Distribution and Occurrence of Some Pteridophytes in Gujarat: A New Record for The State

Extensive field work in hilly regions, plain lands, wet lands, agricultural fields and arid regions of the Gujarat state was carried out in all 33 districts in 2013–14. From the total collection, five species differed from the earlier reported species. On critical study and detailed analysis they were identified as Ophioglossum parvifolium Grev. & Hook, Aleuritopteris bicolor (Roxb.) Fraser-Jenk., Athyrium hohenackerianum T. Moore, Tectaria coadunata (Wall. ex Hook. & Grev.) C. Chr. and Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. All newly identified species are found to be new record for the Gujarat state. Previous studies reported other species of Ophioglossum and Aleuritopteris while genera like Athyrium, Salvinia and Tectaria is reported for the first time from Gujarat forest. Present paper recommends further extensive studies to survey the diversity of pteridophytes in Gujarat. Moreover, Aleuritopteris bicoloris common in different forests while Tectaria coadunata is reported from only at two locations and possibly it may occur at other locations.