Hornwort diversity at Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), India

Abstract

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR) has been a major spot of biodiversity in central India, particularly in terms of cryptogamic flora. Hornworts are the group of bryophytes placed under Division Anthocerotophtya which form a significant assemblage with phylogenetic and evolutionary importance as these plants possess characteristics that relate to the vascular plants. As a result their taxonomic studies, diversity assessment and understanding of their affinities hold much importance. India harbours 39 hornwort taxa, out of which nine have been listed from PBR. Among these five taxa viz. Anthoceros bharadwajii Udar et Asthana, Phaeoceros carolinianus (Michx.) Prosk., P. kashyapii Asthana et Sriv., P. laevis (L.) Prosk. and P. udarii Asthana et Nath have been encountered from the study area. The total diversity of hornworts at PBR, including the previously listed taxa and those elucidated in the present study suggests that these plants contribute substantially towards the bryophyte diversity of the Biosphere Reserve.