Distribution of Salicornia brachiata and Other Halophytes along the Estuarine Habitats of Bahuda River, Ganjam District, Odisha

Abstract

Halophytes including Salicornia species distributed in Surala Chilaka and other estuarine regions of the Bahuda estuary in Ganjam district, Odisha were studied. Salicornia brachiata is a potential halophyte for production of Green Salt, Plants popularly known as Glasswort, Sea Asparagus are cooked and eaten as salad or are pickled. It is also a good fodder for Cattle, Sheep and Goat. Plant material is also used as raw material in paper and board factories. Its seeds yield high quality edible oil which is highly Poly Unsaturated and is similar to Safflower Oil in fatty acid. Three study sites were selected in different parts of the Bahuda Estuary for collection of data on hydrographical studies of the estuary and distribution and density of halophytes including Salicornia populations. 4X4M quadrants were used to get the data on density of the Salicornia populations in the estuarine regions. Maximum density (3254 plants/hec.) was reported for the species Salicornia brachiata and minimum density (97 plants/hec.) for the species Prosphis chelensis in the different parts of Bahuda estuarine habitats.