An Exploration of Plant Diversity Along the Mutha River Banks in Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Mutha is an east-flowing seasonal river flowing through Pune City, one of the most urbanized cities in Western Maharashtra. Ever-increasing urban sprawl has negatively affected the riparian vegetation and river ecology. Hence present study was conducted to document plant diversity along the Mutha River banks and provide suggestions to conserve and enhance the existing diversity. A total of 243 flowering plant species belonging to 204 genera and 68 families were recorded from various sites located along the river. The maximum number of species (100) were recorded from Vitthalwadi, followed by Khadakwasla (93). Dominant families in the study region were Asteraceae and Poaceae, followed by Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Comparison with previous studies revealed the disappearance of species from families Hydrocharitaceae, Molluginaceae, Campanulaceae, Gentianaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Orchidaceae and Amaryllidaceae which were recorded in 1958. Garbage dumping, microhabitats loss, pollution, invasive species, and urban development are major threats to Mutha vegetation.