Floristic Studies Research Articles

A Floristic Study of Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Lal Nalla Dam of Samadrapur Tehsil, District Wardha, Maharashtra

The floristic diversity studywas carried out at Lal Nalla Dam. It was constructed on the Lal Nalla River, the nearest city to the dam is Samudrapur in Wardha District of Maharashtra. Extensive and repeated field surveys were carried out from January 2020 to December 2021 in the study area, covering all the seasons of the year to document the species richness of the wetland. The three sites were selected from where a comprehensive list of aquatic and wetland plants occurring in the study areais prepared. During field surveys, emphasis was given to document the type of vegetation, growth form, and associated species. Morphological characters were recorded based on fresh material in the field. The open water zone of the lake has less growth of submerged and free-floating plants. The Marginal shallow zone with a depth of 30-40 cm is inhibited by the floating-leaved-like and emergent plants. In the study area total of 41 species were investigated from three major habitats as open-water zone, marginal shallow zone, and seasonal puddles were studied and according to the sites, the growth formlike one floating-leaved,five submerged plants, twenty-nine emergent, and six other plants was identified belonging to 22 different families in which Cyperaceae was a dominant family with 6 species. The study area shows species diversity but because of seasonal water level change and grazing by domestic livestock the disturbance is seen in vegetation.

Utilidad de los portales en línea de ciencia ciudadana para estudios florísticos: Orquídeas de Santa María Yucuhiti, Oaxaca, México

Background: The beauty of orchids attracts the interest of users of citizen science portals, turning them into additional sources of information for the study of biodiversity. Currently, iNaturalist records observations of almost 70 % of Mexican orchid species. Here, we evaluate the usefulness of the platform to create a local floristic list of this group of plants. Question: Does the information available on iNaturalist allow for the creation of a local orchid checklist as a conventional floristic study does? Study site and dates: Observations recorded between 2007 and 2024 in Santa María Yucuhiti, Oaxaca, Mexico. Methods: Orchid observations in iNaturalist were reviewed and curated, assigning vegetation type and site elevation for each record. The resulting floristic checklist was commented and compared, using a richness index, with those of other regions of Oaxaca, that were prepared through conventional floristic studies. Results: The study area holds 107 species of orchids, 50 % are endemic to Mexico. The highest richness is found between 1,500-1,999 m elevation and in the oak forest. Acianthera hintonii, Habenaria tetranema and Prosthechea mulasii represent new records for Oaxaca. The study area showed the highest orchid richness index compared to other regions of Oaxaca. Conclusions: Information from iNaturalist allowed the preparation of the orchid checklist for Santa María Yucuhiti, supported by the validated observations on the platform. This, along with the availability of high-resolution photographs, the temporal continuity in documentation, and the exploration of sites with restricted access, enhances the quality of the checklist.

Naturalization of the Ornamental Plant Crocus tommasinianus Herb. (Iridaceae) in Forest Ecosystems: A Case Study from Poland

Highlights: Though not highly invasive, bulb and corm ornamental plants can escape cultivation and naturalize in new areas. Studying their naturalization is key to understanding their ecological impact and managing biodiversity. Objectives: This study aimed to document the first naturalization case of Crocus tommasinianus Herb. in Poland and assess the morphological variability of the naturalized population under different environmental conditions. Another objective was to identify diagnostic features in seed testa ornamentation to distinguish C. tommasinianus from related species (C. vernus (L.) Hill. and C. scepusiensis (Rehmann et Wol.) Borbás ex Kulcz.). Methods: The morphometric studies were performed within four subpopulations of C. tommasinianus differing in environmental conditions, determined with Ellenberg indices. Multivariate tests, ANOVA, and post-hoc tests were used to determine the morphometric diversity of specimens and to relate them to environmental factors. Seed micro-ornamentation was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Light and temperature were negatively correlated, while moisture, soil pH, and nitrogen were positively correlated with many morphological traits. Plants spreading into forest ecosystems exhibited better-developed features (larger leaves and flowers) than those in former cultivation sites, indicating higher survival potential. The seed coat is papillate, with distinct differences in the shape, size, and secondary sculpture of the papillae compared to C. vernus and C. scepusiensis. Given that floristic studies often occur during the fruiting period of crocuses, testa ornamentation is crucial for identifying the studied species. Conclusions: The observed naturalization of C. tommasinianus demonstrates the high morphological plasticity of plants, which makes them capable of colonizing new areas, including forest habitats.

Estudio palinológico de las Licofitas (Lycopodiopsida) de las Sierras Pampeanas centrales de Argentina

Background and aims: The Sierras Pampeanas Centrales of Argentina constitute the fourth centre of diversity of lycophytes and ferns in the Cono Sur, where representatives of four families of lycophytes live: Huperziaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Isoetaceae and Selaginellaceae. The aim of this work is to provide data of the morphology of their spores observed with optical and scanning electron microscopes, as a contribution to the taxonomy and conservation. M&M: The materials were analysed without prior chemical treatment and photographic records were obtained with both observation equipments. Results: The morphological diagnostic features of the spores are presented. The Huperziaceae and Lycopodiaceae are isosporous with trilete spores. Huperziaceae presents foveolated or fossulated spores, while Lycopodiaceae spores are reticulate, scabrate and baculate. In Isoetes hieronymi (heterosporate), the microspores are monolete with echinate ornamentation, while the megaspores are trilete, with reticulate ornamentation. The Selaginellaceae, all heterosporate, produce trilete microspores and megaspores, both with varied ornamentation. Conclusions: Spore characteristics provide relevant information for regional floristic studies as well as for taxonomic assignments, both of extant flora and fossil records. Also, for studies of the composition of soil spore banks as a tool for the conservation of local floristic biodiversity.

Ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, socioeconomic and floristic studies of aromatic and medicinal plants from Boulemane region in Morocco

These studies were conducted to uncover the potential and traditional knowledge of aromatic and medicinal plants (AMP) in the Boulemane province of the Middle Atlas, an area previously unexplored. The objectives were to inventory and identify AMP used in the region’s traditional medicine, gather extensive information from locals and professionals on their usage and exploitation, and identify the most promising species for further studies, to be highlighted in future publications. The floristic study enabled the identification of 71 families out of 155 existing in Morocco, comprising 313 genera and 618 species and subspecies, which represent 11% of the global Moroccan floristic richness. Additionally, 84 taxa from 20 families are endemic with 78% being exclusive to Morocco. The ethnopharmacological study revealed that 88.47% of the informants use AMP for therapeutic purposes in 58.21% of the cases. A catalog of traditional practices was compiled, documenting 79 species across 38 families. Rosemary, sagebrush, pennyroyal, thyme, berber cedar, lavender sage, and clubroot were the most frequently cited species, mainly used to treat stomach and respiratory problems. However, only 17.6% of the population exploits this wealth through the creation of cooperatives and/or associations. This study assessed the role of AMP in fostering sustainable development in the region. The evaluation was based on a series of studies, with particular emphasis on the ethnopharmacological aspect. The latter has facilitated the promotion of awareness of sustainable usage practices and the training of professionals to implement these practices while ensuring the conservation of botanical resources against over-exploitation.

Exploration of medicinal plants diversity of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya

Abstract BACKGROUND: Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The district’s varied habitats create a multitude of niches for plant species to thrive, resulting in a rich array of flora that includes endemic, rare, endangered, and economically important medicinal plants. The purpose of the present study was to explore and document the medicinal plant diversity in the specific area of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya. METHODS: For the exploration, the Medico Ethno-Botanical Survey (MEBS) team of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, surveyed reserve forest ranges and nearby forest areas of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, following the guidelines of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi. RESULTS: The study documented a total of 184 vascular plant species belonging to 161 genera in 72 families. Among all the collections, angiospermic families were dominant, comprising 65 of the total number. The family Fabaceae represented the highest number of plants (19), while the genus Solanum exhibited the highest number of species (6). Herbs accounted for the majority (51%) of the plants’ habits compared to other plant habits. The enlisted plants were cross-verified with Ayurvedic texts, revealing that 67 plant species were indexed in the Ayurvedic literature with their therapeutic effect, disease indication, and respective formulations. The IUCN status of the explored plants was also evaluated and presented in tabulated form. CONCLUSION: The floristic studies conducted in the study area provided valuable insights into the botanical wealth and species richness of the region, including medicinal plants of ayurvedic importance. The results and findings of this study can serve as baseline data for future research in the fields of ecological habitat analysis, phytochemical analysis, conservation, and cultivation of medicinal plants.

Eriosema magnum (Leguminosae), a new species from cerrado region of Goiás, Brazil

During a floristic study in Legado Verdes Cerrado region in Goiás state (Niquelândia municipality), Brazil, a new species of Eriosema genus was discovered. Eriosema magnum is here described and illustrated and its morphological similarities with its closest relatives are presented. The geographical distribution, conservation status, and information about flowering and fruiting are provided. Additionally, a dichotomous key to the taxa of Eriosema that occurs in the Legado Verdes do Cerrado was done.

Floristic Studies in Indian Universities

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A Resume of Botanical Explorations and Floristic Studies in the Central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh

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Floristic Studies on the Lower Ganga Plain of the State of West Bengal: Present Status and Future Strategies

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A Review on the Floristic Studies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands up to 1970

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A Perspective on the Floristic Studies in the South-Eastern Corner of Madhya Pradesh and Future Needs

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Floristic Studies in Coimbatore City and its Environs

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Floristic Studies in India-Present Status and Future Strategies with Special Reference to Bihar

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Floristic Studies in Trichur District, Kerala

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Floristic Studies in North-Eastern India (Old Assam Region)

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Floristic Studies in Idukki District, Kerala

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Floristic Studies in Karnataka-Past, Present and Future

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Floristic Studies in Trivandrum District, Kerala

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Floristic Studies in North-Western India-Present Status and Future Strategy

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