Floristic, morpho-anatomical and ethnobotanical study of pteridophyte flora of Dalkajhar Forest, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Abstract Dalkajhar forest is very important diverse forest landscape in Terai region of Darjeeling district of West bengal. Our study shows diverse pteridophyte flora comprising of 16 species, 12 genera and 9 families in this forest.This study area is largely dominated by family Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae and few plants were very rare and restricted to some pockets of this forest. The high Simpson’s diversity index (1 - D = 0.911) coupled with a low Berger–Parker dominance index (0.153) indicates low species dominance and a well-balanced community structure. Different morphoanatomical characteristics were studied for proper identification and documentation of different plant species. The variations in sporoderm sculpture were also studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study also highlights the various uses of pteridophytes as vegetable, fodder, ornamental plant and also in treatment of various human ailments. Therefore, this study may also help in further exploration of pteridophytic flora and their conservation in Dalkajhar forest.