
Pothos Costus Epidendcum
Piper Canna .Lmiodprunj.
Phytolacca, IVlaranta Arethiisa..
S.PAL1VlB.' Amomum y. ENSATVS.
Corypha Curcuma Iris
Borassus Kaempferia. Gladiolus
Coccus .4. ORCHIDEjE, ' Antholyza
Chamsrops Orchis lxia
Si-
Fig.l : Title page of Philosophia botanica (1751) and a page of Fragmenta'.
3 A few such names were already used as name of Classes in Florae Leydensis Prodromus (1740) which Linnaeus helped van Royen
to prepare in 1738 (Stearn, 1959: 96). Sprengel (1824: 44), however, claims that Linnaeus actually wrote the flora for van Royen -
{Florae Leidensis prodromus. LB., 1740. 8. Linnaeus scripsit ('Linnaeus written it'), non Royenus...]
4 I) Boerhaav, Hermann, In d. pi. hort. Lugd. -Bat. Leiden 1710 &Ind. alter hort. Lugd.-Bat. Leiden 1720. II) Hermann, Paul, Fl. Lugd.-
Bat.Leiden 1690. Ill) Morison, Robert, PI. hist. Univ. vol. 2 & 3. Oxford 1680-99. IV) Ray, John, Meth. PI. London 1682; Meth. PI.
em. London 1703; Hist. PL vol. 1-3. London 1686 - 1704 & Syn. meth. strip, brit. ed.1-3. London 1690-1724. V) Tournefort, Joseph
Pitton, Elem. Bot. 3 vol. Paris 1694 & Inst, rei herb. Paris 1700.
2009]
MITRA, RAJU & SINGH : THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE NAMES
203
Adanson (1763), however, preferred to use almost exclusively the plurals of a characteristic constituent
generic name as the name of families. The prevailing French custom of using plurals of vernacular names to refer
groups of such plants like, 'Les Anones', 'LesAmaranthes', 'Les Rosiers' (i.e., theAnonas, the Amaranths, the
Roses), etc., appears to have influenced Adanson to use the Latin equivalents like Anonae, Amaranthi, Rosae,
etc., as the family names. Such adoption of plurals of a characteristic constituent generic name as the family
name even though was not appreciated afterwards, yet it helped to conceive the concept of type genus of a
family 5 at a later date. Adanson also adopted traditional names like Palmae, Liliaceae, Compositae, Labiatae,
Leguminosae and Cruciferae.
A.L. de Jussieu and his uncle Bernard de Jussieu (Gen. PL 1789 & pp. LXIII-LXX) gave little thought
to the nomenclatural issue. Both of them followed Adanson (1763) in using plurals of the generic names
as family names, at the same time liberally adopted traditional names ending in '-ae', '-eae', '-aceae' and
'-oideae'. The traditional names adopted by Bernard in his manuscript are Palmae, Gramineae, Rubiaceae,
Umbelliferae, Labiatae, Cruciferae, Papaveraceae, Leguminosae, Cucurbitaceae, Rosaceae, and Aroideae.
A.L. de Jussieu, in addition adopted names like Campanulaceae, Ranunculaceae, Guttiferae, Malvaceae,
Tiliaceae and Rutaceae.
Family Names and Latin Grammar: It is thus seen that naming of certain natural groups of plants
variously called orders or families has been full of inconsistencies. Although, Botanical Code has now articles
(18 & 19) which deal with procedure for establishment of names of families and their subdivisions, earlier
family names have not been formed by any single method. Unlike English, in Latin an adjective has to agree
in gender, number and case of the noun it qualifies, i.e., the ending of the adjective changes in accordance
with the state of the noun it associates. Thus though a noun has only one gender, in Latin the adjective words
exist in masculine, feminine and neuter genders. Botanical Latin has a rich store of such adjective words
which ancient botanists liberally used as an 'independent noun' (to a lesser extent nouns also) to form newer
descriptive terms to distinguish taxonomic categories in plant classification. Many such names were adopted
by Linnaeus and his successors as family names. The following few examples fairly explains the grammatical
implications of such names formed at the beginning:
Table-1. Examples of derivation of family names.
(I)
Cornu (N) - horn
Cornis (Adj.) - horned
Bi-cornis (Adj.) - two horned
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Bicornis
F
Bicornis
N
Bicorne
PLURAL
Bicornes
Bicornes
Bicornia
(II)
Spatha (F) - spathe
Spathaceus (Adj.) - spathe-like
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Spathaceus
F
Spathacea
N
Spathaceum
PLURAL
Spathacei
Spathaceae
Spathacea
(III)
Scabri - (Latin comp.) - rough
Scabridus (Adj.) - somewhat rough
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Scabridus
F
Scabrida
N
Scabridum
PLURAL
Scabridi
Scabridae
Scabrida
5 In the Brussels Code (1912), the type concept was first included as a 'Recommendation' which suggested among other things to
indicate the typical genus in a family. In Cambridge Code (1935), type concept was included as 'Rules' and in Paris Code (1956) even
as one of the six guiding principles (Principle II) of botanical nomenclature.
204
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
(IV)
Vepres (M) - thorn bush Vepre - cuius (Adj.) - dimunitive of Vepres
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Vepreculus
F
Veprecula
N
Vepreculum
PLURAL
Vepreculi
Vepreculae
Veprecula
(V)
Piper (N) - peper, piperis
(a) Piperitus (Adj.) - having the quality of piper
(b) Piperaceus (Adj.) - piper-like
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Piperitus
F
Piperita
N
Piperitum
PLURAL
Piperiti
Piperitae
Piperita
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Piperaceus
F
Piperacea
N
Piperaceum
PLURAL
Piperacei
Piperaceae
Piperacea
(VI)
Compo (Participle) - bringing
together separate things
Compositus (Adj.) - put together, united
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Compositus
F
Composita
N
Compositum
PLURAL
Compositi
Compositae
Composita
(VII)
(a) Gramen (N) - Grass
(b) Gramineus (Adj.) - Grassy, grass-like
(c) Graminaceus (Adj.) - having the character of grass
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
PLURAL
Gramen
Gramina
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Gramineus
F
Graminea
N
Gramineum
PLURAL
Graminei
Gramineae
Graminea
(c)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Graminaceus
F
Graminacea
N
Graminaceum
PLURAL
Graminacei
Graminaceae
Graminacea
2009]
MITRA, RAJU & SINGH : THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE NAMES
205
(VIII)
(a) Palma (F) - Palm tree
(b) Palmaceus (Adj.) - having the character of palm tree
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
PLURAL
Palma
Palmae
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Palmaceus
F
Palmacea
N
Palmaceum
PLURAL
Palmacei
Palmaceae
Palmacea
(IX)
(a) Orchis (F) - Orchid
(b) Orchideus (Adj.) - Orchid-like
(c) Orchidaceus (Adj.) - having the character of Orchid.
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
PLURAL
Orchis
Orchides
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Orchideus
F
Orchidea
N
Orchideum
PLURAL
Orchidei
Orchideae
Orchidea
(c)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Orchidaceus
F
Orchidacea
N
Orchidaceum
PLURAL
Orchidacei
Orchidaceae
Orchidacea
(X)
Labia (F) - lip
Labiatus (Adj.) - lipped
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Labiatus
F
Labiata
N
Labiatum
PLURAL
Labiati
Labiatae
Labiata
(XI)
(a) Lilium (N) - lily
(b) Liliaceus (Adj.) - lily-like
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
PLURAL
Lilium
Lilia
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Liliaceus
F
Liliacea
N
Liliaceum
PLURAL
Liliacei
Liliaceae
Liliacea
(XII)
Papilionis (M) - Butterfly
Papilionaceus (Adj.) - butterfly-like (corolla)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Papilionaceus
F
Papilionacea
N
Papilionaceum
PLURAL
Papilionacei
Papilionaceae
Papilionacea
206
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
(XIII)
Legumen (N) - Pea or bean
(a) Leguminaceus (Adj.) - legume-like
(b) Leguminosus (Adj.) - legume bearing
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Leguminaceus
F
Leguminacea
N
Leguminaceum
PLURAL
Leguminacei
Leguminaceae
Leguminacea
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Leguminosus
F
Leguminosa
N
Leguminosum
PLURAL
Leguminosi
Leguminosae
Leguminosa
(XIV)
Umbella (F) - parasol
(a) Umbellifer (Adj.) - umbel bearing
(b) Umbellatus (Adj.) - umbel-like
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Umbellifer
F
Umbellifera
N
Umbelliferum
PLURAL
Umbelliferi
Umbelliferae
Umbellifera
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Umbellatus
F
Umbellata
N
Umbellatum
PLURAL
Umbellati
Umbellatae
Umbellata
(XV)
Caryo - phyllum
(Latin comp.) - nut-bearing leaf
Caryo - phyllus
(Greek comp.) - nut-bearing leaf
(a) Caryophyllaceus (Adj.) - nut-leaved
(b) Caryophyllaeus (Adj.) - nut-leaved
(c) Caryophylleus (Adj.) - nut-leaved
(d) Caryophylloideus (Adj.) - nut-leaved
(a)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Caryophyllaceus
F
Caryophyllacea
N
Caryophyllaceum
PLURAL
Caryophyllacei
Caryophyllaceae
Caryophyllacea
(b)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Caryophyllaeus
F
Caryophyllaea
N
Caryophyllaeum
PLURAL
Caryophyllaei
Caryophyllaeae
Caryophyllaea
(c)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Caryophylleus
F
Caryophyllea
N
Caryophylleum
PLURAL
Caryophyllei
Caryophylleae
Caryophyllea
(d)
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Caryophylloideus
F
Caryophylloidea
N
Caryophylloideum
PLURAL
Caryophylloidei
Caryophylloideae
Caryophylloidea
2009]
MITRA, RAJU & SINGH : THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE NAMES
207
(XVI)
Cucurbita (F) - gourd
Cucurbitaceus (Adj.) - gourd-like
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Cucurbitaceus
F
Cucurbitacea
N
Cucurbitaceum
PLURAL
Cucurbitacei
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitacea
(XVII)
Rosa (F) - rose
Rosaceus (Adj.) - rose-like
N
M
SINGULAR
M
Rosaceus
F
Rosacea
N
Rosaceum
PLURAL
Rosacei
Rosaceae
Rosacea
F = Feminine; M = Masculine; N = Neuter; NOM = Nominative. Forms adopted as family names are in bold letters.
It is obvious from preceding examples (Table 1) that Linnaeus and his successors preferred substantive
(nominative) plural form of feminine adjective words to substantive plural form of nouns or masculine
adjective words as family names. It is also seen (examples Vllb&c, IXb&c, XIII and XV) that choice of various
adjectival forms of a word resulted in many different endings in a family name when such adjectival words
were declined to substantive feminine plural forms. In short, while coining family names, botanists chose to
add declined forms of different adjectival suffixes of their likings to the stem, i.e. basic part of a Latin word or
generic name (obtained by removing the inflection from its genitive singular form). So, we find family names
with varied endings at a later date.
Rationalisation of Family Nomenclature: The fact that no author has ever consistently followed any
rule in naming such group and even some families have been known by two or more names in the published
literature, a few leading nineteenth century botanists took the initiative to rationalize the confused state of
family nomenclature. Among them, A.P. de Candolle ( Theorie Elem. 203.1813), while dealing with family
nomenclature, felt that family names should be derived from an important included genus. He thus, accepted
several such suffixes (de Candolle actually mentioned the corresponding French form of those Latin suffixes)
in family names of earlier authors: -aceae, -arieae, -eae, -ineae, -aneae, -ideae, etc. Examples are Tiliaceae,
Salicarieae, Menispermeae, Cistineae, Flacourtianeae and Polymonideae. The choice of a particular suffix was
left to euphony. He also favoured the usage of following few large, well established family names formed
otherwise long ago: Compositae, Cruciferae, Gramineae, Guttiferae, Labiatae, Leguminosae, Palmae and
Umbelliferae. Such diversity of termination for the groups of the same rank was found to be confusing. John
Lindley (Nat. Syst. ed.2. p. XIII. 1836), therefore, 'ventured upon a reformation of the nomenclature of the
natural system, by making all the names of the divisions of the same value end in the same way' in second
edition 6 of his work - 'An introduction to the natural system of Botany 1830', where he treated all the
natural orders of the vegetable kingdom.
Accordingly, Lindley (I.e. 1836) not only adopted uniformly the suffix ' -aceae' for the names of the
orders but also proposed therein several names ending in '-aceae' for those orders for which such names
were wanting. To make the transition, particularly of those eight well-established classical names of orders
ending in '-ae' to equivalent names ending in ' -aceae' a smooth affair, Lindley (I.e., 1836, pp. 21, 58, 74,
148, etc.) mooted a novel way of presenting all such change-over (except Palmaceae). For example : order
XI. Umbelliferae or Apiaceae, order XL. Cruciferae or Brassicaceae, order LV. Guttiferae or Clusiaceae, order
CX. Leguminosae or Fabaceae, and the like. Though, thereby Lindley (I.e. 1836) heralded the inclusion of an
unique exception in the botanical nomenclature - the provision for use of alternative names in specified cases,
but this was not generally adopted until many years later.
Meanwhile, with the gradual recognition of more and more natural units between family and genus,
and the usage of quite a few of such adjectival suffixes in providing suitable nomenclature to these units, there
6 This edition was not only thoroughly revised with numerous additions and corrections but was also titled differently- A natural
system of Botany ed.2. 1836.
208 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
was a marked shift in the preponderance of typified family names ending in -aceae and -eae. In fact, together
with a few classical names ending with '-ae', family/subfamily names ending in '-aceae' and '-eae' dominated
19th century taxonomic literature beginning with seventeen volume de Candolle, Prodromus (1824-1873)
and ending in three volume Bentham & Hooker, Genera Plantarum (1862-1883). We also find that such a de
Candollean provision for family names was also incorporated in Paris Code (1867).
The third International Botanical Congress (Vienna 1 905, Code 1 906) which for the first time gave serious
consideration to nomenclatural matter, held that family names must be based on the name of an included genus
with termination ' -aceae'. But listed eight classical family names ending in '-ae' as exceptions (not based
on generic names) owing to long usage (some of these were in use even in Phil. Bot. 27. 175 1) and to be used
in preference to equivalent names (based on a genus) ending in '-aceae'. The fourth International Botanical
Congress (Brussels 1910, Code 1912) further specified similar use of termination '-oideae' to an included
generic name for subfamilies. But unanimity in the uses of rules for family nomenclature was not achieved
until these were ratified again in fifth International Botanical Congress (Cambridge, 1930, Code 1935). Here
a significant change in the rules was introduced to usher uniformity in family nomenclature, which allowed
the use of those eight classical names ending in '-ae' as well as their equivalent names ( based on a genus)
ending in' -aceae' as alternative names.
Even after the enactment of internationally agreed rules of nomenclature in the Cambridge Congress
1930 (Code, 1935), there was no uniformity in the application of family names in the botanical literature.
Because of varied interpretation of rules, two or more names were in use even for the same family. For
instance, Willow-herb family was named variously as Onagraceae, Oenotheraceae or Epilobiaceae, and the
tea family was called Ternstroemaceae and Theaceae. To bring order to the usage of the family names and
not to supersede the popular names purely on technical ground, the provision of 'Nomina Conservanda 'was
therefore extended to include names of families in Montreal Congress (1959, Code 1961).
Botanical Code now has Articles 18 & 19 which deal with establishment of names of families and
their subdivisions. It also includes provisions for regularization of illegitimate names through conservation,
and correction of names published with improper termination or incorrectly designated ranks. Thus each of
the eight family names which were not based on generic names has been provided with an alternative family
name based on a genus. Accordingly each of the following descriptive families are presumed to be typified by
the generic names of their respective alternative families/family names: Compositae (Asteraceae; type, Aster
L.); Cruciferae (Brassicaceae; type, Brassica L.); Gramineae (Poaceae; type, Poa L.); Guttiferae (Clusiaceae;
type, Clusia L.); Labiatae (Lamiaceae; type, Lamium L.); Leguminosae (Fabaceae; type, Faba Mill. [= Vicia
L.]); Palmae (Arecaceae; type, Areca L.); Papilionaceae (Fabaceae; type, Faba Mill.); Umbelliferae (Apiaceae;
type, Apium L.).
Furthermore, in view of the fact that most of the family names were formed in the past, a substantial
number of those generic names on which these were based are no longer considered legitimate on nomenclatural
motive. Accordingly, while the generic names Caryophyllus Mill, and Wintera Murray are illegitimate, the
family names Caryophyllaceae and Winteraceae are legitimate because they have been conserved. Similar
examples are Balsaminaceae, Ebenaceae, Lentibulariaceae, Onagraceae and Sapotaceae. One may find many
such examples from the Appendix IIB of the Code. It may also be noted that although A.L. de Jussieu, Genera
Plantarum (1789) has been taken as a starting point for listing of 'Nomina Familiarum Conservanda', except
for a few adopted classical names, none of the family names was really published therein with the suffix
'-aceae'.
FABACEAE VS. PAPILIONACEAE
It is true that there is a general confusion regarding the proper use of the names Fabaceae, Leguminosae
and Papilionaceae. But much of this can be avoided if the underlying problems are properly understood.
Unfortunately, it is not always clear to many that Code is not concerned with the circumscription of a taxon.
On the other hand, an author is given a free hand to circumscribe a taxon according to his/her concept of the
same. But once the taxon is circumscribed, the author is not given any free hand to name the same. The various
provisions of the Code will then guide the author to select the correct name of the taxon with that particular
circumscription, position and rank.
2009] MITRA, RAJU & SINGH : THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE NAMES 209
As is obvious, the problem with Leguminosae is typical. It is owing to the fact that there exists difference
of opinion concerning the circumscription of the family: (i) It can be conceived as a 'single large conglomerate'
or (ii) it can be split into three smaller but more natural, independent families. If one circumscribes the family
as a single large conglomerate, then [as per the Botanical Code] the family has to be called either Leguminosae
or Fabaceae. But, if the same taxon is considered as composed of 'three segregate families', then that one
particular part may have to be called either Papilionaceae or Fabaceae.
As to other associated problems, it has been pointed out that, in the past, after enactment of rules
of 'Names of families and subfamilies, tribes and subtribes' in Cambridge Code (1935), each of the eight
conserved family names, which did not conform to this rule, have been provided with an alternative name (as
per the enacted rule), either of which may be used. As a result Faba Mill., the type of the alternative family
name Fabaceae is also presumed to be the type of both Leguminosae and Papilionaceae. This, however,
created a new problem. The types of both Leguminosae and Papilionaceae being the same, these two are to be
treated as synonymous. But because the well-established circumscription of these two traditional families is
different, they have been conserved (not to destabilize such long usage of these two names). To overcome this
anomalous situation, a provision has been embodied in the code which states that: "When the Papilionaceae
are regarded as a family distinct from the remainder of Leguminosae, the name Papilionaceae is conserved
against Leguminosae" despite the fact that their types being the same (i.e. Faba Mill.). Similarly, even though
the subfamily name Papilionoideae is contrary to the rules, a unique exception is made in the Code, not to
destabilize its long usage: "When Papilionaceae are included in the family Leguminosae as a subfamily, the
name Papilionoideae may be used as alternative to Faboideae."
Conversely, the family names are unique in one feature, for, unlike the names at any other rank, the vast
majority is conserved to maintain their use as though they are "protected names" rather than names conserved
strictly for nomenclatural reasons (Hoogland & Reveal, 2005). To summarize, today only nine family names
are descriptive in a sense that these are not based on generic names; all are conserved together with their
appropriate alternative names (Article 18.5 & 18.6).
This provision in the Code has, however, become controversial in recent years. McNeil & Brummitt
(2003), after analyzing relative frequency in their use in published literature, noted a growing preference for
"-aceae" names with an unstoppable momentum; yet, for many compelling reasons, they did suggest a natural
solution to the issue.
Since the Botanical Code aims at providing a stable method of naming taxonomic groups and keeping in
view the ever-growing body of users of such names consists mostly of people who are not taxonomic experts,
the well-established names formed in the past are not destabilized. Finally, it may also be noted again that
'Botanical Code' is not averse to modifications (as there is a clear provision) if better solution to the problems
are proposed.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank Dr. M. Sanjappa, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, for encouragements,
and Dr. V.J. Nair, Coordinator, AICOPTAX, Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Coimbatore,
for critically going through the manuscript. Contemplation of conceiving the paper would not have been
possible without the help of Dr. (Mrs.) Krishna Mitra, Barrackpore, Kolkata.
REFERENCES
Adanson, M. 1763. Families des Plantes.... Vol. 2. Paris.
Bentham, G. and J. D. Hooker, 1862-1883. Genera Plantarum 3 Vols. London.
Clusius, C. 1601. Rariorum Plantarum Historia. Antwerp.
Croizat, L. 1945. History and nomenclature of the higher units of classification. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 72: 52-75.
Candolle, A.P. De. 1813. Theorie elementaire de la botanique... Paris.
Giseke, P.D. 1792. Caroli a Linne... Praelectiones in ordines naturales plantarum. Hamburg.
Govaerts, R. 2004. (205-207) Three proposals to remove alternative family names. Taxon 53: 603-604.
Hoogland, R.D. and J.L. Reveal. 2005. Index Nominum Familiarum Plantarum Vascularium. Bot. Rev. 71: 1-291.
210 NELUMBO [Vol.51
Isely, D. and R. Polhill. 1980. Leguminosae subfamily Papilionoideae Taxon 29: 105-119.
Jussieu, A.L. De. 1789. Genera Plantarum. Paris.
Kuntze, O. 1891-1898. Revisio Genera Plantarum Leipzig.
Lindley, J. 1836. ANatural System of Botany, ed.2. London.
Linnaeus, C. 1735. Systema Naturae, ed.l. Leiden.
Linnaeus, C. 1738. Classes Plantarum. Leiden.
Linnaeus, C. 1751. Philosophia botanica. Stockholm.
Linnaeus, C. 1753. Species Plantarum. 2 Vols. Stockholm [Ray Society Fascimile, London 1957 & 1959.].
Linnaeus, C. 1754. Genera Plantarum. ed.5. Stockholm [Historae Naturalis Classica Fascimile, Weinheim,1960.].
Linnaeus, C. 1759. Systema Naturae, ed. 10. Vol.2. Vegetabilia. Stockholm.
McNeil, A. and R.K. Brummitt. 2003. The usage of alternative names of eight flowering plant families. Taxon 52: 853-
856.
Ray, J. 1686-1704. Historia plantarum. 3 Vols. London.
Sprague, T.A. 1921. The nomenclature of plant families. J. Bot. 60 : 69-73.
Sprengel, K. 1824. Caroli Linnaei Philosophia botanica. em. & ed. J.G.S. van Breda. Tournai.
Stearn, W.T. 1957. An introduction to the Species Plantarum and cognate botanical works of Carl Linnaeus [Prefixed to
Ray Society fascimile of Linnaeus, Species Plantarum, Vol. 1 ]. London.
Stearn, W.T. 1959. Four supplementary Linnean publications: Ordines naturales (1764) : 93-102 [An appendix to Ray
Society fascimile of Linnaeus, Species Plantarum, Vol. 2 ]. London.
Stearn, W.T. 1973. Botanical Latin, ed.2 [reprinted 1980]. London.
van Royen, A. 1 740. Florae Leydensis Prodromus. Leiden.
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if f¥^T 3TcT Wf ^TFTt' ^t 3TcfrcT "SHlFTcTT, ^TcfaFT 3 ^FT ^kl^ld Wt ^ dlP*'* ^RRT, "^ 37TfcRTWt
NELUMB0 51: 211-212. 2009
COMBRETUM TETRAGONOCARPUM KURZ VAR. TETRALOPHUM (C.B.CLARKE)
M.GANGOP. & CHAKRAB. (COMBRETACEAE) - A NEW RECORD
FOR INDIA FROM NICOBAR ISLANDS
L. Rasingam* and R. P. Pandey
Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair 744 102
The genus Combretum Loefl., comprises c. 250 species distributed throughout the tropics (excluding
Australia) (Mabberley, 1997). In India, the genus is represented by 15 species (Gangopadhyay & Chakrabarty,
1997) of which, four taxa are reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Ghosh, 1997; Gangopadhyay &
Chakrabarty, I.e.; Ray, 1999). Subsequently, Combretum sanjappae has been described from North Andaman
Islands (Chakrabarty & Lakra, 2002). While working on the 'Flora of Little Andaman Island', the authors came
across few unidentified Combretum specimens deposited in the Botanical Survey of India regional herbarium,
Port Blair (PBL). After critical study of the specimens with relevant literature, it was identified as Combretum
tetragonocarpum Kurz var. tetralophum (C.B.Clarke) M.Gangop. & Chakrab., a taxon distributed in Thailand,
Indo-China, Malay Peninsula, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and New Guinea and hitherto unknown to Indian flora.
Hence, the same is reported here as a new addition to the Indian flora with full citation, description, phenology,
distribution, ecology and specimens examined along with line drawing to facilitate further collection and
identification.
Combretum tetragonocarpum Kurz var. tetralophum (C.B.Clarke) M.Gangop. & Chakrab. in J. Econ.
Taxon. Bot. 17: 697. 1993. Combretum tetralophum C.B.Clarke in Hook.f, Fl. Brit. India 2: 454. 1878;
King in J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Pt.2, Nat. Hist. 66(2): 336. 1897; Slooten, Bijdr. Combret. Flacourt. Ned.
-Ind. 34. 1919 & in Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg III, 6: 54. 1924; RidL, Fl. Mai. Pen. 1:708. 1922;Exell
in Steenis, Fl. Males. 1, 4: 541, fig.2. 1954; Nanakorn in Thai. Forest Bull, Bot. 16: 185, t. 79. 1986.
Type: Malacca, Griffith KD 2195 (CAL), (K-n. v.). Combretum sp. sensu Thoth. & al. in Bull. Bot. Surv.
India 15: 251. 1973 (1976). (Fig. 1).
Climbing shrubs. Branchlets reddish-brown, terete, densely rusty tomentose when young, later
glabrescent. Leaves opposite, simple, elliptic to ovate-elliptic, 6-1 1 x 3.5-5 cm, base cuneate or rounded, entire
along margins, acute to shortly acuminate at apex, with a short mucro tip, membranous, dark brown, glabrous,
occasionally scaly above, greenish-brown, glabrous, sparsely scaly beneath; midrib flat to prominulose above,
prominently raised beneath, densely rusty tomentose on both sides; lateral nerves 7-9-pairs, faint above,
prominent beneath; tertiary nerves scalariform; petioles up to 1 cm long, rusty tomentose. Inflorescences in
axillary spikes and terminal panicles; spikes up to 3.5 cm long, subcapituliform; peduncles up to 2 cm long,
rusty pubescent. Flowers greenish-white, sessile, 4-merous, c. 6 mm long. Receptacles cupuliform at apex, c. 2
x 3 mm, densely ferrugineous peltate scaly. Calyx lobes triangular, c. 1.5 mm long, acute, densely ferrugineous
scaly. Petals 4, oblanceolate, up to 4 mm long, glabrous. Stamens 8; filaments up to 4 mm long. Disc densely
barbate. Style c. 5.5 mm long.
FL: January -May.
Distribution : India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Thailand (Siam), Indo-China, Malay Peninsula,
Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Celebes, New Guinea and Caroline Islands.
Ecology : Rare along the stream banks and road sides.
Specimens examined : North Nicobars, Katchal Island, Kapanga, 27-2-1977 ', P.Chakraborty
5306 (PBL). South Nicobars, Great Nicobar Island, Dogmar river, 11-4-1966, Thothathri & Banerjee 11621
(PBL).
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
^Present Address: Keystone Foundation, P.B.No. 35, Groves Hill Road, Kotagiri 643 217
212
N ELU MBO
[Vol.51
2 mm
Fig. l(a & b). Combretum tetragonocarpum Kurz var. tetralophyum (C.B.Clarke) MO. Gangop. & Chakrab.
a. Flowering twig; b. Calyx.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Dr. M.Sanjappa, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata for facilities and
encouragement. We also extend our thanks to Dr. P.G.Diwakar, Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional
Centre, Pune and Dr. D.Kannan, Thiyagarajar College, Madurai for encouragement.
REFERENCES
Chakrabarty, T. and G.S. Lakra. 2002. A new species of Combretum Loefl. (Combretaceae) from North Andaman
Island. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 26: 502-504.
Gangopadhyay, M. and T. Chakrabarty. 1997. The family Combretaceae of Indian Subcontinent. </. Econ. Taxon. Bot.
21:281-364.
Ghosh, B. 1994 (1997). The Family Combretaceae of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Bull. Bot. Surv. India 36: 278-
284.
Mabberley, D. J. 1997. The Plant-Book. 2nd ed., (Reprinted with corrections 1998, 2000), Cambridge University Press.
Cambridge.
Ray, L.N. 1 999. Combretaceae. In: PK. Hajra & al. (eds.) Flora of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Vol. I: 472-482. Botanical
Survey of India. Calcutta.
NELUMB0 51: 213-216. 2009
NOTES ON RECOLLECTION OF
THREE LESS KNOWN ENDEMIC PLANTS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
S. S. Dash and R. C.Srivastava
Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Itanagar 791 111
During study of the specimens collected from the Kane Wild Life Sanctuary of West Siang district
of Arunachal Pradesh, the first author collected three interesting specimens, which are identified as Globba
rubromaculata, Sonerilla arunachalensis and Sardiria erecta var. longipetiolata. The Kane Wild Life Sanctuary
lies between 94°55' - 94°63' between 27°33' - 28°35' and encompasses an area of 55 sq km in the Likabali
forest range of Along forest division in West Siang district. The area is the entrance point to the state of Assam
and comes under the tropical semi-evergreen forest type. The Sanctuary is bounded by Likabali forest range
in three directions namely north, south and west and by the Dipa Forest range in the east. The boundary of
the sanctuary is mainly determined by the two rivers 'Inche' and 'Inte' which flow around the sanctuary. The
nearest approachable route to the sanctuary involves about 1 3 kms tough trekking towards the western direction
from the main Likabali-Along state highway near 'Magge' village. The terrain is entire hilly, broken by three
rivers, 'Ghai', 'Inche' and 'Inte'. The altitude of the area ranges between 250 - 650 msl. The flora of the Kane
Wild Life Sanctuary is very luxuriant an shows a maximum diversity. On perusal of the available literature
(Hajra & al. 1996; Chauhan 1997; Nayar & Sastry 1987,1988,1990, Nayar 1996) and herbarium specimens
in ARUN, it revealed that all the three species are endemic to the state and have never been collected after the
type collection. The type localities are different from the locality of the present collection. This collection
other than the type locality confirms that the species has a wide distribution in Arunachal Pradesh in similar
geographical locations and might be native to this region. These little known endemic species are described
here with a short description emphasizing the differences with the original, critical field notes, associated
species, and photo images for better understanding.
1. Globba rubromaculata J. Lai & D.M. Verma, Bull. Bot. Surv. India 29 (1-4): 26.1987.
Perennial herbs, 1-2.5 m high. Stem rounded, green. Leaves sessile, oblong or elliptic lanceolate,
17-28 x 4.5-7 cm, cuneate at base, entire, acuminate at apex, upper surface glaucous, minutely hairy beneath,
ligules short, exceedingly hairy. Inflorescence a terminal raceme, peduncles 25-30 cm long, bracts early
deciduous; peduncles puberulent or glabrous, lower part of the peduncles bearing bulbils; flowers saffron yellow,
pedicles clem long; calyx tubular, 3- toothed, clem long; corolla tube slender, 1.5-2 cm long, lobes elliptic
oblong, posterior lobe longer, lateral lobes included, concave and apiculate; lateral staminodes spathulate, c.5
mm long, lip inserted above the staminodes, deflexed, clem long, deeply bilobed, conspicuous with two red
blotches, filaments curved, 1-2 cm long, anthers not winged. Fruits subgloblose, surface verrucose, c 1.5cm
long, leathery. Seeds brownish, glabrous, suspended in gelatinous hyphae like mass.
Notes: The species is similar to the Globba multiflora Wall, ex Baker and distinguished from it by yellow
saffron flowers with two red blotches in the lateral staminode. The present communication is supplemented
by a photo of the flowers, fruits showing the clear verrucose nature, and bulbils in the lower part of the
inflorescence, which are the most unique field characters for identification. In addition, this communication
enriches the original description by providing the information on seeds, which is round and brown when
young, and black on maturity. While going through the type specimens deposited at ARUN, it revealed that,
the collections contained only immature fruit and seeds. The present collection is having a mature fruit as well
as seed where the verucose nature is clearly distinguished and the colour of the seeds can be distinctly seen.
The size of the fruits in the present collection ( S.S. Dash 32225; ARUN) is larger and differs from the type
(Isotype: Itanagar, Ganga lake area, 450 m, J.Lai 2201B, in ARUN) and this may be attributed to the physical
condition of the soil.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
214 NELUMBO [Vol.51
2. Sonerila arunachalensis G.S. Giri, A. Pramanik & HJ. Chowdhery, Ind. J. For. 15(1): 95-96.1992.
Small herbs, 1 0-20 cm high, stem terete, densely covered with spreading hairs. Leaves fascicled towards
the apex, ovate to ovate-elliptic, 2-5 x 1.5-4 cm, cordate at base, serrulate at margin, ciliate with whitish hairs,
acute at the apex, lateral veins 5-6 arises from the base, runs along the margin to reach apex, sparsely whitish
hairy above, more dense along the veins beneath; petioles slender, easily breakable, densely covered by whitish
hairs. Flowers in terminal scorpiod panicles, peduncles c.4cm long, covered by dense hairs. Flowers pink, sub-
sessile, 4-7-flowered; calyx tube c. 1 .5 cm long, creamy white, whitish hairy outside, sepals 3, triangular ovate;
petals 3, ovate-oblong, 0.7-1.1 x 0.4-0.7 cm, with a band of hair on the midrib, mid-rib depressed; stamens 3,
filaments filiform, 5-7 mm long, anthers sickle shaped, attenuate at both the ends, stigma capitate.
Notes: The species was described by Giri & al. (1992) based upon a collection from Mehao Wild Life
Sanctuary of Dibang Valley district {Mehao Wild Life Sanctuary, 1500, 15.9.90. A. Pramanik 5438 (ARUN)
Isotype}. The present collection from the Kane Wild Life Sanctuary, S.S.Dash 32062 (ARUN) is the first
recollection after the type and from a different locality at an altitude of 700 msl. The paratype (G. Panigrahi
14973 in CAL) is collected from Wakka forest area (27th Aug. 1958) of Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal
Pradesh. The species is easily recognized in the field by the presence of pink flowers, sickle shaped anthers in
filiform filaments and presence of whitish hairs throughout. The present collection differs from the type collection
by the presence of white ferruginous hairs (brown hairs in the protologue). The presence of ferruginous hairs
throughout the plant is the main distinguishing character to delimit the allied species viz. Sonerila maculata
Roxb. and Sonerila khasiana C.B. Clarke which are also expected to occur in this region.
3. Sadiria erecta (C.B.Clarke) Mez, var. longipetiolata G.S. Giri, G.D. Pal & H.J. Chowdhery, Ind. J. For.
15(1): 95-96.1992.
Erect shrubs, up to 1.5 m high, branches terete, grayish. Leaves alternate, elliptic lanceolate or oblong-
lanceolate, 7-14 x 3-5 cm, cuneate at base to a decurrent petiole, crenate-dentate at margin, midveins raised,
lateral veins c. 1 8 pairs, reaching to the margins, reticulation conspicuous beneath, glabrous above and minutely
rusty pubescent beneath, petioles 1-1.5 cm long. Inflorescence axillary panicles umbellate, peduncles c.1.5
cm long; bracts ovate-lanceolate, acute at apex; calyx segments 5, lanceolate, acute at apex, c. 2 x 0.7 mm,
glabrous; corolla tubular, c. 2 mm long, lobes ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, whitish; stamens 5, sessile,
attached at the base, filaments glabrous, anthers gland dotted; ovary ovoid or globose.
Notes: This new variety was described from the collection of A.R.K. Sastry from Amjee locality, (8 km
from Begi) in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude of 1400-1500 m. The present
collection (S.S.Dash 32137 in ARUN) is the first report of recollection of the variety after the type collection
in 1964 after a gap of 45 years from the Kane Wild Life Sanctuary of West Siang district. The plant is rarely
found in the moist and shady localities in a mountain cliff along the Tnte' river. The species is easily recognized
by its raised dentate margin and peculiar lateral veins.
It is interesting to observe that, all the above endemic species were found in the same locality i.e. Kane
Wild Life Sanctuary. Collection of these endemic species from the sanctuary confirms that the area might be
supported by many endemic and rare plants that have survived due to protective natural barriers.
Biotic association : Trees like Castanonsis indica ( Roxb.) A. DC, Ditperocarpus retusus BL,
Elaeocarpus sp., Gynocardia odorata R. Br., Knema angustifolia (Roxb.) Warb., Litsea monopetala Pers.,
Phobe lanceolata Nees, Saurauia napaulensis DC, Styrax serrulatum Roxb., Terminalia myriocarpa
Heurek & Muell.- Arg, Trevesia palmata ( Roxb.) Vis. are the common trees found in the locality. The
main shrubby elements found in the locality are Boehmeria macorphylla D.Don, Chloranthus elatior R.
Br. ex Link, Debregasia longifolia ( Burm.f.) Wedd., Maesa indica ( Roxb.) Wall., Meyna spinosa Roxb.
ex Link. Micromelum integerrimum ( Roxb.) Roem, and Morinda angustifolia Roxb., Mussanda incana
Wallich, Oxyspora paniculata DC, Pseudobrassiopsis hispida (Seem.) R.N.Banerjee, and Osbeckia
nepalensis Hook. The association in the ground flora forms the main group for these endemic plants.
The important associated ground vegetation found around the collected localities are Amischotolype
mollisima (Blume) Hassk., Chirita macrophylla Wallich, Hedyotis verticillata (L.) Lam., Poikilospermum
naucleiflorum (Roxb.) Chew, Pollia hassakarlii R. Rao, and Rhynchoglossum obliqum Blume While the
2009]DASH AND SRIVASTAVA : RECOLLECTION OF THREE LESS KNOWN ENDEMIC PLANTS OF ARUNACHAL
Flowers of Globba rubromaculata J.Lai & D.M.Verma
showing two red blotches in the lateral staminodes.
Flowers of Sonerila arunachalensis
G.S. Giri, A. Pramanik & H.J. Chowdhery
Globba rubromaculata J.Lai & D.M.Verma
Globba rubromaculata J.Lai & D.M.Verma : fruits
Globba rubromaculata J.Lai & D.M.Verma :
showing germinated bulbils
Sonerila arunachalensis
G.S. Giri, A. Pramanik & H.J. Chowdhery
216 NELUMBO [Vol.51
main epiphytic plant found are Aeschynanthus bracteatus Wallich, Agapetes incurvata (Griff.) Sleumer,
Rhaphidophora hookeri Schott.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata for facilities and
encouragement.
REFERENCES
Chauhan, A.S. 1997. A contribution to the flora of Namdapha , Arunachal Pradesh. Botanical Survey of India.
Calcutta.
Hajra, P.K., D.M. Verma and G.S. Giri. 1 996. Materials for the flora of Arunachal Pradesh, (ed. PK. Hajra, D.M. Verma
& G.S. Giri). Botanical Survey of India. Calcutta.
Nayar, M.P 1 996. Hot spots of endemic plants of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute.
Thiruanthapuram.
Nayar, M.P. and A.R.K. Sastry. 1987, 1988 & 1990. Red Data Book of Indian Plants. Vol.l-III. Botanical Survey of
India. Calcutta.
NELUMB0 51: 217-218. 2009
THE ENDEMIC AND RARE NOTOTHYLAS ANAPORATA UDAR & D.K. SINGH
(NOTOTHYLACEAE: ANTHOCEROTAE) REDISCOVERED
A. E. D. Daniels and R. Felix
Botany Department, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil 629 003
Udar and Singh (1979) described Notothylas anaporata as a new species and hole-typified the name on
a Pande material collected from Khandala in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. In his regional monograph
on the Notothylaceae, represented by the lone genus Notothylas, Singh (2002) included 11 species. Of these,
9 including N. anaporata are endemic. In the protologue ofN. anaporata Udar and Singh (1979) cited only
one specimen (holotype). However, Singh (2002) included another specimen as well which was also collected
by Pande in Khandala (S.K. Pande 489 R/WG, Nov. 1955, LWU). Singh (2002) categorically stated that N.
anaporata is extremely rare. It was earlier known by only two collections. Notothylas anaporata has been
now collected in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Western Ghats which is more than 1000
km away from the type locality. Khandala in the northern Western Ghats is a low rainfall, low humidity and
high temperature region when compared to the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. Now that N. anaporata has
been collected at the other end of the Western Ghats with a totally different environment, it is likely to occur
in the intervening regions. Hence, a detailed description and photographs are provided to help find the species
elsewhere in the Western Ghats. Specimen cited is deposited at SCCN (herbarium of Scott Christian College,
Nagercoil).
Notothylas anaporata Udar & D.K Singh, Rev. Bryol. Lichenol. 45: 202. 1979; A.K. Asthana & S.C. Srivast,
Bryophyt. Biblioth. 42: 98, t. 22, ff. 1 - 10 & t. 44, ff. 1 - 3. 1991; Bapna & Kachroo, Hepatic. India 1:
206. 2000; D.K. Singh, Notothylac. India: 68, tt. 17 - 21. 2002. - Type: India, Maharashtra, W. Ghats,
Khandala, c. 500 m, Nov. 1955, S.K. Pande WG 500 (holotype LWU). (Plate 1).
Plants in isolated patches. Thalli 6-8x3- 4.5 mm, crenulate to lobed at margin; epidermal cells 80 -
120 x 40 - 80 urn, with a single quadrate-hexagonal chloroplast and a distinct, granular, pyrenoid region. Thalli
c. 0.8 x 0.4 mm in cross section, 4 - 6-layered in middle, without mucilage cavities. Rhizoids smooth-walled.
Involucre 4-plicate at apex, c. 2.75 x 1.5 mm. Sporogonia c. 3 x 1.5 mm, submarginal, inclined, extending
beyond thallus margin, nonstomatiferous; capsule outer wall cells quadrate-rectangular, reddish brown; inner
wall cells subquadrate, pale brown with distinct dark brown, transverse to spiral (- semiannular) thickening
bands; columella distinct, persistent, purplish brown. Spores 36 - 40 x c. 36 um, ovoid, granular, with a large
copular, circular to semicircular protuberance, dark brown to black with distinct triradiate mark almost reaching
periphery. Pseudo-elaters 40 - 80 x 28 - 40 um, variously shaped, 1-celled, thin-walled with transverse to spiral
(- annular) thickening bands, pale purple-brown.
Habitat: Terricolous on red soil, on roadsides, in shade under fallen log, in degraded evergreen forests,
at c. 500 m.
Distribution: India: Maharashtra (Khandala) and Kerala (W. Ghats of Kollam), endemic.
Specimen examined: Kerala, Kollam dist., W. Ghats, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, on the way to
Palaruvi, c. 500 m, 22.12.2008, Felix 544.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank the Kerala State Forest Department for permission to explore the area in question and help in
the field, Dr. P. Daniel, formerly Joint Director, BSI, Coimbatore, for his constructive criticism on the original
manuscript and Dr. S.C. Rose, Principal, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, for encouragement. The financial
support provided by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, New Delhi through the AICOPTAX project is
gratefully acknowledged.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
218
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
Plate 1: Notothylas anaporata Udar & D. K. Singh : A. Plant; B. Capsule outer wall; C. Inner wall;
D. Spores (outer & inner faces); E & F. Columella; G & H. Pseudo-elaters (photographed from Felix 544).
REFERENCES
Asthana, A.K. and S.C. Srivastava. 1991. Indian Hornworts (ATaxonomic Study). Bryophyt. Biblioth. 42: 1 - 158.
Singh, D.K. 2002. Notothylaceae of India and Nepal.BSMPS. Dehradun.
Singh, D.K. 1979. Studies in Indian Notothylaceae. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Lucknow. (Unpublished).
Udar, R. and D.K. Singh. 1979. On a new species of Notothylas Sull., from Western Ghats, India. Rev. Bryol. Lichenol.
45:201 -208.
NELUMB0 51: 219-222. 2009
LESS KNOWN ETHNIC USES OF PLANTS OF SOUTH SIKKIM
A. K. Sahoo and A. A. Ansari*
Botanical Survey of India, Industrial Section, Indian Museum, Kolkata 700016
^Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Gangtok 737103
The present paper deals with the less known ethnic uses of 14 angiosperm & recorded during floristic
exploration of Tendong Reserve Forest and its surrounding areas of south district of Sikkim. Sikkim (27°05'
- 28°08' N and 88°0'58" - 88°55'25"E), a small state located in Eastern Himalaya with only 0.2% of the
geographical area (7096 sq km) of the country, harbours c.5000 species of flowering plants including numerous
endemics and potentially useful plants. During 2003 - 2006, botanical exploration of Tendong Reserve Forest
(South Sikkim) was taken up and efforts were made to record the traditional uses of plants as practiced by
the ethnic communities like Lepchas, Bhutias, rural Nepalese, etc. residing in remote pockets, villages and
valleys of south district. The data on uses have been recorded with the help of local medicinal practioners,
traditional healers and as observed in the field. These ethnobotanical data on comparison with relevant
literature (Ambasta, 1986; Jain, 1991; Kirtikar & Basu, 1935; Wealth of India 1952-73) have been found to
be of less known or new uses. The voucher specimens collected during the field tours have been documented
as herbarium specimens and are deposited in the herbarium of Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalayan
Circle, Gangtok (BSHC). For collector's name please read A.K. Sahoo. Herbarium specimens of the other
collector, if any, in BSHC have been specified.The species recorded for less known ethnic uses are Dichroa
febrifuga Lour. "Basak" (Stem bark extract to reduce fever), Geranium nepalense Sweet (Plant extract to
cure Dysuria), Hemiphragma heterophyllum Wall. "Malajhar" (Raw fruits and leaves to cure Dyspepsia),
Holboellia latifolia Wall. "BaguF (Ripe fruit, pulp to cure Dyspepsia), Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Green
leaves to recover from weakness and for healing wounds), Hydrangea aspera D. Don ssp. robusta (Hook. f.
& Thorns.) Mc Clintock (Leaf and root extract to reduce Fever), Lyonia ovalifolia Wall. (Young leaf exudates
to cure Blisters), Mahonia napaulensis DC. "KesrF (Inflorescence extract to cure Diarrhoea and stem pith to
cure Jaundice), Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don (Young leaf extract to cure Flatulence of baby),
Peperomia heyneana Miq. (Inflorescence extract to cure Cough & Cold), Pratia nummularia (Lam.) A. Br.
& Aschrs., (Fruit and young leaf extract to cure Asthma), Rhododendron arboreum Smith "Guras" (Dried
flower dust to cure Dysentery), Rubia manjith Roxb. ex Fleming "Manjito" (Root extract to cure Diarrhoea)
and Rumex nepalensis Spreng. "Halhale" (Leaf paste to relieve Muscular pain).
ENUMERATION
1. Dichroa febrifuga Lour, in Fl. Cochinch. 1:301. 1970; C.B.Clarke in Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 2:406. 1878.
(Hydrangeaceae). "Basak".
Fl. & Fr. : Apr. -Aug.; Common (20385).
Distribution : India (N.E. States, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim),Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Eastern Central
China, Taiwan and Malaysia at 1000 - 2800 m.
Uses : Stem bark is crushed and made into paste in water is given orally to reduce high fever. It is given
thrice a day for 3 days for complete cure of fever. The fresh preparation of drug for each dose is effective.
This is used to cure malaria (Kirtikar & Basu, 1935).
2. Geranium nepalense Sweet, Geraniaceae l:t. 12. 1820; Edgew. in Hook. f. Fl. Brit. India 1:430. 1874;
Malhotra in Fl. India 4:75. 1993. (Geraniaceae).
Fl. & Fr.: June - Aug.; Uncommon (26302).
Distribution : India (Eastern Himalaya & Sikkim), Afghanistan, Tibet, Myanmar, China and Nepal at
2000 -3000 m.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
220 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
Uses : Fresh plant extract in water is given twice daily in the morning and evening to cure Dysuria. Fresh
prepared drug is given for two weeks for complete cure. This is used in renal complaints (Ambasta, 1986).
3. Hemiphragma heterophyllum Wall, in Trans Linn. Soc. 13:612. 1822;Hook. f.,Fl. Brit. India 4:289. 1884;
Burkill in Rec. Bot. Surv. India 4:123. 1910. (Scrophulariaceae). "Malajhar".
Distribution : India (Garhwal Himalaya, Assam and Sikkim ), Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, China, Taiwan
and Philippines at 1800 - 3600 m.
Fl. & Fr.: Apr. -Aug.; Common (26415).
Uses : Rawfruits (8-10) and fresh leaves (3 - 4) are chewed and the juice taken in morning and evening
to cure throat infection, Tonsilitis, cough and cold. It is continued for a couple of days for complete cure. This
is a new use & not recorded earlier.
4. Holboellia latifolia Wall. Tent. Fl. Nepal. 24. t. 16. 1824; Hook. f. & Thorn, in Hook. f. Fl. Brit. India 1 : 108.
1872; Nayar & Paul in Fl. India 1:423. 1993. (Lardizabalaceae). "Bagul".
Fl. & Fr. : Feb. -July; Uncommon (26436).
Distribution : India (E. Himalayas, Kumaon Himalaya and Sikkim) Myanmar, China and Nepal at
1500 -4000 m.
Uses : Ripe fruit pulp is taken in morning to cure Dyspepsia and Flatulence. It is taken initially for one
week or may be extended few more days, if required. This is a new use & not recorded earlier.
5. Houttuynia cordata Thunb. in Vet. Akad. Stockh. Handl. 4:149, t. 5. 1783; Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 5:78.
1886. (Saururaceae). "Rakatejhar".
Fl. & Fr. : May-Sept.; Common (26308).
Distribution : India (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Himalaya and Sikkim) Thailand, China, Japan, Myanmar,
Nepal and Tibet at 1500 - 4000 m.
Uses : i. Green leaves are boiled or fried and eaten to regain physical strength after illness and
Weakness.
This a new use & not recorded earlier.
ii. Paste or crushed green leaves applied on Cuts and Wounds for healing. It is applied once in a
day for a week for complete cure. This is a new use & not recorded earlier.
6. Hydrangea aspera D. Don subsp. robusta (Hook. f. & Thorns.) Mc Clintock in J. Arn. Arb. 37:373.1956.
Hydrangea robusta Hook. f. & Thorns, in J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 2:76. 1857; C.B.Clarke in Hook. f. Fl. Brit.
India 2:404. 1878. (Hydrangeaceae).
Fl. & Fr.: Apr. -Aug.; Uncommon (96531).
Distribution : India (Kumaon Himalaya and Sikkim) Nepal, N. Myanmar, China and Bhutan at 1800-2700 m.
Uses : Fresh leaves and roots are crushed in water and the extract is given four times a day to cure fever.
It is continued with fresh preparation for 4 days to cure. This is a new use & not recorded earlier.
7. Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude in Engler & Prantl. Pflanzenfam. 4(1): 44. 1889. Andromeda ovalifolia
Wall, in Asiat. Res. 13:391. 1820. Pieris ovalifolia (Wall.) D. Don in Edinb. Phil. J. 17:159. 1834; C.B.
Clarke in Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 3:460. 1882. (Ericaceae).
Fl. & Fr.: Apr. -Aug.; Uncommon (23601).
Distribution : India (Assam, Punjab Himalaya and Sikkim),Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, China, Malaya
Peninsula, Tibet and Bhutan at 1500 - 3000 m.
Uses : Exudate of young leaves (after plucking) is directly applied 3 - 4 times a day on the affected portion
of skin to cure Blisters. The blisters are curable in 3 - 4 days. This is a new use & not recorded earlier.
8.MahonianapaulensisDC, Syst. Nat. 2:21. 1821 &Prodr. 1:109. 1824. Berberis nepalensis (DC.) Spreng.,
Sys. Veg. 2:120. 1825; Hook, f, & Thorn, in Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 1:109. 1872,/?.;?.; Guhabakshi in
Fl. India 1:41. 1993. (Berberidaceae). "Kesri".
2009] SAHOO AND ANSARI : LESS KNOWN ETHNIC USES OF PLANTS OF SOUTH SIKKIM 221
Fl. & Fr. : Jan.-June; Common (26653).
Distribution : India (Eastern Himalaya and Sikkim), Nepal and Bhutan at 2000 - 2900 m.
Uses : All the uses recorded are new.
i. Young inflorescence is made into pickle and eaten.
ii. Inflorescence is crushed and the extract is taken to cure Diarrhoea. This is taken twice a day
for two days to cure.
iii. Pith of old stem is crushed and made into paste in water. The juice extract thus obtained is
taken 3 times a day for one week to cure Jaundice.
9. Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don in Prodr., Fl. Nepal. 240. 1825; Baker in Hook. f. Fl. Brit.
India 2:86. 1876. (Fabaceae).
Fl. & Fr.: Apr. -Aug.; Common (26438).
Distribution : India (Himachal Pradesh & Sikkim), Nepal, Africa and continental Asia at 1000 - 4300 m.
Uses : Young leaves are crushed and the juice extract is given as a baby tonic to cure Flatulence. The
extract is given daily before feeding the baby and continued for two weeks to cure. It is reported in N.E. India,
i.e. Meghalaya (Jain 1991) and is a new use record for Sikkim.
10. Peperomia heyneana Miq. in Syst. 123. 1845. p.p.; Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 5:99. 1886.
Fl. & Fr.: Apr. -Aug.; Uncommon (26461).
Distribution : India (Kumaon and Sikkim Himalaya), Bhutan and Nepal at 2000 - 3000 m.
Uses : A bunch of inflorescence is crushed in water and the juice extract is taken to cure Cough & Cold.
It is taken twice a day and continued for 4 - 5 days to cure. This is a new use & not recorded earlier.
11. Pratia nummularia (Lam.) A. Br. & Aschrs. in Ind. Sem. H. Beral 1861. app. 6. 1861. Lobelia nummularia
Lam., Encycl. 3:589. 1791 . Pratia begonifolia (Wall.) Lindl. in Bot. Reg. 16. t. 1373. 1830; C.B. Clarke
in Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 3:422. 1881. (Lobeliaceae).
Fl. & Fr: Apr. -Aug.; Uncommon (26544).
Distribution : India (Assam, Eastern Himalaya and Sikkim),China, Nepal, Malaysia and Myanmar at
2000 -3000 m.
Uses : Fruits (10-15) and young leaves (5-10) are crushed and the extract is given orally to cure Asthma.
It is given twice a day for two weeks. Fresh preparation of extract is always effective. This is reported earlier
(Wealth of India 1973).
12. Rhododendron arboreum Smith in Exot. Bot. 1 :9. t. 6. 1805; C.B.Clarke in Hook. f. Fl. Brit. India 3:465.
1882. (Ericaceae). "Laligurash".
Fl. & Fr: Jan. -May; Common (29546).
Distribution : India (Kashmir Himalays, Eastern Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim),Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar & South Tibet at 1500 - 3500 m.
Uses : Fresh powder prepared by crushing the dried flowers is given to cure Dysentery. It is given four
times a day and dysentery is checked in two days. The fresh preparation is much effective. This use is recorded
earlier (Ambasta, 1986).
13. Rubia manjith Roxb. ex Fleming in As. Res. 11:177. 1810. R. cordifolia auct. non L., D. Don Prodr. Fl.
Nepal. 133. 1825; Hook. f. Fl. Brit. India 3:202. 1881. (Rubiaceae). "Manjitho".
Fl. & Fr: Apr. -Aug.; Common (26645).
Distribution : India (Himachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya and Sikkim) Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and
Tibet at 1000 -2700 m.
Uses : i. Dried root are crushed in water and the extract is given thrice a day to cure Diarrhoea, it is
continued for three days to cure. This use is recorded earlier (Ambasta, 1986).
222 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
ii. The plant yields dye and it is commercially used for dyeing. It is recorded earlier (Wealth of India,
1972).
14. Rumex nepalensis Spreng. in Syst. Veg. 2:159. 1825; Hook. f.,Fl. Brit. India 5:60. 1886. (Polygonaceae).
"Halhale".
Distribution : India (Eastern Himalayas and Sikkim) Afghanistan, Nepal, China, Java and Europe at
1200-4500 m.
Fl. & Fr.: Apr. -Aug.; Common (26451).
Uses : Fresh leaves are crushed and made into paste which is massaged twice a day on affected portion
of body to get relief of Muscular pain. It is continued to about a week for complete cure. This is reported
earlier (Jain, 1991).
CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
An analysis on ethnobotanical uses reveal that while single species of Geranium nepalense, Lyonia
ovalifolia and Pratia nummularia are used to cure dysuria, blisters and asthma; two or more species i.e. Dichroa
febrifuga, Hydrangea aspera var. robusta are used to reduce fever; Hemiphrgma hetrophyllum and Peperomia
heyneana to cure tonsillitis and cough; Holboellia latifolia and Parochetus communis to cure dyspepsia and
flatulence; Houttyunia cordata and Rumex nepalensis to recover from weakness and muscular pain; as well as
Mahonia napaulensis, Rubia manjith and Rhododendron arboreum to cure diarrhoea and dysentery. The plant
resources in wild habitat maintains the gene pool of a particular species. The genetic resources sometimes
treated as standardized material to monitor the plant variants. The species and generic diversity either in
original habitat (in-situ) or in specially designed facilities out side natural habitat (ex-situ) by establishing
botanic gardens are required to be maintained in an ecosystem for future reference material. The collection
of rare and endangered species of medicinal plants from wild must be restricted and discouraged. Such plants
should be cultivated in their areas of occurrence and nearby localities. Judicious collection of other medicinal
plants from wild must be regulated and monitored. Efforts should be made to cultivate these plants.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Dr M. Sanjappa, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata for
encouragements; authorities of forest department, Govt, of Sikkim and staff-members of Biodiversity Park
for extending necessary facilities.
REFERENCES
Ambasta, S.P. (ed.) 1986. The useful plants of India. New Delhi.
Anonymous. 1952-1973. The Wealth of India. A dictionary of Indian raw material & industrial products.
Vols. 3-9. New Delhi.
Chatterjee, D. 1940. Studies on the endemic flora of India and Myanmar, J. Roy. Asiat. Soc. Bengal (N.S.) 5:19-67.
Hooker, J.D. 1854. Himalayan Journals 2. Vols., London.
Hooker, J.D. 1904. A sketch of the Flora of British India, Oxford.
Jain, S.K. 1991. Dictionary of Indian folk medicine and Ethnobotany. New Delhi.
Kirtikar, K.R. and B.D. Basu. 1935. Indian Medicinal Plants. Vols. 1-4. (2nd ed.).
Puri, G.S. 1960. Indian Forest Ecology. Vols. 1-2. New Delhi.
Rao, R.R. 1994. Biodiversity in India (Floristic aspects). Dehradun.
Takhtajan, A. 1969. Flowering plants, origin and dispersal. Edinburgh.
NELUMB0 51: 223-224. 2009
ON THE CORRECT IDENTITY OF WESTERN HIMALAYAN
PLAGIOGYRIA (KUNZE) METT.
B. S. Kholia
Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Gangtok 737 103
Plagiogyria (Kunze) Mett, the only genus of family Plagiogyriaceae (Pteridophyta), is represented by
about 15 species (Smith & al, 2006) which are mainly confined to China and neighboring countries in S. E.
Asia, with one species reported from America (Hooker 1860, Zhang and Nooteboom 1998). There is no general
consent about the number of species in India. Beddome (1883) described only four species of this monophyletic
genus (Korall & al. 2006) from India, but during course of time, the number of Indian species raised up to
sixteen (Dixit 1984, Chandra 2000, Dixit & Das 1981, Ghosh & al. 2004). However, recently Fraser Jenkins
(1997, 2008) retained the number of species to only four following Beddome (1883) and Zhang & Nooteboom
(1998). The three species i.e. P. pycnophylla (Kunze) Mett., P. adnata (Blume) Beddome and P. glauca Mett.,
were well described by Beddome (1 883), where he correctly mentioned the paripinnate lamina apex. Besides
that, he also separated them with diagnostic features as P. adnata with adnate pinnae and winged rachis and P.
glauca with white glaucous lamina undersurface. But he did not mention the imparipinnate character of fourth
species i.e. P. euphlebia (Kunze) Mett.; Nevertheless this character of distinction between P. euphlebia and P.
pycnophylla was clearly mentioned by Hooker (1860) and Iwatsuki (1988) for the Himalayan plants.
Based on the collection of Dr. H. C. Pande, Khullar ( 1 994) reported Plagiogyria scandens from Kumaon
and the same name was also followed by Pande and Pande (2002, 2003). At present in Kumaon the plant is
found growing in only two small stream gullies below District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) to
Hat village in Didihat town of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, from where few more interesting and rare
ferns of Western Himalaya viz. Diplazium subsinuatum, Colysis insignis, Arachniodes aristata, Dennstaedtia
scabra, Microlepia platyphylla, Christella papilio, Osmunda japonica along with dozens of common ferns
are collected by the present author ( Kholia and Punetha 2002, 2003). The silhouette published by Khullar
was without apical pinnae but on the careful observation in field as well as on the basis of literature trawl
on Kumaon plant, it is concluded that the plant growing in Didihat (Pithoragarh, Below Normal School,
27.09. 1998, 29°47 '3 8"N, 80°1 5 '4 1 "E, B.S. Kholia- 1 9984, 1 9986, 1 9987, deposited in Kumaon Univ. Harbarium)
is Plagiogyria euphlebia (Fig. 1) with imparipinnate lamina apex instead of Plagiogyria scandens which is a
synonym of common Wastern Himalaya peripinnate fern Plagiogyria pycnophylla.
Fig. 1. Plagiogyria euphlebia (Kunze) Mett. growing at Didihat.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
224 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
REFERENCES
Beddome, R. H. 1883. A Handbook to the Ferns of British India. Ceylon and Malay Peninsula. Thacker Spink & Co.
Calcutta. (With supplement 1892).
Chandra, S. 2000. The ferns of India (Enumeration, Synonyms and Distribution). International Book Distributors.
Dehradun.
Dixit, R. D. 1984. A Census of the Indian Pteridophytes. Botanical Survey of India. Howrah.
Dixit, RD. and S. Das. 1981. The family Plagiogyriaceae Bower in India. Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci. (Plant Sci.) 90 : 371-
390.
Fraser- Jenkins, C. R. 1997. New species Syndrome in Indian Pteridology and the Ferns of Nepal. International Book
Distributors. Dehradun.
Fraser- Jenkins, C. R. 2008. Taxonomic revision of three hundred Indian subcontinent Pteridophytes. B.S.M.PS.
Dehradun.
Ghosh, S.R., A. Ghosh, A. Biswas and RK. Ghosh. 2004. The Pteridophytic flora of Eastern India Vol.1. Botanical
Survey of India. Kolkata.
Hooker, W. J. 1860. Species Filicum, Vol. 3 : Lubrecht & Cramer. London. (Reprinted in India 1974).
Iwastsuki, K. 1988. An enumeration of the Pteridophytes of Nepal. In: E. Ohaba & Malla (ed.) The Himalayan Plants.
Tokyo. 1:231-339.
Kholia, B.S. and N. Punetha. 2002. Diplazium subsinuatum (Wall, ex Hook. & Grev.) Tag. in Central Himalaya.
Phytotaxonomy. 2: 163-165.
Kholia, B.S. and N. Punetha. 2003. The genus Colysis Presl, in Western Himalaya. Phytotaxonomy. 3: 119-123.
Khullar, S.P. 1994. An illustrated fern flora of West Himalaya. Vol. I. International Book Distributors. Dehradun.
Korall, P., K.M. Pryer, J.S. Metzgar, H. Schneider and D.S. Conant. 2006. Tree ferns: monophyletic groups and their
relationships as revealed by four protein-coding plastid loci. Molec. Phylog. Evol. 39: 830-845.
Pande, H.C. and PC. Pande. 2002 & 2003. An Illustrated Fern Flora of Kumaon Himalaya. Vols.l & 2. B.S.M.PS.
Dehradun.
Smith, A.R., K. M. Pryer, E. Schuettpelze, H.P Schneider and P.G Wolf. 2006. A classification for extant ferns. Taxon
55 (3): 705-731.
Zhang, X.C and H.P. Nooteboom. 1998. A taxonomic revision of Plagiogyriaceae (Pteridophyta). Blumea 43: 401^-69.
NELUMB0 51: 225-226. 2009
PHALLUS CALONGEIG. MORENO & KHALID - A NEW RECORD FOR INDIA
K. Das and D. Mishra*
Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Gangtok 737103
e-mail: daskanadbsi@gmail.com
^Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, Dehradun 248195
The state of Sikkim exhibits enormous variability of biological resources including macro fungi (Das
2009), due to its altitudinal and climatic variations. During a macrofungal survey and collection tour to
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim, the senior author came across Phallus calongei which after
thorough study and literature survey appeared a new record for Indian mycoflora.
Macro-morphological characters were noted from the fresh samples in the field. Micro-morphological
characters were studied with dry materials mounted in 5% KOH, Lactophenol Cotton Blue, Distilled water and
30% Glycerol. Colour codes and terms mentioned are after Kornerup & Wancher (1981). Micro-photograph
was taken with the aid of Olympus CX-41 fitted with digital camera E-410 at original magnification of lOOOx
for basidiospores. For measuring basidiospores, 25 basidiospores were observed. Quotient (Q = L/W) was
calculated considering the value of length (L) and width (W). Herbarium name used is after Holmgren &
al. (1990).
Phallus calongei G. Moreno & Khalid, Mycotaxon 108: 458. 2009. (Fig.l).
Unexpanded basidiomata (egg) 30-48 x 28-40 mm, globose to ovoid, chalky (Al), rhizomorph white
(Al), branched. Exoperidium thin, membranous, chalky (Al); mesoperidium gelatinous, hyaline; endoperidium
chalky (Al); gleba olive yellow (2C8, 2D7, 2D8, 3D7 or 3D8) surrounding the unexpanded orange white
(5A2 to 6A2) stalk that develops as a pseudostipe with maturity. Pseudostipe in a fully expanded basidiomata
140 - 230 x 20 - 38 mm, cylindrical, gradually broader towards base, with perforated truncate apex, hollow,
spongy, white (Al) to reddish white (7A2). Receptacle (pileus) conical to campanulate, 35-60 mm high,
30-50 mm wide at base, surface coarsely reticulate with strong ridges and pits, mostly light orange (5A4),
pale orange (6A3), salmon (6A4) or paler to reddish white (7A2 or 8A2) and white (Al) at the wider base.
Indusium poorly developed on the pseudostipe (near apex) beneath the receptacle, expanded up to 3/4th of
the receptacle length, white (Al), membranous. Gleba gelatinous, olive brown (4D8), golden brown (4D7),
olive yellow (3D8) or golden (4C6). Volva (around the pseudostipe-base) 40-55 x 30-43 mm, white (Al) to
orange white (5A2 or 6A2). Odour foetid and disagreeable, detectable 10-12 meters away.
Basidiospores 2.8 - 4 x 1 .2 - 2 um (Q = 1 .6 - 2.5), ellipsoid, elongate or cylindric, smooth, hyaline. Indusium
never pseudoparenchymatous, composed of intermixed, hyphae; hyphae up tp 5 urn broad, branched, septate.
Habitat: Gregarius to caespitose, growing on decaying or decomposed wood in the temperate (2572
m) mixed forests.
Specimen examined: India, Sikkim, Bakhim, N 27° 25' 40.8", E 88° 11' 20.8", 2572 - 2600 m msl.,
leg. K. Das 28.08.2009, KD-1219 (BSHC 41082, SFSU).
Notes: Present taxon belongs to the family Phallaceae (Kirk & al. 2008) and can easily be distinguished
in the field by the white egg, coarsely reticulate salmon to pale orange receptacle, presence of poorly developed
indisium which is never pseudoparenchymatous and the habitat as decomposed wood. The Holotype differs
from the Indian material by absence of indusium beneath the receptacle of basidiomata (Moreno, Khalid
& Alvarado 2009). Other species growing on wood i.e. Phallus pygmaeus Baseia, P. minusculus Kreisel
& Calonge, P. tenuis (E. Fisch.) Kuntze can be separated from this species in discussion by having smaller
pseudostipe (Calonge 2005). Further, P. pygmaeus has smooth receptacle and reticulate pseudostipe whereas,
P. tenuis has yellow pseudostipe.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
226
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
'" - * ,"• ■
.AT . • •
, >t^r« ■- f-
Fig. 1: Phallus calongei G. Moreno & Khalid: a. A colony with several basidiomata;
b. Unexpanded basidiomata (egg); c. Indusium beneath the receptacle; d. Receptacle;
e. Unexpanded and expanded basidiomata; f. Basidiospores. Bar = 20 |^m.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Dr. M. Sanjappa, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata for providing
all the facilities during this study and Dr. Dennis Desjardin, USA for kindly checking the sample, reviewing
the manuscript and sending valuable comments.
REFERENCES
Calonge, F.D. 2005. A tentative key to identify the species of Phallus. Bol. Soc. Micol. Madrid 29: 9-18.
Das, K. 2009. Mushrooms of Sikkim 1 : Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Sikkim State Biodiversity Board, Sikkim &
Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, India.
Holmgren, P.K., N.H. Holmgren and L.C. Barnett. 1990. Index Herbariorum. Part 1: Herbaria of the world, 86th ed.
Bronx: New York Botanical Garden, USA.
Kirk, P.M., PF. Cannon, D.W. Minter and J.A. Stalpers. 2008. Ainsworth & Bisby's Dictionary of the Fungi. Tenth
Edition. CABI Europe-UK. 771.
Kornerup, A. and J.H. Wancher. 1981. Methuen Handbook of Colour. Eyre Methuen Ltd., London, UK. Reprint.
Moreno, G., A.N. Khalid and P. Alvarado. 2009. A new species of Phallus from Pakistan. Mycotaxon 108: 457-462.
NELUMB0 51: 227-228. 2009
THREE NEW COMBINATIONS IN PHOTINIAARGUTA LINDL. (ROSACEAE)
C. Ghora
Botanical Survey of India, Central National Herbarium, Howrah 711 103
Photinia Lindl. (1821) a Rosaceous genus was treated conspecific with Pourthiaea Decne. (1874) by J.
Vidal in 1965 and C. Kalkman in 1973 in their revisionary studies on Asiatic species and Malesian species of
Photinia Lindl., respectively. J.D. Hooker in Flora of British India (1 878) treated the genus Pourthiaea Decne.
(1 874) as a separate and good genus with one species arguta Decne., describing 6 new varieties under it. Vidal
( 1 965) transferred var. hookeri Decne., and var. salicifolia Decne., to the genus Photinia Lindl. and var. wallichi
Hook, f, was made synonymous to Photinia arguta Lindl. Here in this paper the var. memhranacea Hook, f.,
var. parvifolia Hook. f. and var. latifolia Hook, f, are transferred to Photinia arguta Lindl, of which the former
two are restricted to India (Meghalaya region) only and the last one to Myanmar and Meghalaya (India).
Photinia arguta Lindl., Bot. Reg. 23: t. 1956. 1837; Vidal inAdansonia 5: 228. 1965; Balakrishnan, Fl. Jowai
1: 191. 1981; Grierson & D.G. Long, Fl. Bhutan 1(3): 601. 1987; Chauhan & al, Fl. Manipur 1: 349.
2000.
Trees or large shrubs, 1 0- 1 8 m tall, branches sometimes warted, lenticellate, pubescent or white woolly
when young. Leaves 3.5 - 15 x 2 - 7.5 cm, oblong to elliptic-oblanceolate, cuneate at base, acuminate at apex,
margin serrate to serrulate, hairy at young age; petiole 7-10 mm long. Inflorescence terminal corymbs with
few flowers, 4 - 8 cm in diam., deciduous, woolly. Pedicels 6 - 8 mm long. Flowers 6 - 8 mm in diam. Sepals
3 mm long, triangular, glabrous. Petals 4-5 mm long, orbicular, white, fragrant, white pubescent at base.
Styles 2 - 3, united near base, ovary glabrous. Fruits 7-8 mm in diam., ovoid, yellow when ripe. Seeds 1 - 2
per cell, up to 2 x 3 mm, ellipsoid.
Here the three varieties described by Hook. f. (1878) are keyed below with their typical variety.
Key to the varieties
la. Branches not lenticellate, leaves usually
upto 12.5 x 5.5 cm, margin finely serrulate,
persistently woolly beneath; flowers long pedicelled ... 3. P. arguta var. latifolia
lb. Branches warted and lenticellate, leaves
upto 15x4 cm, margin serrate to distantly
serrate, glabrous beneath at age, flowers short pedicelled ... 2
2a. Leaf upto 15x4 cm, elliptic to oblong
lanceolate, margin serrulate, petals pubescent at base ... 1. P. arguta var. arguta
2b. Leaf upto 7.5 x 3 cm, ovate or narrowly
lanceolate, margin distantly serrate, petals glabrous at base ... 3
3a. Leaves 3.8-6.5 cm long, narrowly lanceolate,
apex short acuminate, coriaceous;
flowers in contracted corymbs ... 4. P. arguta var. parvifolia
3b. Leaves 5.0-7.5 cm long, ovate-lanceolate,
apex caudate acuminate, membranaceous;
flowers in lax corymbs at tip of flowering branches ... 2. P. arguta var. memhranacea
1. var. arguta
Pourthiaea arguta (Lindl.) Decne., Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris 10: 147. 1874; Hook, f, Fl. Brit.
India 2: 382. 1878; Kanjilal & Das, Fl. Assam, 2: 223. 1938; Deb in Bull. Bot. Surv. India, 3: 259. 1961;
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
228 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
Hara & Ohashi in Fl. E. Himal. 1 : 125. 1966. Sorbus arguta (Wall, ex Lindl.) Zabel in Bessner, Scheile & Zabel
Handb. 200. 1903. Pourthiaea arguta (Lindl.) Decne. var. wallichii Hook, f., Fl. Brit. India 2: 382. 1878.
Type: Bangladesh, Pandua, Sylhet, Wallich 672 (K- Holotype; Isotype- CAL, Ace. No. 154247 and
154246!).
Distribution : India : Sikkim, NEFA, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Manipur. Bangladesh, Myanmar.
2. Photinia arguta Lindl. var. membranacea (Hook, f.) Ghora comb. nov.
Pourthiaea arguta (Lindl.) Decne. var. membranacea Hook, f., Fl. Brit. India 2: 382. 1878.
Type: Meghalaya, Khasia, Griffith s.n. (K).
Distribution : India : Meghalaya.
3. Photinia arguta Lindl. var. latifolia (Hook, f.) Ghora comb. nov.
Pourthiaea arguta (Lindl.) Decne. var. latifolia Hook, f., Fl. Brit. India 2: 382. 1878.
Type: Myanmar, Hookhoom valley, Griffith s.n. (K).
Distribution : India : Meghalaya. Myanmar.
4. Photinia arguta Lindl. var. parvifolia (Hook, f.) Ghora comb. nov.
Pourthiaea arguta (Lindl.) Decne. war. parvifolia Hook, f., Fl. Brit. India 2: 382. 1878.
Type: Meghalaya, Khasia mounts at Jowai, C.B.Clarke s.n. (K).
Distribution : India: Meghalaya (Khasia at Jowai).
ACKOWLEDGMENT
The author is grateful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India for providing the facility of the work.
REFERENCES
Balakrishnan, N.P. 1981. Flora of Jowai. Botanical Survey of India. Kolkata. Vol. 1: 191.
Decaisne, J. 1874. Genus Pourthiaea. Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, 10: 147-148.
Hara, H. and H. Ohashi. 1966. In: H. Hara. The Flora of Eastern Himalaya, 1st Report: University of Tokyo, Japan.
Hooker, J.D. 1978. The Flora of British India. Vol. 2. London.
Grierson, A.J.C. and D.G. Long. 1987. Flora of Bhutan. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. l(Part 3): 599-601.
Kalkman, C. 1973. The Malesian species of the subfamily Maloideae (Rosaceae). Blumea 21(2): 413-442.
Lindley, J. 1837. Botanical Register, 23: t. 1956.
Vidal, J. 1965. Notes sur quelques Rosaceae asiatiques II (Photinia). Adansonia 5: 221-238.
NELUMB0 51: 229-230. 2009
RECOLLECTION OF ARMODORUM SENAPATIANUM PHUKAN & A.A. MAO
(ORCHIDACEAE)
S. J. Phukan
Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong 793003
Armodorum senapatianum Phukan & A.A. Mao (in Orch. Rev. 1 10:299. 2002) was described based on
a collection from Senapati hills of Manipur. It appears to be rare species as several attempts to collect more
plants from the type locality or different places from Manipur was not successful. This species could be of
horticultural importance for its beautiful flowers. During November 2009 the author came across a similar
plant in flowering condition in garden of a resident in Shillong. On enquiry it was learnt that the plant was
collected along with few other orchids from nearby hills of Darjeeling about 6 years back. The plant established
itself well on the host tree growing very healthy and is larger than the first collection. The leafy stem is about
Fig. 1. : Armodorum senapatianum Phukan & A.A. Mao.: a. habit; b. distichus leaves; c & d. close up flower.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009
Botanical Survey of India, 2009
230 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
55 cm long with distichous leaves which are c. 25-30 cm long. There are three axillary inflorescence which
is about 35 -40 cm long.
A few differences were noted than the type i.e. flowers of this plant opening a few at a time in acropetal
succession where as in type specimen all flowers opened at the same time. Flowers in this plant are slightly
smaller than the type. Most interesting is the flowering time i.e. the type specimen flowered in June and lasted
for about 10 days and after pollination started wilting whereas this plant started flowering in second week of
November a few at a time and continued up to 1st week of January.
To mark this as the second collection after the type of the species for making a voucher specimen the
whole plant could not be used since it is a monopodial orchid but the owner was kind enough to give one
inflorescence and few leaves for the purpose. The specimen is deposited in herbarium of Botanical Survey of
India, Shillong (ASSAM).
ACKNOWLEDGEMNT
The author is thankful to Joint Director, Botanical Survey of India, Shillong for facilities in preparation
of this note.
NELUMB0 51: 231-232. 2009
A NEW VARIETY OF SCOPARIA DULCIS L.
(SCROPHULARIACEAE ) FROM MUMBAI (MAHARASHTRA), INDIA
S. N. Pardeshi and T. Srinivasu
Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Fort, Mumbai 400 032
Scoparia dulcis var. abrahamii Pardeshi & Srinivasu var. nov. related to Scoparia dulcis L. is described.
It differs from the latter in having 4-5 faintly pinkish- white, falcate corolla.
Scoparia dulcis var. abrahamii Pardeshi & Srinivasu var. nov.
S. dulcis affinis, floribus 0.4 - 0.5 x 0.6 - 0.9 cm; corollis 4 - 5, falcatis, leviter roseo-albidis, differt.
(Fig.l).
Type : SNP-1002 A (Holotype, Institute of Science, Mumbai) SNP-1002 B (Isotype, BSI).
Perennial under-shrub, stem erect, bushy, densely branched and usually with three branches at each
node, glabrous, dull green, ridged, 50 - 90 cm high, stem farinose with fine white dots, 4 - 5 angled below,
young branches 4-8 angled, ribs prominent, pale green; internode maximum 6.5 cm on main stem and 0.6
cm on branches; leaves exstipulate, short petiolate (0.1 - 0.4 cm), petiole slender, glabrous, leaves simple,
deep green above, pale beneath, lamina 0.5 - 2.3 cm long, 0.3 - 1 cm broad, leaves on the main stem larger
and 3-nately whorled, rhomboid-obovate, where as those on the branches smaller, both opposite and 3-nately
whorled, linear-spathulate, margin singly serrated from the middle of lamina to the apex, lamina broad in
centre and tapering at both ends, apex acute, base tapering, glabrous on both surfaces, punctate beneath, foetid,
venation reticulate, main nerves 3, alternate, not very prominent. Flower solitary or 2, axillary; complete,
actinomorphic, bisexual, hypogynous, tetramerous, white with pinkish tinge, 0.4 - 0.5 x 0.6 - 0.9 cm across
on 0.4 - 0.5 cm long pedicel; calyx campanulate, valvate, divided nearly to the base, lobes 4, ovate, 0.2 cm
long with 3 parallel nerves, puberluent and ciliolate, persistent; corolla rotate, valvate, fugacious, tube less
than 0. 1 cm long, pilose with long white hairs (0.2 cm), lobes usually 4, frequently a fifth petal is also present,
lobes oblong-sub-acute somewhat falcate (0.3 - 0.4 x 0.15 cm), equal, white with pinkish tinge; stamens 4-5,
epipetalous, inserted at the base of corolla tube, filament 0.2 - 0.25 cm, equal, white at the base and pinkish
at the apex, anther (1.5 mm. long) pale yellow, versatile, dithecus, oblong-sub-sagittate, extrorse, dehiscence
longitudinal; ovary superior, carpels 2, syncarpous, locules 2, ovules many in each locule on axile placentation,
style terminal (0.2 cm long), white at the base, pinkish from middle to the apex, stigma capitate; fruit loculicidal
capsule, sub globose or sub-ovoid, pale brown, glabrous, 0.2 - 0.3 cm long x 0.3 cm across with persistent
style base at the apex, persistent calyx surrounding more than half-way, valves membranous, ultimately 2-fid;
seeds many, dark brown, oblong, shortly apiculate at one end with small pitting.
Fl. & Fr. : Throughout year.
Location : Large population of this variety was located on either side of high ways at Kurla for the
first time in July 2003. Later on, it was also found in open sunny places and wastelands at Vikhroli, Andheri,
Santacruz, Mahim and New Mumbai.
This new taxon is closely related to Scoparia dulcis L. but it differs on following characters.
Scoparia dulcis L. var. abrahamii Scoparia dulcis L.
Pardeshi & Srinivasu
Corolla lobes 4 - 5 (lobes 3.5-4x1.5-2 mm) Corolla lobes 4 (lobes 2.8 -3x1.5-2 mm)
Corolla lobes oblong-subacute, falcate Corolla lobes oblong-round, not falcate
Corolla white with pinkish tinge (entire lobes) Corolla white with ring of purplish tinge only at
the base of lobes
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
232
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[Vol.51
Fig. 1. Scoparia dulcis var. abrahamii Pardeshi & Srinivasu var. nov. : A. Habit; B. Leaves; C. Flowering twig;
D. Flower with falcate corolla and E. Fruits.
This taxon is named after retired Scientist Dr. V. Abraham, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay,
Mumbai (India).
ACKNOLEDGEMENTS
Authors are thankful to UGC, New Delhi for financial assistance. We are grateful to the Director,
Institute of Science, Mumbai for facilities. We are also thankful to Dr. V. J. Nair, Co-ordinator, AICOPTAX,
Centre for Research on Grasses and Bamboos, BSI, Southern Circle, Coimbatore for Latin diagnosis of the
description.
REFERENCE
Almeida, M.R. 2001. Flora of Maharashtra Vol. 3B. 414. Orient Press, Mumbai.
Singh, N.P., P. Lakshminarasimhan, S. Karthikeyan and P.V. Prasanna. 2001. The Flora of Maharashtra State (Dicot.)
2 : 546. Botanical Survey of India. Calcutta.
Pradhan, S.G., B.D. Sharma and N.P. Singh. 2005. Flora of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. 447. Botanical Survey of
India. Calcutta.
NELUMB0 51: 233-240. 2009
ON THE IDENTITY OF ARUNDINARIA CLARKEI GAMBLE EX BRANDIS
(POACEAE : BAMBUSOIDEAE) - ITS RECOLLECTION AND TAXONOMIC POSITION
P. Kumari and P. Singh 1
Botanical Survey of India, Central National Herbarium, Howrah 711103
e-mail : pushparbg@rediffmail.com
^Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700 064
e-mail : pchanna@gmail.com
The identity of Arundinaria clarkei Gamble ex Brandis, a less known bamboo of Eastern India is
discussed. It is more appropriately placed under genus Melocanna. Schizostachyum mannii described by
R.B. Majumdar is confirmed as its synonym.
'Arundinaria clarkei 1 as annotated by Gamble was described by Brandis ( 1 906) with meager description.
Camus (1913) treated it as a good species under Arundinaria, followed by Blatter (1929), Vermah & Bahadur
(1980) and Shukla (1996), but without any further addition to our knowledge of this less known bamboo.
Majumdar (1989) transferred it to Neomicrocalamus Keng as Arundinaria sensu stricto is considered a new-
world genus. Muktesh Kumar (1998) transferred it to Racemobambos Holttum.
Critical study of the type material of Arundinaria clarkei deposited in CAL and the fresh collection
of vegetative, flowering and fruiting material from Meghalaya revealed that the taxonomic reappraisal of the
species is essential.
Distribution
Brandis (1906) described Arundinaria clarkei, citing - "Arundinaria clarkei, Gamble MSS. Manipur".
However, the single specimen of Arundinaria clarkei having a flowering branchlet twig with a hand written
note " Type specimen, name published in 'Indian Trees' p. 666 (1906)" and signed by Gamble was collected
from 'Cherra end' 2000 ft by C.B. Clarke in October 1867. There is no evidence of other specimens either
any Type or other collection from Manipur or any other place for this species. However another species
collected by C.B. Clarke 48322 from 'Munneypore' in Nov. 1885 [Herb. Ace. 549483 (CAL)] and annotated
by Gamble as "Bambusa clarkei new sps." is available having a leafy twig and illustrations of floral
parts which is mentioned by Gamble as "material insuff. for description". Present study therefore
suggests the strong possibility of misinterpretation of the locality for Arundinaria clarkei as Manipur by
Brandis (1906).
The type locality of the species given as 'Manipur' instead of 'Cherra end' by Brandis (1906) and
followed by subsequent workers appears wrongly placed and it needs to be corrected and known as 'Cherra
end (Meghalaya)'.
Taxonomic history
Describing this species, Brandis (1906) states "A slight shrub 10 ft. high, L. 4-7 by 1/2 - 3/4 inch
n. 28-33 on 1/4 inch Stamens 6, hence placed here". Blatter (1929) placing it under doubtful species gave the
description as such given by Brandis (1906).
Tiwari (1992) misinterpreted the description given by Blatter (1906) and added the characters "solid"
for culm, which was followed by Seethalakshmi & Kumar (1998). Search in all reputed herbaria of the region
like ASSAM, CAL, DD, NEHU could not find any further material of this species except C.B. Clarke 5563
(CAL) which could support the description added by the workers after Brandis (1906).
Taxonomic position
Bor (1940) did not include Arundinaria clarkei in his work. Since, Arundinaria sensu stricto is a new
world genus, Majumdar (1989) transferred it to Neomicrocalamus Keng, without any discussion on availability
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
234
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[Vol.51
Table 1 : Comparision of Arundinaria clarkei with Melocanna and Racemobambos.
Characters
Racemobambos
Melocanna
Arundinaria clarkei
Inflorescence a leafy raceme or small
panicle
Spikelets arising in axils of small bract;
2-8 flowered, with terminal
rudimentary floret 2-3
Empty glumes 1 or many
Lemma
chartaceous with mucronate
or acuminate tip
Palea
2-keeled
Lodicules
3
Stamens
6, filaments free
Ovary
usually hairy on the upper
part
Stigmas
3, plumose
Fruit
caryopsis
branched leafy or leafless
panicle
clustered in bracts; 1 -flowered
with or without rachilla
extension
1 or many with immature,
abortive buds, convolute,
mucronate, glabrous
ovate-lanceolate, convolute,
glabrous, sharp mucronate
not keeled
2-3
6, free or irregularly united
glabrous, continuing into c.
4 mm long hairy style
single or 3, feathery
bacca, pyriform, 5-10 cm long,
spicate panicle on leafy branches
clustered in bracts; 1 -flowered
with terminal hairy rachilla
extension
2 in mature floret, ovate, acute,
mucronate, glabrous
ovate, acute, glabrous,
short-mucronate
very faintly 2-keeled
3
6, exserted, free
glabrous, continuing into
short style
3, hairy
bacca, pyriform, 2-3 cm across,
3-6 cm across, fleshy with long 2-4 cm long, with 5-10 mm long,
curved beak pointed, slightly curved beak
of any fresh evidence. Muktesh Kumar (1998) transferred it to Racemobambos Holttum as Neomicrocalamus
is considered as synonym of the former.
The critical morphological study of vegetative, flowering and fruiting characters, revealed that the species
rightly belongs to genus Melocanna rather than Racemobambos {Table 1). This view is also strengthened by the
SEM phylloderm analysis in which the pattern of stomatal arrangement and shape of papillae etc. are similar
to that of Melocanna baccifera. (Plate 3). A new combination is therefore proposed.
Critical study of the type material of Arundinaria clarkei and the fresh collection from Meghalaya (P.
Kumari 34612, P. Kumari 34637; P. Kumari & P. Singh 34676 & 34683), further revealed that Schizostachyum
mannii described by R.B. Majumdar is identical with this species. Hence S. mannii R.B. Majumdar is relegated
to synonymy of Melocanna clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) P. Kumari & P. Singh.
A detail description along with the illustration and present distribution is given here to facilitate the
correct identification of this species.
Melocanna clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) P. Kumari & P. Singh comb. nov. Arundinaria clarkei Gamble ex
Brandis in Ind. Trees 666. 1906; E.G. Camus, LesBambusees 49. 1913;Blatt. inlnd. For. 55: 547. 1929;
Vermah & Bahadur, Ind. For. Rec. 6(1): 1. 1980. Neomicrocalamus clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) R.B.
Majumdar in Fl. Ind. Enum. Monocotyl 279. 1989. Racemobambos clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) M.
Kumar in Seethalakshmi & Kumar, Bamboos India 230. 1998. Schizostachyum mannii R.B. Majumdar
in Karthik. & al, Fl. Ind. Enum. Monocotyl 281. 1989; D.N. Tiwari, Monog. Bamboo 144. 1992; U.
Shukla, Grass. N.E. India 223. 1996; Seethalakshmi & Kumar, Bamboos India 250. 1998.
Type : Cherra end, 2000 ft, Oct. 1867, C.B. Clarke 5563 (Holotype, CAL!); 12 km to Umkiang from
Jowai, Jaintia hills, 6.9.2005, P. Kumari & P. Singh 34676 (Epitype CAL! designated here).
Moderate sized, erect bamboo with distant culms. Rhizome pachymorph with 50-60 cm or longer solid
necks. Culms 10- 12 m tall, 2 -3 cm in diameter, light green to yellowish green, turning grayish with age; nodes
even, merely a line, oblique, with 1-1.5 cm broad white ring below and a thin 2-3 mm dark purplish ring
above; internodes terete, unequal, much varying in length (5-31 cm), hollow, thin walled, wall thickness c. 2
mm; bud short, ovate with ciliate appendages; branch compliment with 11-12 more or less subequal branches,
usually from upper nodes only. Culm-sheaths deciduous, shorter than internodes, triangular, yellowish-brown;
2009] KUMARI & SINGH : ON THE IDENTITY OF A. CLARKEI -RECOLLECTION AND TAXONOMIC POSITION 235
■W 'WW r
1 cm
Fig.l. Melocanna clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) P. Kumari & P. Singh :
A. Culm portion; B. Nodal bud; C. Branches emerging from bud; D. Culm sheath; E. Leafy twig; F. Leafbase;
G. Leaf apex; H. Leaf abaxial surface; L. Leaf-sheath. [P. Kumari 34637 (CAL)].
236
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[Vol.51
1 mm
Fig.2. Melocanna clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) P. Kumari & P. Singh :
A. Flowering and Fruiting branches; B. Spiklets; C. Bract;
D. Mature floret; E. Empty glume; F. Lemma; G. Palea; H. Lodicules. [P. Kumari 34612 (CAL)].
2009] KUMARI & SINGH : ON THE IDENTITY OF A. CLARKEI -RECOLLECTION AND TAXONOMIC POSITION 237
Plate 1. Melocanna clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) P. Kumari & P. Singh
B. Mature culms; C. Culm-sheath; D. Nodal-bud.
A. Young culms;
238
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[Vol.51
Plate 2. Melocanna clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) P. Kumari & P. Singh : A. Flowering;
B. Inflorescence, Inset stamen; C. Fruits; D. Seedlings.
2009] KUMARI & SINGH : ON THE IDENTITY OF A. CLARKEI -RECOLLECTION AND TAXONOMIC POSITION 239
sheath proper 8-10 cm long, 10-12 cm broad at base, gradually attaining into 4-5 cm broad, truncate top,
thin, crustaceous, rolled, faintly striate, densely appressed blackish-brown hairs on outer surface below, glabrous
smooth on inner surface, margins smooth; imperfect blade as long as sheath proper, caducous, erect, striate,
with enflated, broad, rounded base and acuminate, recurved apex, long ciliate (deciduous) at incurved margins;
ligule c. 1 mm high, entire, smooth; auricles obscure. Leaves 5 - 6 per twig; leaf-blades lanceolate, 18 - 25 cm
long, 2-3 cm broad, unequally, rounded-attenuate at base terminating somewhat acuminately into 1-1.5 cm
long feathery apex with setaceous tip, glabrous on both surfaces except 1-2 scabrid nerves along one margin
on adaxial surface and few hairs near base on abaxial surface, smooth at margins; mid vein thin, prominent,
glabrous, secondary veins 8-10, tertiary veins 5-7, faint, not easily distinguished, few faint hair like dots are
observed on abaxial surface; pseudopetiole 6-7 mm, swollen, buldging; leaf-sheath faintly striate, somewhat
thin keeled, glabrous, ending into rounded, narrow callus, ciliate at margins first afterwards smooth; ligule
narrow, truncate, glabrous, except few hairs near petiole attachment; auricles roundedly-elongate, somewhat
pointed, bearing 5 - 6, c. 5 mm long cilia. Inflorescence spicate panicle on leafy branches; branches 15-30
cm long, 10 - 12 drooping at culm nodes; each branch nodes bearing 2 - 3, 10 - 15 cm long branchlets; rachis
striated, hirsute, somewhat flattened at one side, bearing clusters of spikelets in bracts. Spikelets bracteate,
having lower 2-4 prophylls and glumes with immature floret buds and terminal mature flower with hairy
rachilla extension; bracts c. 1.2 cm long, ovate-lanceolate, mucronate, pubescent on outer surface, long ciliate
along margins; rachilla 1-2 mm long, flattened at one side, glabrous except very few minute cilia at apex;
empty glumes 2 in mature floret, 5 - 6 mm long, ovate, acute, mucronate, 5 - 7 nerved, glabrous, ciliate along
margins; lemma c. 6 mm long, ovate, acute, short mucronate, 9-nerved, glabrous, minutely ciliate at apex on
margins; palea equal or slightly longer than lemma, ovate, acute, faintly 2-keeled, 1 -nerved between keels,
2-nerved on either side, glabrous entirely except few minute hairs at apex, with terminal rachilla extension
hairy at apex; stamens 6, c. 4 mm long, exserted, blunt at purplish apex; ovary c. 0.5 mm, glabrous, continuing
into short style, which soon divides into 3, hairy stigmas; lodicules 3, c. 3 mm, oblong, ovate, white fimbriate
at top, hyaline, transparent, becoming somewhat fleshy afterwards; fruits fleshy, pyriform, 2-3 cm across,
2 - 4 cm long, with 5-10 mm long, pointed, slightly curved beak. (Fig. 1 & 2; Plate 1 & 2).
SEM features
Stomata - common, low dome, overarched from both ends by two elongate papillae giving 'X' shaped
appearance; prickles frequent along mid vein; microhairs - infrequent; macrohairs - very rare, along mid vein,
base swollen. (Plate 3).
Fl : May - April.
New shoot: August - September.
Distribution : India : Meghalaya (Khasi hills - Laittyrra, Cherrpunjee-Sellah; Jaintia hills - Jowai, below
Sundai, Umtulu river site, Lashka dam site, near Umkiang), Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland. (Technical report,
2001 by SFRI, Itanagar).
Habitat : Found between 900- 1 600 m in sub-tropical to warm temperate zone. Grows in hilly evergreen
forests forming large, spreading patches.
Specimens examined : India : Meghalaya: Cherra end, 2000 ft, Oct. 1867, C.B. Clarke 5563
(holo, CAL); Jaintia hills, Jowai, 915 m, Aug. 1889, G. Mann 4846 (DD); Jaintia hills, 1220 m, April 1889,
G. Mann s.n. (DD); Jaintia hills, below Sundai, March 1890, G. Mann s.n. (CAL); Umtulu river in Jaintia
hills, about 15 miles from Jowai, April 1889, G. Mann s.n. (CAL); Khasi hills, Laittyrra, 760 m, 22.4.1985,
KB. Naithani Sr. II 1287 (DD); Jaintia hills, 12 km to Umkiang from Jowai, 9.4.2004, P. Kumari 34612
(CAL); Khasi hills, Laittyrra, 28.4.2004, P. Kumari 34637 (CAL); Jaintia hills, 12 km to Umkiang from Jowai,
6.9.2005, P. Kumari & P. Singh 34676 (CAL); Jaintia hills, Lashka dam site, 7.9.2005, P. Kumari & P. Singh
34683 (CAL).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt of India, for funding the AICOPTAX (All
India coordinated project on capacity building in Taxonomy) project and for research fellowship to one of us
(P.K.). We also thank Dr. M. Sanjappa, Director, Botanical Survey of India, for providing research facilities
and encouragement and keepers at CAL, ASSAM, DD for the needful help.
240
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
Plate 3. Comparision of Melocanna baccifera & M. clarkei
SEM leaf-abaxial surface structures: A - C. M. baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz
[P. Kumari 25161 (CAL)]. D - F. M. clarkei (Gamble ex Brandis) P. Kumari &
P. Singh [P. Kumari 34612 (CAL)].
REFERENCES
Blatter, E. 1929. Indian bamboos brought up-to-date. Indian Forester 55 : 541 - 562; 586 - 612.
Brandis, D. 1906. Indian Trees. Archibald Constable & Co. Ltd. London.
Camus, E.G. 1913. Les Bambusees: monographic, biologic & Culture. Principaux usages. Paul Lechevalier. Paris.
Majumdar, R. B. 1989. Bambusoideae. In: Karthikeyan, S., Jain, S. K., Nayar, M. P. & M. Sanjappa (eds.) Florae Indicae
Enumeratio - Monocotyledonae : 274 - 254. Botanical Survey of India. Calcutta.
Naithani, H.B. 1990a. Two new combinations of bamboos. Indian Forester 116: 990 - 991.
Seethalakshmi, K. K. and M. S. Muktesh Kumar. 1998. Bamboos of India: A compendium. Kerala Forest Research
Institute, Peechi & International Network for Bamboo and Rattan. Beijing. Eindhoven. New Delhi.
Shukla, U. 1996. Grasses of North-Eastern India. Scientific Publishers. Jodhpur.
Tiwari, D. N. 1992. A Monograph on Bamboo. International Book Distributors. Dehra Dun.
Varmah, J.C. and K.N. Bahadur. 1980. Country report and status of research on bamboos in India. Indian Forest Rec.
(new ser.) Bot. 6(1) : i-vii, 1 - 28.
NELUMB0 51: 241-244. 2009
NOTES ON FLOWERING IN SCHIZOSTACHYUM
ARUNACHALENSIS H.B. NAITHANI (POACEAE: BAMBUSOIDEAE)
S. S. Dash, P. Kumari 1 and P. Singh 2
Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Itanagar 791 111
1 Botanical Survey of India, Central National Herbarium, Howrah 713 101
2 Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700 064
During present study Schizostachyum arunachalensis was found flowering and fruiting in the wild on
the hill slopes in Kane Wildlife Sanctuary of West Siang district (Arunachal Pradesh). A good population
was observed near Magee village which is about 10 km from Elephant Camp. This bamboo can be easily
distinguished by long internodes, larger leaves and peculiar leaf sheaths. A supplemented taxonomic description
of this bamboo is provided. In light of flowering and fruiting material available now, its taxonomic placement in
the new genus Stapletonia has been suggested, a new combination has been proposed, and coloured photographs
have been provided to facilitate identification.
STAPLETONIA P.Singh, S.S.Dash & PKumari gen. nov.
Typus species: Stapletonia arunachalensis (H.B. Naithani) P. Singh, S.S. Dash & P. Kumari.
Schizostachyum arunachalensis H.B. Naithani.
affmis Cephalostachyum sed auriculibus folio vaginae ad 1 cm longae fringitis, baccis succulentis,
c.5 cm longis differt.
Shrubby bamboo, forming loose clumps or diffused. Rhizome pachymorph with extended necks. Culms
erect at base, clambering above, walls thin. Nodal branches subequal. Leaf- blade unequal at base; leaf-sheath
auricles prominent with c. 1 cm long fringes. Inflorescence iterauctant, bracteate, in large densely glomerate
heads. Spikelets 1 -flowered with terminal rhachilla extention. Glumes 6-8, long aristate. Lemma shortly aristate,
rosy pink. Palea narrowly 2-keeled. Lodicules 3, large. Stamens 6, filaments free. Ovary stalked, glabrous;
style long; stigma 2, hairy. Fruit apple shaped, fleshy, with persistent style base.
Etymology : This genus is named in honor of Dr. C.M.A. Stapleton who made significant contributions
to the taxonomy of Himalayan bamboos.
Notes : The genus Stapletonia shows some affinities with Cephalostachyum in habit and habitat but
differs mainly in having fringed leaf auricles, 6-8 glumes and fleshy fruits about 5 cm across. A comparision
of morphological characters of all the related genera are given in a tabular form (Table-1).
Stapletonia arunachalensis (H.B. Naithani) P.Singh, S.S.Dash & PKumari comb. nov.
Schizostachyum arunachalensis H.B. Naithani, Ind. For. 118 (3): 230. 1992. (Baja near Daporijo, 300
m, Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh, 17.3.1986, H.B. Naithani 1406 (holotype, DD).
Vern.: "Tuchur" (Adi and Miri); "Tauk" (Gallongs); "To " (Apatanis); "Tabom " (Nishis).
A semiscandent bamboo. Rhizome pachymorph. Culms 10-15 m high, 6-7 cm in diameter, at first erect
then branches pendulous, dark green when young turning yellow with age; nodes swollen, with a ring of fallen
culm-sheath base and c. 1 cm broad ring of thick, brown deciduous hairs; internodes terete, at base c. 20 cm
long and up to 1.5 m or more long above, smooth, hollow, walls 5-10 mm thick; bud oval, rounded at apex;
branches 6 (4, 2 cm in girth). Culm-sheaths deciduous, shorter than internodes, brownish, thick crustaceous;
sheath proper covered with yellow-brown hairs on outer surface, glabrous inside, 15-26 cm long, 12-14 cm
broad at base, sides more or less parallel with 10-11 cm broad obliquely round top; one margin completely
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
242
N ELUMBO
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2009] DASH, KUMARI & SINGH : NOTES ON FLOWERING IN SCHIZOSTACHYUM ARUNACHALENSIS 243
Fig. 1: Stapletonia arunachalensis (H.B. Naithani) P. Singh, S.S. Dash & P. Kumari
A. Habit; B. Culm sheath; C. Sterile flowering head; D. Flowering head with
fertile spikelets and drooping anthers; E. Sterile and fertile spikelets; F. Fertile spikelet;
G. Fructescence; H. A fruit with persistent style; J. Cross section of fruit;
K. Germinating fruit; L. Young seedling showing rhizome with extended necks.
244 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
ciliate, another usually at top only, cilia c. 2 mm long, dense, dark brown; imperfect blade shorter than sheath
proper, 1 0-25 cm long, 9- 1 1 cm broad, triangular, one side longer than the other, rounded at base, acute at apex,
erect, transversely veined, minute hirsute at somewhat wrinkled base on outer surface, scanty appressed hairy
on inner surface, margins ciliate at base, smooth upwards; ligule narrow, entire. Leaf-blades oblong-lanceolate,
up to 48 cm long and 18 cm broad, obliquely attenuate at base, acuminate at apex with c. 2 cm long, incurved,
twisted setaceous apex, minutely hirsute on abaxial surface; midrib raised, prominent, glabrous, secondary
veins 12-18 pairs, tertiary 5-7(8), pseudopetiole 1- 1.5 cm long; leaf-sheaths striate, thin keeled, puberulous,
ending above in a thin callus, densely ciliate at margins; ligule narrow; auricles oblong-conical, extending
along margins up to c. 1.5 cm length, long fringed, fringes c. 1 cm long, deciduous. Inflorescence a dense,
globular, terminal or subterminal head, 6-10 cm in diameter consisting of fertile spikelets among majority of
empty aristate bracts or sterile spikelets. Fertile spikelets c. 4 cm long, glabrous; empty glumes 6-8, 1.2-3
cm long, ovate at base, long scabrous-aristate above, glabrous, striate, 5-7 nerved. Lemma 2.5 - 3.5 cm long,
shortly aristate, rosy pink. Palea 2-3 cm long, rosy pink, narrowly 2-keeled. Rhachilla extension c. 0.5 cm long,
hairy in lower half. Lodicules 3, c. 1.3 cm. long, lanceolate, papillate hairy on inner surface, glabrous outside,
ciliate on margins, rosy pink, white near base. Stamens c. 5 cm long; anthers c. 1 cm long; filaments free,
thread like. Pistil stipitate, c. 3 cm long; style long, hollow; stigma bifid, hairy. Fruit c. 5 cm across, globose,
slightly depressed at top with elongated persistent, acicular style when young (Fig. 1).
Specimens examined : Arunachal Pradesh : Upper Subansiri district, Daporijo, 11.4.2005, Tika Prasad
Sharma 34537 veg.(CAL). West Siang district, Kane Wildlife Sanctuary, 27° 39' 41" N, 94° 42' 14' E,
13-09-2009, S.S. Dash 32210 & 32211(ARUN, CAL). Kane wildlife sanctuary, 27°39' 41" N, 94° 42' 14' E,
20-12-2009, SS Dash 32800 (ARUN).
Distribution and Ecology : The species is endemic to Arunachal Pradesh, distributed in East Siang,
West Siang and Upper Subansiri districts. It is found growing at an altitude of 300-900 m above msl in the
tropical evergreen forests and also as pure patches along the shallow streams. The gregarious flowering has
been observed for the first time.
Conservation status : This bamboo with the longest internodes amongst the Indian species is extracted
for use in making baskets and other handicraft items. The recent study by the authors revealed that the species
needs appropriate conservation and management strategies for sustainable utilization.
Note : Naithani (op. cit.) described this species based on vegetative material and assigned it to the genus
Schizostachyum. Inflorescence in globular heads shows resemblance to Cephalostachyum but succulent baccate
fruit found during present studies compelled us to place it in a new genus.
Amongst the Indian bamboos, this species is with the longest internodes and the largest leaves. It also
has very characteristic leaf sheath auricles having c. 1 cm long fringes. Inflorescence is in large dense globular
heads and fruits are apple shaped, fleshy.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors are thankful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata and Joint Director, Arunachal
Pradesh Research Centre, BSI for facilities. Dr. V.J. Nair, Coordinator, bamboos and grasses, AICOPTAX
project kindly provided the latin translation of the diagnosis. Thanks are also due to Arunachal State Forest
Department for permissions and Ministry of Environment & Forests for financial assistance to one of us (PK)
under AICOPTAX project.
NELUMB0 51: 245-248. 2009
WESTERN HIMALAYA — A NEW RANGE OF DISTRIBUTION FOR A
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FERN, DRYOPSIS MANIPURENSIS
(BEDD.) HOLTTUM & P.J.EDWARDS
B. S. Kholia and K. Bhakuni*
Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Gangtok 737 103
^Department of Botany, Govt. P. G. College, Pithoragarh 262 502
During survey tours of Gini area at the base of Kalamuni mountain range, Munshiyari, Pithoragarh,
Uttarakhand, in 1998 and 2005, the authors came across an unrecognised fern. But due to its unusual frond-
morphology, resembling on the one hand certain members of Thelypteridaceae (vis. Thelypteris ornata (Wall.
ex Bedd.) Ching and Thelypteris torresiana (Gaudich.) Alston, in Sect. Macrothelypteris) and on the other
some Dryopteroid ferns, it remained unidentified for more than 10 years. Recently Fraser- Jenkins (2008)
published two photographs of Dry ops is manipurensis (Bedd.) Holttum & P.J.Edwards, which exactly match
our specimen. On sending images to Fraser- Jenkins with further information and discussion at Gangtok during
his recent visit (September-October 2009), he confirmed its identity as Dryopsis manipurensis.
This species was first described by Beddome (1888) as Polypodium manipurensis based on a collection
of Sir George Watt, from Sirohifuror, 6000-7000 ft., Manipur, and in his subsequent publication (1892) he
transferred it to the genus Phegopteris. Another two localities cited by Beddome are Mairang, Khasi Hills (a
collection of Gustav Mann), and Nepal (Wallich, Num. List. 322. Sheet no. 2). However Fraser- Jenkins (pers.
comm.) points out that Clarke (1880: 527) correctly identified Wallich's Cat. 322 sheet 2 as the very closely
related S. Indian species, now known as Dryopsis scabrosa (Kunze) Holttum & P.J.Edwards. The specimen (in
K-W, seen by CRFJ) has markedly longer basal basiscopic pinnae, more spaced segments and a less densely
scaly stipe than D. manipurensis and belongs to D. scabrosa. Clarke clearly stated that he doubted the locality
in Wallich's mixed numbers, which included Wight's S. Indian specimens sorted into his numbers by eye
according to general likeness. D. manipurensis has never been known from Nepal, despite sometimes being
so listed in error due to the muddled locality of Wallich's specimen.
D. manipurensis is one of the rarer pteridophytes of India. Chandra and Fraser- Jenkins (2008) listed
it at risk of extinction and mentioned it under the Critically Endangered (CE) category of IUCN. Hence the
occurrence of this rare, endangered and threatened (RET) plant in the Western Himalaya is important from
the point of view of conservation and phytogeography. A brief note is given here concerning its distribution
and taxonomy.
Out of 25 species of the S.E. Asian genus Dryopsis Holttum & P.J.Edwards, only 6 species occur in
India (Fraser- Jenkins & Benniamin, in prep, and Baishya & Fraser- Jenkins, in prep., will report two more from
Arunachal Pradesh), of which 4 are distributed in the Indo-Himalaya and further east, and two, D. scabrosa
(Kunze) Holttum & P.J.Edwards and D. ferruginea (Baker) Holttum & P.J.Edwards, are endemic to South
India (Fraser- Jenkins 2008). The Indo-Himalayan species were earlier thought to occur only from Nepal
eastwards, but recently another, bipinnatifid species, D. apiciflora (Wall, ex Mett.) Holttum & P.J.Edwards
has been found in Kumaon (Fraser- Jenkins, pers. comm. June 2010).
The differences between D. manipurensis (from North India) and D. scabrosa (from South India)
have been clearly mentioned in the literature (Beddome 1892, Baker 1892). Before the establishment of D.
manipurensis, Hooker and Baker (1868) while describing D. scabrosa (under Nephrodium (Lastrea) scabrosum
Baker, from Neilgherries) also mentioned the distinctness between north and south Indian plants and said
"We have a closely allied plant from Sikkim and Moulmein with tufted fronds, larger and more delicate
in texture, which will probably prove distinct." but they did not cite any sheet from Sikkim or Moulmein
(S.E. Myanmar) and to date there are no reports or specimens indicating the occurrence of D. manipurensis
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
246
N ELUMBO
[Vol.51
Fig. 1. A. Diyopsis manipurensis; B. Basal pinnae; C. Undersurface of lamina showing sori.
or D. scabrosa from Sikkim or Myanmar. However, in recent Indian literature, these species are poorly
understood and often confused with each other; hence their distribution was mistakenly confused by Chandra
(2000) who listed both D. manipurensis and D. scabrosa from the Himalaya. Though Dixit (1984) omitted D.
manipurensis and reported only D. scabrosa (under Ctenitis) from South India, Dixit & Ghosh (1987) detailed
and illustrated it from their collection from Manipur.
The confusion was created among Indian Pteridologists probably after Clarke (1 880) cited the specimen
of Wallich Cat. 322. sheet no.2 as Nephrodium scabrosum Baker (= Dryopsis scabrosa) with the note "but
is ticketed from Nepal". On the other hand, while describing new species Beddome identified this sheet as
Polypodium manipurense instead of N. scabrosa (Beddome 1888, 1892) and his mistake was also followed
by Holttum and Edwards (1986) as they cited the same specimens under Dryopsis manipurensis during
2009] KHOLIAAND BHAKUNI : DISTRIBUTION OF ENDANGERED FERN DRYOPSIS MANIPURENSIS 247
establishment of genus Dryopsis by redefining and upgrading one of the subgenera of the genus Ctenitis (Ching
1938). But recently Fraser Jenkins (2008) agreed with Clarke (1880) about the mislabelling of sheet no 2. of
Wall. Cat. 322 and has reidentified the specimen as belonging to D. scabrosa from South India. Despite the
efforts of Indian Liaison officer at Kew the specimen from Nepal was not found by him, however, he was able
to send good quality digital images of type-sheets of D. manipurensis and of D. scabrosa.
The range of distribution of D. manipurensis is India, the Philippines and Papua, New Guinea (Holttum
and Edwards 1986). In the Indian region it is present in Uttarakhand (Gini, Pithoragarh, present collection);
Arunachal Pradesh (Baishya & Fraser- Jenkins, in prep.); Meghalaya, Mairang in the Khasi hills (G. Mann)
and recently recollected by Fraser- Jenkins) and Manipur (G. Watt; Dixit).
Dryopsis manipurensis (Bedd.) Holttum & P.J.Edwards, Kew Bull. 41(1): 200. 1985; Fraser- Jenkins, Tax.
Rev. Three Hundred Indian Subcont. Pterid. 195 & 625. fig. 235-236. 2008. Polypodium manipurense
Bedd., J. Bot. London. 235.1888. Phegopteris manipurensis (Bedd.) Bedd., Suppl. Handb. Ferns Brit.
India, 83.1892. Dryopteris manipurensis (Bedd.) C.Chr., Ind. Fil. 1: 276. 1906. Polypodium (Subgen.
Phegopteris,) manipurense (Bedd.) Baker, Ann. Bot. 5: 76. 1891. Ctenitis manipurensis (Bedd.) Ching,
Bull. FanMem. Inst. Biol. 8:297. 1938; Dixit & Ghosh, Bull. Bot. Surv. India 27: 118. 1987 '. Dryopteris
copelandii Christ, Philipp. J. Sci. 2C: 216. 1907. Ctenitis copelandii (Christ) Copel., Gen Fil. 124.
1947.
Rhizome thick, short, erect, stipe 15-25 cm long, densely scaly, scales, ferrugineous-brown, translucent,
broadly or ovate-lanceolate, pale brown, apex acuminate, narrow scales are also intermixed with broad scales;
Lamina 30 - 40 x 12-20 cm, ovate-deltate, bipinnate and again pinnatifid, or becoming tripinnate at the base,
herbaceous, setose and with hair like narrow scales; rachis densely covered by few broad scales and many
narrow, hair-like scales; pinnae 20 pairs or more, basal pair largest and long stalked, up to 15 cm or more
long, pinnules many pairs, basal pair largest though not abruptly so, 5-7 cm long, segments deeply lobed,
roundish, dentate; veins forked; sori globose, medial, generally single in a lobe, medial, indusium not seen,
but absent or vestigial (Fig. 1).
Specimens examined : Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh, Gini, 2100 -2200m before 1.5 Km to Gini
from Girigaon, c. 1 km below the raod B.S. Kholia 98-083, date Nov. 1998; B.S. Kholia &K. Bhakuni 2005-
74, 2005-75, Sept. 2005 about 2 km after Gini to Ratapani c. 1 km above the raod (collections deposited in
Department of Botany, Govt. P. G. College, Pithoragarh) Digital images examined: Manipur, George Watt
6423 (Holotype, K); Mairang, Khasi Hills, G. Mann (K).
Digital images ofD. scabrosa also examined: Ace. H 2005/00425 -13 K, Neotype, Ed. R. F. Hohenacker
124; Ace. H 2005/00425 -15 K, Beddome and Ace. H 2005/00425 -14 K
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are thankful to Mr. C. R. Fraser- Jenkins, Kathmandu and the Natural History Museum,
London, for confirming the identity of our photograph; and Dr. V. Prasad, Indian Liaison Officer, Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, for sending pictures of type-specimens of D. manipurensis and D. scabrosa.
Dr. N. Punetha Pithoragarh, and Devendra Singh, Research Scholar BSI, are also acknowledged for supplying
literature.
REFERENCES
Baker, J.G.. 1892. A Summary of the New Ferns which have been discovered or described since 1874. (Reprinted from
Annals of Botany, Vol. V, 1891).
Beddome, R.H. 1888. New Manipur ferns collected by Dr. Watt. J. Bot. 234-235.
Beddome, R.H. 1892. Supplement to the Handbook to the Ferns of British India, Ceylon and the Malay Peninsula..
Thacker, Spink and Co., Calcutta. 1-110.
Chandra, S. and Fraser- Jenkins, C.R. 2008. Threatened Pteridophytes of India. In: S.C. Verma, S.P. Khullar & H.K.
Cheema (editors): Perspectives in Pteridophytes. 207-234. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun.
Ching, R.C. 1938. A revision of the Chinese and Sikkim -Himalayan Dryopteris with reference to some species from
neighboring regions. Bull. Fan Mem. Inst. Biol. Bot. 8: 275-337.
248 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
Chandra, S. 2000. The Ferns of India (Enumeration, Synonyms & Distribution). International Book Distributors,
Dehradun. 459.
Clarke, C.B. 1880. A Review of the Ferns of Northern India. Trans. Linn. Soc. Ser. 2: Bot., 1. London, (reprinted in
Delhi 1973).
Dixit, R.D. 1984. A Census of the Indian Pteridophytes. Botanical Survey of India, Howrah.
Dixit, R.D. & Ghosh, B. 1987 ["1985"]. On the rediscovery of four rare species of ferns from India. Bull. Bot. Surv.
India 27(1-4): 116-119.
Fraser Jenkins, C.R. 2008. Taxonomic revision of three hundred Indian Subcontinental Pteridophytes with a revised
census list. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun.
Holttum, R.E. and Edwards, P. J. 1 986. Studies on the fern genus allied to Tectaria 2. Dryopsis, a new genus. Kew Bull.
41(1): 171-204. 9 fig.
Hooker, W.J. and Baker, J.G. 1868. Synopsis Filicum, or A Synopsis of All Known Ferns, including the Osmundaceae,
Schizeaceae, Marattiaceae and Ophioglossaceae. Robert Hardwicke, London, (repr. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal
Singh, Dehradun. 1984).
NELUMB0 51: 249. 2009
VALIDATION OF THE SECTION MABA OF DIOSPYROS L. (EBENACEAE)
V. Singh and V. S. Kumar*
Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre, Jodhpur 342 008
* Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, TNAU Campus, Coimbatore 641003
Singh (2005) in monographic studies on Indian Diospyros L., supports Bakhuizen (1936 - 1941) and
White (1980) in treating the genus Maba J. R. & G. Forst. (1775) as congeneric with Diospyros (1753).
However, Singh differs by relegating Maba to sectional rank rather than considering it as subgenus and made
a new combination without citing the basionym. The combination Diospyros L. sect. Maba (J. R. & G. Forst.)
V. Singh is invalid, as Art. 33.4 of the Vienna code (ICBN, 2006) states that the basionym has to be indicated
when a new combination is made on or after 1st January 1953. Therefore, the sectional name is validated here
accordingly.
Diospyros L. sect. Maba (J. R. & G. Forst.) V. Singh & V. S. Kumar comb, et stat. nov. Maba J. R. & G.
Forst., Char. Gen. PL 121. 1775. Diospyros L. subgen. Maba (J. R. & G. Forst.) Bakh., Bull. Jard. Bot.
Buitzenzorg Ser. 3, 15: 7, 50. 1937. (Type species: Maba elliptica J. R. & G. Forst. I.e. 122, t. 61. =
Diospyros elliptica (J. R. & G. Forst.) P. S. Green, Kew Bull. 23: 340. 1969).
REFERENCES
Bakhuizen van den Brink, R. C. 1936 -1941. Revisio Ebenacearum Malayensium. Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitzenzorg Ser. 3,
15: 1-515.
Singh, V. 2005. Monograph on Indian Diospyros L. (Persimmon, Ebony) Ebenaceae. Botanical Survey of India.
Kolkata.
White, F. 1980. Notes on the Ebenaceae. VIII. The African sections of Diospyros. Bull. Jard. Bot. Belg. 50: 445 - 460.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
NELUMB0 51: 250-253. 2009
CONTRIBUTION TO LITSEA LAM. (LAURACEAE) IN NORTHEAST INDIA
T. Bhuinya and P. Singh
Botanical Survey of India, C.G.O. Complex, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-7 00064
Distribution of 10 species of Litsea Lam. in different states of northeast India has been reassessed in
the present paper. Correct nomenclature, citation, distribution, specimens examined and notes have been
provided for each species. Of these 7 species from Arunachal Pradesh, 3 from Meghalaya, 1 from Manipur, 2
from Mizoram and 3 from Nagaland are recorded for the first time.
1. Litsea assamica (Meisn.) Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India. 5: 161. 1886; Kanjilal & al, Fl Assam 4: 85. 1940.
Tetranthera rangoonensis Meisn. var. assamica Meisn. in DC. Prodr. 15 (1): 188. 1864.
Habitat : Evergreen forests, in low hills of northeastern India.
Distribution : India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya. Endemic.
Specimens examined : Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap district, Banfera FD, 3-9-1958, G. Panigrahi 16705,
frts (CAL); Banfera, 13-7-1961, D.B.Deb 26705, frts (ASSAM, CAL); Meghalaya, Khasi & Jyntea Hills,
5-2-1915, U. Kanjilal 116P, male fls (ASSAM).
Notes : The species was recorded from Assam plains (Hooker 1886; Kanjilal & al., 1940) based on two
collections of Jenkins and Griffith. It was collected from Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya by Deb and Kanjilal
but wrongly identified as Litsea oblonga Wall. It has been for the first time recorded from these two states.
2. Litsea chartacea (Wall ex Nees) Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India. 5: 170. 1886; Allen in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gar.
25: 377. 1938; Hara, Enum. Fl. PL Nepal 3: 185. 1982. D.G. Long in Grierson & D.G. Long, Fl. Bhutan
1(2): 275. 1984. Tetranthera chartacea Wall, ex Nees in Wall, PL As. Rar. 2: 67. 1831 & 3: 30. 1831.
FL: December to March; Fr.\ February to June.
Habitat : Warm broad-leaved evergreen forests, from 1500 m to 1800 m.
Distribution : India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal. Bhutan,
China, Nepal.
Specimens examined : Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Dibang Valley district, Mishmi hill, Parasuram Road, 3-2-1 939,
R. N. De 19176, buds (ASSAM); Lower Subansiri district, Pange, 2-11-1980, G. D. Pal 78408, buds (ARUN); Chessa,
8-5-1984, K. Haridasan 0375, frts (APFH); Tirap district, 13-6-1983, K. Haridasan 0663, frts (APFH); West Kameng
district, Tippi, Deomali, Hollong forest, 12-6-1 983, AT. Haridasan 0670, frts (APFH); Assam, Sibsagar district, Chamugun,
280 ft, 1 5- 12- 1 91 3, U. Kanjilal 1 22M, male buds (ASSAM); Meghalaya, East Khasi Hills district, Mawsmai forest, 11-11-
1 93 8, R. N. De 1 8 1 00, buds (ASSAM); Mawsmai forest, 1 1 - 1 1 - 1 93 8, S. R. Sharma 1 8264, male buds (ASS AM); Ri-Bhoi
district, Nongpoh, 2100 ft, 01-06-1914, U. Kanjilal 3999, frts (CAL); West Garo Hills district, TuraTop, 366.6 m-1294.6
m, 12-12-1960, G. Panigrahi 22374, male fls (ASSAM); Mizoram, Mizo hills, D. B. Deb 30909, male fls (ASSAM).
Notes : Earlier the species was reported from Sikkim and West Bengal (Hooker, 1886; Long & Grierson,
1984) in eastern Himalayas but present study reveals that it is also a component of the Flora of Arunachal
Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizo hills. Most of specimens in herbaria are wrongly identified as L. laeta (Wall,
ex Nees) Hook. f. which has more coriaceous leaves and longer umbel peduncles.
3. Litsea doshia (Buch - Ham. ex D. Don) Kosterm. in J. Sci. Res. Indonesia 1: 90. 1952. Tetranthera doshia
Buch - Ham. ex D. Don, Prodr. Fl. Nepal. 65. 1825. Litsea oblonga (Wall, ex Nees) Hook. f. Fl. Brit.
India. 5: 168. 1886; Kosterm. Bibl. Laur. 856. 1964; Momiyama in Fl. E. Him. 3: 42. 1975; Kanjilal &
al., Fl. Assam 4: 88. 1940.
Date of publication : 31st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
2009] BHUINYA & SINGH : CONTRIBUTION TO LITSEA LAM. 251
FL: September to January; Fr.\ December to April.
Habitat : Evergreen and mixed forests at an altitude of 1300 - 2700 m.
Distribution : India : Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya. Myanmar, Nepal.
Specimens examined : Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Subansiri district, Hapoli-Pange Road, 31-10-1980, G. D. Pal
78381, buds (ARUN).
Notes : The species was reported from Assam and Meghalaya (Kanjilal & al., 1940). It is mostly confused
with L. salicifolia (Roxb. ex Nees) Hook. f. which has umbels arising in clusters and not is racemes. It is
reported from Arunachal Pradesh for the first time.
4. Litsea kingiiHook. f, Fl. Brit. India. 5: 156. 1886; Kanjilal & al, Fl. Assam 4: 81. 1940; Hara, Fl. E. Himal.
1:102. 1966; 2: 39. 1971; D.G. Long in Grierson & D.G. Long, Fl. Bhutan 1(2): 274. 1984.
Fl. : March to July; Fr.\ May to December.
Habitat : Cool broad-leaved and Rhododendron forests at an attitude of 1800 - 2900 m.
Distribution : India : Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, West Bengal. Bhutan, Myanmar, China,
Nepal.
Specimens examined : Arunachal Pradesh, Changlang district, Namdapha, Gandhigram, January 1994, A. S.
Chauhan 99635, male buds (ASSAM); Kameng district, 4.5-5 miles from Dynkmadong, 20-5-1965, R.S.Rao 7634, frts.
(CAL); Lohit district, Hayuliang, 15-11-1983, K. Haridasan 0074, buds (APFH); Metangliang, 23-3-1986, K. Haridasan
2882, buds (APFH); Lower Subansiri district, Drupang, 10-3-1983, BuruLoda 0551, buds (APFH); OldZiro-Begi Road,
s. date, G. D. Pal s.n., frts (ARUN); Dibang Valley, Desali, 14-3-1984, K. Haridasan 0794, buds (APFH).
Notes : The species is mostly confused with L. cubeba (Lour.) Pers. L. kingii Hook. f. is deciduous, and
found to grow in cool broad - leaved coniferous forsts at 1 800 m to 2900 m whereas L. cubeba (Lour.) Pers. is
evergreen, growing in sub-tropical and warm broad-leaved forests at 300 m to 1800 m. Moreover, leaves are
more acute and elliptic in L. kingii Hook, f, branches stouter, leaf petiole shorter, umbel pedicel more stout,
winter buds present, leaves thinly coriaceous while they are membraneous in L. cubeba )Lour.) Pers. It has
been apty said by Kanjilal (1940) that ". . .the points of distinction (between L. cubeba and L. kingii) merge in
intermediate forms". The species was known from Meghalaya (Kanjilal & al., 1940), Sikkim and West Bengal
(Hooker, 1886; Long, 1984). Here, the species is reported for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh.
5. Litsea laeta (Wall, ex Nees) Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India. 5:169.1886; Kanjilal & al, Fl. Assam 4: 88. 1940;
N.P. Balakr., Fl. Jowai 2: 403. 1983; D.G. Long in Grierson & D.G. Long 1984, Fl. Bhutan 1(2): 275.
1984. Tetranthera laeta Wall, ex Nees in Wall. PL As. Rar. 2: 67. 1831.
FL: November to February; Fr.\ January to June.
Habitat : Evergreen and mixed forests from 300 - 900 m.
Distribution : India : Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura,
Sikkim, West Bengal. Bhutan, Nepal.
Specimens examined : Manipur, Sooancad, 26-11-1885, 4000ft, C. B. Clarke 42152, frts; Mizoram, Mizo hills,
D. B. Deb 30686, female fls (ASSAM); Nagaland, Naga Hills, June 1935, N. L. Bor 21168, male fls (ASSAM); N. L.
Bor 17418, male fls (ASSAM).
Notes : The species is a common element of the Eastern Hiamlayas and is reported from
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya (Kanjilal & al., 1940) and Sikkim (Long, 1984), Tripura
(Deb, 1981) and West Bengal. Herbarium study reveals that it is also present in Manipur, Mizoram and
Nagaland.
6. Litsea nitida (Roxb. ex Nees) Hook. f. Fl. Brit. India.5. 174.1886; Prain, Bengal PL 2: 676. 1903; Haines,
Bot. Bihar & Orissa 795. 1924; Kanjilal & al., Fl. Assam 4: 90. 1940; Mooney, Suppl. Fl. Bihar & Orissa
131. 1950. Tetranthera nitida Roxb. ex Nees in Wall. PL As. Rar. 2: 67. 1831; 3: 31. 1832.
252 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
FL: August to November; Fr.: October to April.
Habit : Tropical forests.
Distribution : India : Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Nagaland, West Bengal. Bangladesh, Myanmar,
Nepal.
Specimens examined : Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Subansiri district, Doimukh, 18-4-1978, G. D. Pal 75871, buds
(ARUN); Nagaland, Aka Hills, N. L. Bor 18961, buds (ASSAM, CAL).
Notes : The species was reported from Bihar (Haines, 1 924), West Bengal (Prain, 1 903) and Assam (Hooker,
1886; Kanjilal & al., 1940). Its distribution is reported here from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
7. Litsea panamanja (Nees) Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India. 5: 175. 1886; Prain, Bengal PI. 903. 1903; Parkinson,
For. Fl. Andaman Is. 226. 1923; Allen in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 25: 380. 1938; Kanjilal & al, Fl.
Assam 4: 90. 1940. Tetranthera panamanja Nees in Wall, PL As. Rar. 2: 67. 1831.
Fl. : March to June; Fr. : July to October.
Habitat : Subtropical forests of Himalayas, 300 - 700 m and in Andaman islands.
Distribution : India : Andaman & Niconar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim,
Tripura, West Bengal. Bhutan, Myanmar.
Specimens examined : Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap district, Ninsa to Wanu, 1141m, 1-9-1958, G. Panigrahi 15015,
female buds (CAL, ASSAM); Nagaland, Naga Hills, June 1936, N. L. Bor 21166 (ASSAM).
Notes : The species was earlier reported from Assam (Hooker 1886; Kanjilal & al. 1940) and Tripura
(Deb, 1981) in northeast India. It is reported now to Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
8. Litsea sericea (Wall, ex Nees) Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 5: 156. 1886; Allen in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 25:
369. 1938; Kanjilal & al, Fl. Assam 4: 82. 1940; Hara, Fl. E. Himal. 1: 102. 1966,2:39. 1971; 3: 186.
1982. Tetranthera sericea Wall ex Nees in Wall, PL As. Rar. 2: 67. 1831.
FL: April to November, Fr: September to December.
Habitat : Temperate forests, from 2000 -3100m.
Distribution : India : Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, West Bengal. Bhutan, Myanmar, China,
Nepal.
Specimen examined : Arunachal Pradesh, Lohit district, Mailong, 1800 m, s. coll. 2338, buds (APFH).
Notes : Hooker (1886) and Kanjilal & al.(1940) recorded the species from Manipur and Long (1984)
from Sikkim. The species is reported for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh.
9. Litsea thomsonii (Meisn.) Hook, f, Fl. Brith India 5: 170. 1886; Kanjilal & al., Fl. Assam 4: 89. 1940.
Tetranthera thomsonii Meisn. in DC, Prodr. 15 (1): 183. 1864.
FL: September to January; Fr: January to April.
Habitat : Evergreen and mixed forests of low hills in northeast India.
Distribution : India: Assam, Meghalaya. Bangladesh.
Specimens examined : Meghalaya, Nondongiri, 300 m, 30-11-1996, Shankar Das 105221, frt (ASSAM); Khasi
Hills, 10 km point on way to Mawsynram from Balak, 9-5-1975, G K. Bhaumik 62093, frt (ASSAM); Khasi & Jayntea
Hills, between Nongpoh and Umling, 1 700 ft, 2-6- 1 9 1 4, U. Kanjilal 4008a, buds (ASSAM); Khasi Hills, Nongpoh, 1 820
ft, 30-5-1914, U. Kanjilal 3975, female fls (ASSAM); Khasi & Jayntea Hills, near the village Tuber, 1450 m, 24-7-1965,
N. P. Balakrishnan 42934 (ASSAM); Khasi & Jayntea Hills, above Mahadeo, 3200 ft, 19-10-1914, U. Kanjilal 4625,
frt (ASSAM); Khasi & Jayntea Hills, 39 miles, G. S. Road, Shri Ram Sharma 13278, female buds (ASSAM); Khasi &
Jyntea Hills, 37 miles G. S. Road, 6-6-1914, U. Kanjilal 4048, male buds (ASSAM).
Notes : The species was recorded from Bangladesh (Hooker, 1886) and Sibsagar in Assam (Kanjilal &
al., 1940). Presently it is reported from Khasi, Jayantia and Garo hill tracts in Meghalaya. All these specimens
were wrongly identified as L. laeta (Wall, ex Nees) Hook. f. in the herbarium.
2009] BHUINYA & SINGH : CONTRIBUTION TO LITSEA LAM. 253
10. Litsea lancifolia (Roxb. exNees) Hook, f., Fl. Brit. India. 5: 159. 1886; Prain, Bengal PL 902. 1903; Allen
in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gar. 25: 395. 1938; Kanjilal & al, Fl. Assam 4: 84. 1940; Kosterm., Bibl. Laur.
837. 1964; Haridasan & Rao, For. Fl. Meghalaya 2: 731. 1987. Tetranthera lancifolia Roxb., exNees
in Wall, PL As. Rar. 2:65. 1831.
Fl. : January to May; Fr. : May to September.
Habitat : Tropical and Sub-tropical forests of Eastern Himalayas and hills of northeast India.
Distribution : India : Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttarakhand,
West Bengal. Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal.
Specimen examined : Nagaland, Jabocka, 4000 ft, April 1899, Dr. Prain s collector 946, female fls. (CAL).
Notes : This is the only species of Litsea Lam. from the northeast India that possesses opposite leaves.
Hence it is easily distinguished from other species. It was reported from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya
(Hooker, 1886; Kanjilal & al, 1940; Haridasan & Rao, 1987) and West Bengal (Prain, 1903). Presently it is
reported from Nagaland based on Prain's collection.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors are thankful to the Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. For facilities and award of
Flora of India Research fellowship to one of us (TB). The permission by the keepers to consult herbaria at
APFH, ASSAM and CAL. is gratefully acknowldged.
REFERENCES
Deb, D. B. 1981. Litsea Lam. In: Flora of Tripura 1: 88 - 97. Today & Tomorrow's Print. & Pub., New Delhi.
Long, D. G. 1984. Litsea Lam. In: Flora of Bhutan 1(2): 271-278. R.B.G., Edinburgh.
Hooker, J. D. 1886. Litsea Lam. In: Flora of British India 5: 111-180. Reeve & Co., U.K.
Haines, H. H. 1924 (Repr. ed. 1961). Litsea Lam. In: The Botany of Bihar & Orissa 3: 830-834. B.S.I., Calcutta.
Hara, H., A. O. Charter and L. H. J. Williams. 1982. Litsea Lam. In: An Enumeration of the Flowering Plants of Nepal
3: 185-187. London.
Haridasan, K. and R. R. Rao. 1987. Litsea Lam. In: Forest Flora of Meghalaya 2: 72 8-733. Dehradun.
Kaniilal, U. N., P. C. Kanjilal, R. N. De and A. Das. 1940. Litsea Lam. In: Flora of Assam 4: 78-92. Prabasi Press,
Shillong.
Prain, D. 1903. Litsea Lam. In: Bengal Plants: 902. (Repr. ed. 1963) Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta.
NELUMB0 51: 254. 2009
NOTES ON THE NEWLY PUBLISHED SPECIES PERSEA HIMALAYAENSIS
M. GANGOP. (LAURACEAE)
M. Gangopadhyay and V. S. Kumar*
Botanical Survey of India, Central National Herbarium, Howrah 711 103
* Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, TNAU Campus, Coimbatore 641003
Gangopadhyay (2006) described a new species, Persea himalayaensis, by elevating an unnamed variety
of the species Machilus odoratissima Nees, a Nees (in Wall., PL Asiat. Rar. 2: 70. 1 83 1). The type specimens
cited are the same as that of the variety a, Wall. Cat. 2607A (as 2601 A), pro parte (CAL); 2607B (CAL); 2607F
(CAL) and not specified name of the type. In addition to this, many specimens from different localities of
India, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan were listed.
The name P. himalayaensis was not validly published because no single type was designated for this
new binomial as per Art. 37.1 (ICBN, 2006) which defines the type of the name must be indicated on or after
1st January 1958. Further, Art. 37.6 states that the name of a new taxon published on or after 1st January 1990,
indication of the type must include one of the words holotypus or its abbreviation, or its equivalent. According
to Art. 9.1, a holotype is the one specimen used by the author, or designated by the author as nomenclatural
type.
Although this species is described recently, Hooker (1886) doubted the amalgamation of more than
one species in Machilus odoratissima and its syntypes Wallich Catalogue numbers 2607A-F by stating, "I am
very much puzzled with this plant, and suspect that it consists of several species other form is Wallich's
2607B from Kumaon, with glabrous panicles with oblong fruit". Since the specimen of Wallich Catalogue
number 2607B is more pertinent to the diagnostic characters provided by Gangopadhyay (I.e.), the same is
designated here as lectotype.
Persea himalayaensis M. Gangop. ex M. Gangop. & V. S. Kumar sp. nov. Machilus odoratissima Nees in
Wall., PL Asiat. Rar. 2: 70. 1831, pro min. parte, quoad var. a Nees; Hook, f, Fl. Brit. India 5: 139.
1 886, pro parte.
P. odoratissimae (Nees) Kosterm. affmis, sed differt inflorescentis glabris, fructibusque oblongis,
ovoideo-oblongis vel ellipsoideo-oblongis.
Lectotype: India, Uttarakhand, Montes Prope Dehra Dhoon (probably from Kumaon, Herb. Strachey
and Winter bottom), Wall. Cat. no. 2607B (CAL, designated here; K-W, microfiche seen at MH).
Syntypes: Nepal, sine loc. &coll, 1821, Wall. Cat. no. 2607A (CAL; K-W, microfiche seen at MH, pro
parte, only LH specimen); ? Singapur, sine loc. & coll., 1822, Wall. Cat. no. 2607F (CAL; K-W, microfiche
seen at MH).
Paratypes: All the specimens cited by Gangopadhyay (I.e. 136, Wallich specimens excepted).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Dr. Dan H. Nicolson, Smithsonian Institution, USA, for kindly clarifying
certain nomenclatural queries. Facilities provided by the Director, BSI, and Joint Directors of BSI, Kolkata/
Howrah and Hyderabad are greatly acknowledged.
REFERENCES
Gangopadhyay, M. 2006. Notes on the family Lauraceae from India and its adjoining countries - 1. Bull. Bot. Surv. India
48:103-156.
Hooker, J. D. 1886. Machilus Nees. In: Flora of British India 5: 136 - 141.
ICBN 2006. International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (Vienna Code). Adopted by the Seventeenth International
Botanical Congress Vienna, Austria, July 2005.
Date of publication : 3 1st December, 2009 © Botanical Survey of India, 2009
2009]
BOOK REVIEW
255
BOOK REVIEW
Plants affecting Human Mind (Psychoactive Plants) by Dr. S.K. Jain, published by Deep Publications,
New Delhi, 2009. ISBN : 81-85622-19-1, Price : Rs.700.00 or $ 70.
The book essentially focuses on psychoactive plants and the author,
formerly the Director of Botanical Survey of India and founder Director of
Institute of Ethnobiology, very aptly explains that the word psychoactive is
more a generic term and varied terminology such as analgesic, anesthetic,
anodyne, antidepressant, euphoriant, excitant, hallucinogenic, sedative,
hypnotic etc. are used for different specific conditions. Also, the terms
used for various medical conditions in humans such as apoplexy, delirium,
convulsion, epilepsy, hemiplegia, hysteria, insanity, melancholia, neuralgia,
neuritis and stupor are given in elaboration for the reader to be conversant
and to well relate various medical conditions with curative nature of
plants. The chemicals derived from this recognized group of plants are
employed in different cited domains of psychiatry. It was realized that
there is no special documentation wholly devoted on this important group
of plants. The publication is the result of a careful scrutiny of all available
literature on psychoactive plants and also based on author's own work.
The book contains 8 sections which include introduction (1), botany and
psycho activity (2), chemistry (3), psycho activity index (4), family index
(5), common names index (6), addendum (7) and literature cited (8). In
section 2, about 300 plants were enumerated; species were alphabetically listed by botanical names under each
family. Families were again listed alphabetically. Synonymy was avoided and whether it reduces clarity on
the name referred to? Local names were given without the language or dialect indication and English names,
to distinguish them from others, were given in capital letters. Brief description (drawings help out to a great
extent in recognition than limited descriptions!), distribution and psychoactive properties were given. Parts
used for the purpose were not specified. Chemistry of selected species with significant chemical constituents
was included separately, and in most cases, chemistry related to specific body parts, under section 3. In this
enumeration even author names were given in bold by oversight. Several relevant references were linked to
the stated subject and claims that have been made earlier and also in the Indian context. While going through
these sections, one feels that an integration of qualities attributed with the chemistry of taxon is missing. In
fact these two sections (2&3) should have been presented under one with ample notes on realized virtues,
indication of knowledge gaps and possibilities for future research. The author has taken great care to facilitate
effortless location of desired psychoactive properly, the botanical families and the common names in three
indexes in the book (4-6). A list of 38 plants was added as they were reported very late but prior to publication
under addendum (7) to make it up-to-date and also with the purposes of not to miss out any plants that exhibit
psycho activity even at low level. The book is generously illustrated with over 100 line drawings and 16 colour
plates. This work facilitates field researchers in ethnobotany to be more objective and critical in their enquiry
and to look into promising prospects of these plants. With advances in molecular biology particularly in genetic
engineering, gene translocation and drug designing, future researchers may use gene wealth of these taxa for
any medical challenges that might crop up with modernization and coupled faster pace of life in the years to
come. The book deserves a place in all libraries that are attached to academic / research institutions engaged
in botanical research, ethnobotany, forestry, medicinal plants, pharmacognosy, biotechnology / molecular
research. More importantly, the author who is a very senior and eminent person in his chosen field of research
in ethno/economic botany deserves approbation for his consistent and determined pursuit to see the publication
through in spite of his advancing age.
M. Sanjappa & P. Venu
Botanical Survey of India
Kolkata
256
NELUMBO
[Vol.51
SUPPLEMENT TO
FLORA OF ANDHRA PRADESH
INDJjC
BOOK REVIEW
Supplement to Flora of Andhra Pradesh, India by C. Sudhakar Reddy, K.N. Reddy, Vatsavaya S.
Raju, published by Deep Publications, New Delhi, 2008. ISBN : 81-85622-17-3, Price : Rs.600.00.
The book under review, compiled by Drs. C. Sudhakar Reddy, K.N.
Reddy & Vatsavaya S. Raju, has added 272 species to the Flora of Andhra
Pradesh and with this inclusion, the state accounts for about 2803 species
belonging to 1051 genera under 185 families. Such publications usually
do not require a separate review if they are in tune with earlier published
flora on the state. In fact while planning such a publication, the authors are
supposed to adopt some guidelines (even if they are self imposed!) and these
are to be elaborated either in the introduction or in the methods. These are to
be followed consistently to keep up some order all through the text. This is
not done fully and where it is stated, it is not carried over. The result is that
there is no uniformity for various species. There was no rationale in works
mentioned/chosen under citation. Floras as distant as Flora China (Page
29) and Flora Dehradun (Page 13) were quoted for reasons known only to
authors for certain species. The purpose of citation is to give the correct name
and also a glance on how the taxon under reference was quoted with other
names in various floras and effectively link correct name with synonyms. In
a state flora, this is expected in the order of the original citation followed by
relevant regional flora and the district flora/other works / the present work
from where the taxon under reference was reported for the first time to the
state. Standard conventions were not allowed while citing both for author
names and also established floras. Far worse is that the abbreviations used in the citations are varied from
species to species. Authors' names are usually abbreviated following Brummit and Powell (1992) and for that of
titles of books Taxonomic literature ed. 2 (Stafleu & Cowan, 1976-88). For periodicals, Botanico-Periodicum-
Huntianum (Lawrence & al., 1968) and Botanico-Periodicum-Huntianum / Supplementum (Bridson & Smith,
1991) are usually followed. There was a great divergence in the abbreviations applied for established works
(Flora of British India, Wallich's Catalogue, De Condoll's Prodromus, Plantae Asiaticae Rariores, Gamble,
Fl. Madras, Wight Icones, Flora of India). In integrated works, authors of various families were given in the
citation for certain species (Page 30, 32, 33 & 36) and for others only the titles of publication (Page 25, 26)
were given. Journals were italicized (Page 19, 24, 25) in some places and not in other places (Page 30, 68).
Usually, page number of the cited name with the description is quoted and not the whole page range where
this article appeared (Page 7, 14, 17 & 19). For certain species, page numbers of both original publication
and reproduced editions were given (Page 26, 27) for floras like that of Madras Presidency. Four species were
described new after Flora of Andhra Pradesh (1997) and while reporting these species, the location of types
should have been given more appropriately which was avoided for some of them and their names were also
excluded in index given at the end. The citation referring to the first report for the state was unfortunately not
included in the citation (Page 34). This was given under the notes.
The reviewers happened to see Flora of Andhra Pradesh Vol.5 (Addition, Floristic Analysis and Further
Illustrations) published by Pulliah & Karuppasamy during same year (2008). The volume contains about 82
pages text followed by illustrations. It has essentially enumeration of missed out plants in Flora of Andhra
Pradesh published in 3 volumes (1997). Many of the species included there are also in the present supplement
and descriptions were much same in both the works. The punctuation in descriptions was thrown to winds.
For few genera, the component species were keyed out (Page 8, 79) but for majority others, it was left out.
While citing specimens, the authors have not given the dates which should have given some clue whether the
taxon under consideration was a missed out old collection or a new collection after the publication of Flora of
Andhra Pradesh (1997). The measurements given for morphological features did not agree between the tables
and descriptions (Page 17, 18) and also between the descriptions and keys (Page 18 and 19). The authors with
little more effort on their part could have done it much better. Taxonomy, as such, is voluminous and carelessly
done errors further burden the subject than serving the purpose. Further, such works add no glory to authors
who are considered established in their chosen field.
M. Sanjappa & P. Venu
Botanical Survey of India
Kolkata
2009]
BOOK REVIEW
257
BOOK REVIEW
Mushrooms of Sikkim - I: Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary by Kanad Das, published by Sikkim
state Biodiversity Board, Gangtok-737102 & Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 2009, 160 pp, all coloured
on art paper. Paperback edition ISBN: 978-81-909680-0-3, Price Rs 600/-
Mushrooms of Sikkim
I: LttrsL'y RluikuLjiLhun SiinC [\.uuy
Field guide on Mushrooms of Sikkim (Barsey Rhododendron Sanctury)
by Dr. Kanad Das is an illustrated authoritative document which gives a
glimpse of rich mushroom diversity in that area. As far as my information
goes it is first book of its kind, dealing with field characterization of Indian
Mushrooms belonging to Phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, by an
Indian Scientist.
The comprehensive introductory chapter clearly outlines the major
morphological features besides giving details about various aspects including
collection of material, taking spore print, seasonal variation in the study area
and precautions required to be taken while working on these fungi. A handy
workable key for the identification of documented species based purely on
field characters has added to the utility of this field guide to the beginners
and amateur workers.
The main body of the book contains information about each
documented mushroom for which, besides good quality field photographs,
information about scientific name, common name, local name, season of
occurrence, distribution, habitat, edibility, field characters and basidiospore characters have been given.
Availability of all these features at one place makes this field guide more user friendly for easy identification
of the mushrooms available in the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and other similar habitats of North East
and other parts of the country. For the common man and beginners the author has segregated the edible and
inedible harmless mushrooms from the poisonous mushrooms by a danger signal next to the species name
which will help the user in staying away from such mushrooms while gathering them for consumption or
selling in the market.
Towards the end of the book, incorporation of the information about edibility, nutrition, medicinal
value, poisoning, threat perception and conservation makes it more informative and complete from field utility
point of view. A full page of the field guide has been devoted to mushroom poisoning and mushroom toxins.
This portion is a must for any book dealing with mushroom to make people aware of the ensuing danger of
mushroom consumption without proper knowhow about the culinary credentials. Overall, it is a commendable
attempt, hope Dr. Das with zeal for exploratory work will continue and extend his area of operation to the
whole of North East.
N. S. Atri
Department of Botany
Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002
Punjab, India
258 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
To
The Editor
Bulletin of the Botanical Survey of India
Kolkata.
Letter to the Editor
Sir,
This writer is closely associated with two scientific societies, namely Society of Ethnobotanists (SEB)
and Association for Plant Taxonomy (APT) since their foundation. Both societies have recently initiated
two new activities. Publication of Scholastic Genealogies was started last year, and this year Mentor-Mentee
Programme is being initiated.
During talks with some members of these societies, I got an impression that some points about objectives
and procedures of these activities needed elaboration. These two activities are quite different; and perhaps the
only commonality is the use of the term mentor in some western countries for the guide of Ph.D. research.
Scholastic Genealogies (SG): The term genealogy here means academic inheritance or the chain of
research guide and students who got doctoral degrees. The word scholastic is adjectival form of the word
scholar. We know that some very able and active research workers in our country initiated and so organised
or expanded certain disciplines or aspects of scientific research that they became well known for that subject
and attracted scholars from far and wide to do research and get doctorates with them. Some 'products' of such
schools created new centres in same discipline, and one can sometimes see four or even five generations of
successful doctoral students. A faithful documentation of these generations of students, and their students is
scholastic genealogy. These genealogies provide information on name of Ph.D. student, topic / title of thesis,
year of award, and name of university. (For details see Bull. Bot. Surv. Ind. 49 : 238-243. 2007; Phytotaxonomy
1 : 116-119. 2007; Nation. Acad. Sci. Lett. 32: 65-68. 2009).
Mentor-Mentee programme is not so structured an activity; it is voluntary and informal. Young,
upcoming researchers have hundreds of questions in their mind on matters of professional scientific or even
personal advancement, such as further research work, choice of topic for their students, choice of career
(teaching, research, industry, entrepreneurship, etc.), choice of institution, guide, place of work, sources of
funds for research, openings for jobs, proper writing of application or C.V. preparation for interview or Group
Discussion. Many young ambitious scholars, particularly in smaller towns, very often experience a serious
handicap of not readily finding at their place of work any senior, knowledgeable, experienced and willing
person for advice or guidance. This program can be helpful for such person.
The initiative has to come from inquisitive, serious and sincere workers. They can approach one or
more senior persons whom they think can be helpful to act as their Mentor, providing as much information as
possible about themselves (personal & scientific), and few main areas of their queries.
A Mentor is expected to give similar sincere guidance and affection as he will do to his own kith and
kin or doctoral students. The mentee is expected to give similar respect, regard and service as he will give to
his elders in the family or to his teachers.
Many senior members of SEB and ATP have shown willingness to act as Mentor.
Once a good rapport is established, these associations can be very fruitful and long-lasting. The system
already exists in some R&D organisations in our country.
S.K. Jain
Dr. S.K. Jain, Ph.D. EN.A.
A-26, Mall Avenue Colony,
Lucknow 226 001
India
2009]
AUTHORS INDEX
AUTHORS INDEX
259
Alam, A.
99
Ansari, A.A.
219
Atri, N.S.
257
B
Bhakuni, K.
233
Bhuinya, T.
250
D
Daniels, A.E.D.
179,217
Das, K.
225
Das, S.
191
Dash, S.S.
123,213,241
Diwakar, P.G.
1
F
Felix, R.
217
Gangopadhyay, M.
237
Ghora, C.
227
Ghosh, S.
175
Govindapyari, H.
183
Gupta, R.
161
J
Jain, S.K.
258
Jayanthi, J.
1
K
Karthigeyan,
K.
1
Kholia, B. S.
223, 245
Keshri, J.P.
175
Kumar, V.S.
249, 254
Kumari, P.
233,241
L
Lakra, G. S.
5
M
Mabel, J.L.
Mishra, D.
Mitra, R.L.
N
Nath, V.
179
225
199
161
Pandey, R. P.
5,41,211
Pardeshi, S.N.
231
Parmar, P. J.
41
Phukan, S.J.
229
R
Raju, V.S.
199
Rasingam, L.
5,211
S
Sahoo, A.K.
219
Sanjappa, M.
255,256
Singh, D.K.
191
Singh, P.
199,233,241,250
Singh, V.
41,236
Sinha, S.
183
Srinivasu, T.
231
Srivastava, R.C.
213
Srivastava, S.C.
99
Suman, S.
183
Sumathi, R.
1
U
Uniyal, P. L.
183
V
Vertna, P.K.
127
Venu, P.
255,256
260 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
NEW TAXA AND NEW COMBINATION IN VOLUME 51
NEW GENUS
Stapletonia P. Singh, S.S. Dash & P. Kumari (poaceae : bambusoideae) 241
NEW SPECIES
Medinilla balakrishnanii jayanthi, Karthigeyan, Sumathi & DlWAKAR (MELASTOMATACEAE) 1
NEW VARIETY
SCOPARIA DULCIS L. VAR. ABRAHAMII PARDESHI & SRINIVASU (SCROPHULARIACEAE) 23 1
NEW COMBINATIONS
PHOTINIA ARGUTA LlNDL. VAR. MEMBRANACEA (HOOK. F.) GhORA (ROSACEAE) 228
PHOTINIA ARGUTA LlNDL. VAR. LATIFOLIA (HOOK. F.) GhORA (ROSACEAE) 228
PHOTINIA ARGUTA LlNDL. VAR. PARVIFOLIA (HOOK F.) GhORA (ROSACEAE) 228
Stapletonia arunachalensis (H.B. Naithani) P. Singh, S.S. Dash & P. Kumari (poaceae : bambusoideae) 241
2009] INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRIBUTORS 261
INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRIBUTORS
Nelumbo is a journal primarily meant to publish results of taxonomic research. It is open to researchers in
India and abroad working in plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethno- and economic botany, phytogeography,
endemism and studies related to recognition and conservation of IUCN red- listed plant categories. Original
articles, critical reviews and short communications are usually considered for publication. Mere compilations
of published materials missing analysis, scientific argument and worthwhile conclusions are summarily
rejected.
Manuscripts, neatly computer typed in double space with adequate margin on a good quality A4 paper with
pagination indicated on upper right hand corner, should be submitted in duplicate. Illustrations in original and
photographs on a glossy paper, not smaller than 15><9 cm, should be submitted. Illustrations and photographs
should be numbered by Arabic numerals. Acknowledgements should be precise and should be at the end but
prior to references cited. An abstract (c. 150 words) in English and Hindi should be included for all papers
and reviews but not for short communications. In addition, the authors must send soft copy of the manuscript
on a CD in MS Word or PageMaker. We encourage the submission of manuscripts by email to bulletinbsi@
gmail.com. In papers on floristic enumeration, the correct names of plants with authority should be given.
Specimens cited in the text are to be deposited in one of the BSI Herbaria or in any other recognized herbarium
(in case of other institutions) and this is to be clearly specified through acronyms.
New reports and new records for India and for different phytogeographical regions of the country should
include notes on habit, habitat and associated plants. It is desired that several new records together, and not
one or two, appear in a paper. In case of new taxa, holotypes or isotypes are to be deposited at the Central
National Herbarium (CAL).
Monographs and revisions on specific taxon/taxa, the authors should give details in the order specified
below in the citation of concerned taxon: (1) the correct name with its authority and citation (2) in case of a
combination the basionym with its citation and (3) synonymy in chronological order. Only bracketed keys are
to be employed while keying out the species.
Standard book/flora abbreviations (Taxonomic Literature, ed. 2, Stafleu & Cowan, 1976-1988 & its
Supplements 1 - 6 by Stafleu & Mennega, 1992-2000) standard journal/periodical abbreviations (Botanico-
Periodicum-Huntianum, Lawrence & al, 1968; Bridson & Smith, 1991 & Botanico-Periodicum-Huntianum,
ed. 2, 2004) and standard author abbreviations (Authors of Plant Names, Brummit & Powell, 1992) are to be
followed and with consistency.
Papers on biosystematics and plant chemical analysis should indicate (1) the institution where the work
was carried out, (2) the expert/ institution where the plant or plant part employed in investigation is identified
and (3) the field number of voucher specimen with the Herbarium acronym where it was deposited. Tables
should be reduced to the bare minimum.
In taxonomy related papers, literature should include only those references cited in introduction and
discussion and not the ones cited in taxonomic citation of individual taxa. For others all references cited in
the text should be included. The format for bibliographic citations will be as follows:
For quoting original works
Gamble, J.S. 1915 - 1936. Flora of the Presidency of Madras. 11 Parts. Adlard & Son Ltd., London.
Hooker, J.D. 1872-1884. The Flora of British India. 7 Vols. L. Reeve & Co., London.
While quoting reprinted edition
Gamble, J.S. 1957. Flora of the Presidency of Madras. 3 Vols. BSI, Calcutta.
While quoting a particular family
262 N E L U M B O [Vol.51
Clarke, C.B. 1884. Acanthaceae. In: J.D. Hooker (ed.). The Flora of British India
4: 387 - 558. L. Reeve & Co., London.
For quoting a particular chapter in a book
Subramanyam, K. and M.P. Nayar. 1974. Vegetation and Phytogeography of the Western Ghats. In: M.S.
Mani (ed.), Ecology and Biogeography of India. 178 - 196. The Hague, Netherlands.
With reference to journals/periodicals
Ohashi, H. 1973. The Asiatic species of Desmodium and its allied genera (Leguminosae). Ginkgoana 1:
1-318.
Raizada, M.B. and S.K. Jain. 1961. First record of the genus Dignathia from India. Indian Forester 87:
426-428.
Rao, T.A. and G.C. Das. 1968. Foliar sclereids in some spp. of Limonium. Curr. Sci. 37(12): 352-353.
Sen Gupta, J.C. 1959. Botanical Survey of India - its past, present & future. Bull. Bot. Surv. India 1: 9-29.
Gandhi, H.R 1958. A list of flowering plants. VidyaJ. Gujarat Univ. 2: 114-156.
The titles of books and papers should be in regular font while the titles of periodicals should be in italic
font. The first author surname is first whereas for others, it goes at end. The year of publication will be after
the authors' names. The names of publisher are to be cited followed by the place of publication in case of
books only.
For better grasp, the contributors are advised to refer to recent issue of the Nelumbo.
Proofs are sent to the authors at the discretion of the editor and must be returned within three days of receipt.
25 reprints will be sent to the corresponding author on gratis.
Matters pertaining to publication of papers and subscription must be addressed to the Director or the
Scientist -In -charge, Publication Section, Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, 3rd MSO Building,
Block-F, 5th & 6th Floor, DF Block, Sector - I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata - 700 064.
e-mail : bulletinbsi@gmail.com.
ISSN : 0976-5069
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BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Botanical Survey of India
CGO Complex, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 064
http//: bsi.gov. in
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