Abstract
We present new information on the diversity and distribution of palms, family Arecaceae, in Assam state, India. The family is represented in the state by 44 species belonging to 19 genera. Our study is based on surveys, a literature review, and a herbarium examination. Identification keys to genera and species, diagnostic characters, vernacular names, and updated information on the distribution, flowering, and fruiting of both wild and cultivated palm species occurring in Assam are provided.
Highlights
The family Arecaceae is represented by over 2500 species globally and have a variety of growth forms such as shrubs, lianas, and trees (Muscarella et al 2020)
We failed to find three species of Phoenix during our field survey i.e. Phoenix acaulis, P. loureiroi, and P. rupicola which are reported from Assam (Henderson 2009; Renuka and Sreekumar 2012) but we could not locate voucher specimens in CAL of these three species
Despite our surveys across the Assam, we did not find Phoenix acaulis, P. loureiroi, P. rupicola, and C. viminalis and these species are excluded from our list
Summary
The family Arecaceae (palms) is represented by over 2500 species globally and have a variety of growth forms such as shrubs, lianas, and trees (Muscarella et al 2020). In the northeastern region of India, is known for its rich biodiversity (Bora and Bhattacharyya 2017). Griffith (1850) reported 19 species, and Blatter (1926) reported 28 species and one variety from Assam. The family Arecaceae was excluded from the Flora of Assam (Kanjilal et al 1934–1940). Renuka and Sreekumar (2012) reported 105 species belonging to 22 genera from India, whereas Barooah and Ahmed (2014) listed 36 species belonging to 18 genera from Assam Detailed taxonomic studies on the family are still unavailable for Assam (Rao and Verma 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1976; Jain and Hajra 1975; Rahman 2007; Bora et al 2012; Mehmud and Roy 2020, 2020a, 2020b, 2020c). Renuka and Sreekumar (2012) reported 105 species belonging to 22 genera from India, whereas Barooah and Ahmed (2014) listed 36 species belonging to 18 genera from Assam
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