Hymenophyllum javanicum Spreng: An Addition to the Pteridophytic Flora of Central India

Abstract

The pteridophyte Hymenophyllum javanicum, earlier known to occur only in the Himalayas in the north and the Western Ghats in the south India, has been discovered in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. The species is an addition to the pteridophytic flora of central India. A detailed description with a distribution map, illustration and a photographic plate is provided. Discussion on taxonomic attributes and plasticity with allied species has also been provided to add additional taxonomic characters. Key to Indian allied species, assertion on its new record and trans-geographical occurrence in central India is also bestowed.