Taxonomic Analyses Suggest a New Record of Lygodium japonicum (Lygodiaceae) from Terai Regions of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw., a climbing fern belonging to family Lygodiaceae has been encountered from Sonaripur forests of Dudhwa National Park in terai regions of Uttar Pradesh. Discovery of this species from above forest is a new record and addition to the pteridophytic flora of terai regions of Uttar Pradesh, including entire gangetic plain. Present contribution provides a detailed taxonomic analyses, illustrations, photographs, examined specimens citation, ecology, distribution and habit of the species. Distinctive taxonomic attributes including rhizomatous hairs, winged rachis and petiole, non-articulated pinnae, crenulated pinnules, pubescent rachis, mid-veins, veins and lamina has been largely measured to augment some additional taxonomic characters. Discussion on distinguished taxonomic attributes and plasticity with allied species has been provided. An assertion on its extended range of distribution and new record in terai regions of India is also conferred.