Diversity of Common Pteridophytes of Dryopteridaceae Family in District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh (India)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The present account documents eight common pteridophytes of the family Dryopteridaceae occurring in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (India). Field surveys and morpho-taxonomic identification confirmed the presence of six species under the genus Dryopteris - D. lepidopoda, D. panda, D. pulvinulifera, D. ramosa, D. redactopinnata, and D. subimpressa— and two species under the genus Polystichum - P. nepalense and P. thomsonii. These species were predominantly found in moist, shaded forest habitats and along riparian zones, with maximum representation between 1000–3100 m elevation. The study highlights the ecological significance of these taxa as indicators of habitat quality and microclimatic stability in the lower and mid-Himalayan region. The updated checklist contributes to regional floristic records and provides a baseline for future ecological, taxonomic, and conservation studies of Dryopteridaceae in the Western Himalaya.
Authors: Ranjeet Singh, Rakesh Kumar
Language: English
Topic: Fern and Epiphyte Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Funder: University of the Punjab
OpenAlex ID: W4414336324