Studies on the Bryodiversity of Ladakh (Trans-Himalaya): I. Current Status of Hepatic Flora of Ladakh
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Studies on the Bryodiversity of Ladakh (Trans-Himalaya): I. Current Status of Hepatic Flora of Ladakh Kunzes Dolma • Anima Langer
Received: 29 December 2010 / Revised: 6 January 2012 / Accepted: 17 February 2012 / Published online: 4 October 2012 Ó The National Academy of Sciences, India 2012
Abstract Bryofloristic studies were carried out at 12 sites in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state. A total of 7 hepatic species were collected, of which, 3 (Marchantia palmata, Nees. Plagiochasma appendiculatum L. et L. and P. intermedium Ldbg. et G.) are being reported for the first time. Keywords
Hepatics Ladakh Jammu and Kashmir state
Ladakh is one of the remote regions of the country and the area remains land-locked for nearly 6 months (November to April) due to the harsh climate. The vascular plants of Ladakh have been studied by various workers from time to time [2–6].Work on non-vascular plants including bryophytes, however, has been carried out only by a few workers [7–10]. A total of 16 liverwort species have so far been reported from the region by Kashyap [8, 9] and Tanwir and Langer [10].
Introduction Ladakh, also known as the land between earth and sky or the land of ruin rocks [1] is one of the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir State. It is one of the highest habitable regions in the world with an altitude ranging from 2,600 to 7,672 m. Ladakh has a very unique physiography and climatic conditions. Low atmospheric pressure, sub-zero temperature, low partial pressuring of metabolic gases, high solar radiation, turbulent winds and steep slopes are the characteristic physical features of the area. It has a peculiar vegetation too. The flora of Ladakh falls under the alpine and high alpine zone and is dominated by annual (Avena sativa L., Allium humile Kunthe, A. loratum Baker) and perennial (Primula denticulata Sm., Aster tibeticus Hook.f.) herbs followed by a few stunted shrubs (Rosa webbiana Wall, R. ecae Aitch., Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and bushes (Salix alba L., Juniperus communis L., Myricaria germanica Desv., etc.) K. Dolma A. Langer (&) Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, J&K 180 006, India e-mail: [email protected] K. Dolma e-mail: [email protected]
Material and Methods Plants used for the present study were collected from their natural habitats during April and July, 2009 from various sites of Ladakh. Data on various ecological features (patch characters, habitat, altitude, pH, plant associates etc.), were collected in the field itself. Patches of thalli were removed from the substratum and brought to the laboratory. Identification of taxa collected was made on the basis of detailed morpho-anatomical studies of various gametophytic (rhizoids, scales, airpores, vegetative anatomy, gametangial organization etc.) and sporophytic characters.
Observations and Discussion Jammu and Kashmir with an altitudinal range of 240–7,700 m is a part of North-Western Himalaya. Studies on hepatic diversity have been made largely for the Jammu region from where a total of mo
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