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Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker : a new record to the fern alliesand an overview of the genus Selaginella P.Beauv.(Selaginellaceae) for Arunachal Pradesh (India)

Ashish K. Soni1, Vineet K. Rawat2* and Abhinav Kumar3

1, 2Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Itanagar - 791111, Arunachal Pradesh, India3District Forest Office, Hapoli Forest Division, Lower Subansiri District- 791120, Arunachal Pradesh, India

2Corresponding author, e-mail: [email protected]

[Received 21.06.2021; Revised 13.08.2021; Accepted 18.08.2021; Published 31.08.2021]

AbstractSelaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker (Selaginellaceae), which is also known as resurrecting herb orSanjeevni Buti; a fern-ally has been encountered from Lower Subansiri District which is a newrecord from the state of Arunachal Pradesh in North East India. Till date, 23 species of Selaginellawere found from this state except the newly reported taxon S. bryopteris (L.) Baker. The presentedgathering from Arunachal Pradesh shows its extended distribution to this state also. Taxonomicaccount, desiccated mounted specimens, distributional range, ecology, photographs and specimensexamined of newly reported taxon have been provided with an emphasis on listing of genusSelaginella P. Beauv. including with habitat analysis for Arunachal Pradesh.

Key words: Arunachal Pradesh, New Record, Overview, Selaginella P. Beauv., Taxonomic account

INTRODUCTION

Selaginellaceae Willk. is an ancient monotypic family, with about 800 species distributed world-wide (Manton 1950) but mainly concentrated in tropical and sub-tropical areas. The family isclearly monophyletic and is sister to Isoetaceae (Pryer et al. 2001) and characterized by thepresence of rhizophores (aerial root), ligulate leaves, heterospory and a single adaxial, reniformsporangia. Selaginella P.Beauv. is the only genus in this family, has fossil record that dates backfrom the late carboniferous period (Rowe 1988) and is placed in the division Lycopodiophyta(Pryer et al. 2001). Selaginellaceae is heterosporous, a synapomorphy shared with the sisterlineage Isoetaceae Dumort. (Jermy 1990; Wikstrom & Kenrick 1997; Korall et al. 1999).

The genus Selaginella P. Beauv. was first described by Palisot de Beauvois in 1805. Sincethen, a number of classifications have been proposed that either recognized a single genusSelaginella (e.g. Spring 1840, 1849; Braun 1858; Baker 1883; Hieronymus & Sadebeck 1901;Walton & Alston 1938; Tryon & Tryon 1982; Jermy 1986) or divided the species into two toseveral genera (e.g. Palisot de Beauvois 1804; Rothmaler 1944; Mukhopadhyay & Sen 1986;Sojak 1993; Tzvelev 2004). The classification most often referred to during the last decades isthe one published by Jermy in 1986. He recognized a single genus Selaginella with five subgenera:Selaginella (ca. 02 species), subg. Tetragonostachys Jermy (ca. 50 species), subg. Ericetorum Jermy (ca.3 species), subg. Heterostachys Baker (ca. 60 species) and subg. Stachygynandrum (P. Beauv. exMirb.) Baker (ca. 600 species) but Baker (1883-1887) described 60 species and recognized 4subgenera including subg. Selaginella (ca. 02 species), subg. Stachygynandrum (Pal. Beauv. ex Mirbel)Baker, 1883 (ca. 300 species), subg. Homostachys Baker and subg. Heterostachys Baker, 1883 (ca.60 species). Morphological features used to distinguish groups in classifications were, e.g.,isophylly vs. anisophylly, phyllotaxy, habit, stelar arrangement, spore ornamentation, sporophyllsuniform or dimorphic, strobilus resupinate or not, presence of laminal flap on the dimorphic

Pleione 15(2): 233 - 245. 2021. ISSN: 0973-9467© East Himalayan Society for Spermatophyte Taxonomydoi:10.26679/Pleione.15.2.2021.233-245

sporophylls (Mukhopadhyay & Sen 1981; Mukhopadhyay 2001). Selaginella existed 300 millionyears ago and is considered one of the most primitive members of vascular plants on earth.The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and comprises approximately ca. 700 species (Pichi-Sermolli 1971). Although Jermy (1990) estimated that the genus Selaginella comprises ca. 750species, he assigned only ca. 415 species to the five subgenera he recognized within the genus.On the basis of morphological study and chromosome data (Zhou et al. 2015) Selaginellaceaerecognized six subgenera and 18 sections within the single genus Selaginella and widely distributedthroughout the world, from arctic and alpine regions to the tropics and subtropics, where themain species diversity is found (Jermy 1990). Approximately ca. 50 species, most of themfound in temperate and dry areas of the world, have vegetative leaves that are monomorphic(Jermy 1990).

This family also has much variations in chromosomal number, in subg. Stachygynandrumn = 7, 8, 9, 10; in subg. Selaginella, x = 9 and in sub. Heterostachys with triploids and tetraploids,n = 12. Chromosomal number n = 12 and 2n = 18, 24 also reported from India. Whereas,2n = 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 27, 36, 48-50, 60, 68 (2n = 18 is fairly common; triploids andtetraploids in some species with x = 9. India) are determined. Those with n = 9 haveindeterminate branch system, sporadic cone production in isolated branches and are in openhabitats and with n =10 also have determinate with lateral branch system, coning simultaneouslyon all branch-endings and grow in dense forests (Jermy et al. 1967; Mukhopadhyay 1998;Singh & Panigrahi 2005). Rhizophores of Selaginella are established by Webster & Steeves(1964 a,b, 1967) as roots. Heterospory and presence of vessels in some species of Selaginellaindicate that a family is specialized. Few species of this genus are used in traditional medicinesto treat a variety of diseases such as prolapsed of rectum, bleeding piles, amenorrhoea,cardio-vascular problems, diabetes, gastritis and hepatitis etc. In this context, S. bryopterisis iswidely sold in the market in the name of Sanjeevni-Booti and has cooling effect, restore energy,vitality and agility. Generally the plant is crushed into paste, mixed with sugar and taken assyrup (Dixit 1992).

The member of this family usually characterized by the two opposite rows of theleaves (small, heteromorphous or isomorphous); strobili terminal on the branches,tetrastichous, square or polystichous in shape; sporophyll uniform or dimorphic; sporangiaare of two types (Megasporangia and Microsporangia) which are borne on the upper surfaceof the sporophylls. These are borne terminally on the stem and are readily recognized in thatsporophylls are similar and more closely associated than are the stem leaves. Considerabletaxonomic emphasis has been placed on the shape of the sporophylls relative to those ofthe stem leaves as will be evident from the definition of the subgenera. The other identifyingcharacters of the family are ligule, usually 4 megaspors (three small and one large), triletespore, the gametes also show segregation of sex, i.e. monoecious and by the biciliateantherozoids.

The present paper focuses on providing an annotated checklist of Sellaginellaceaewith a new record to this state of Arunachal Pradesh. The state has good percentage offorest cover and is regarded as one of the top mega-biodiversity centers of the world.With an area of 83,743 sq km, this state has top rank among the North East Indian states.It is an enthralling place and a best example of micro-India representing the idea of unityin diversity. Arunachal Pradesh has a diverse culture, mountainous terrain and scenic beautyalso with a large variety of orchids and fern and fern allies grow in the state, enriching itsendowment of flora. Such bio-diversities make to this state a paradise for the biologists.A more detailed and a broader study about the state would, hopefully, take the readersnearer to flora and fauna, and people of this great land of dawn-lit mountains. A

234 Distribution of Selaginella spp. in Arunachal Pradesh

comprehensive list of Sellaginellaceae members has been prepared from Arunachal Pradeshbased on field surveys, herbarium consultation and literature scrutiny including Dixit (1992),Singh & Panigrahi (2005) and Fraser-Jenkins et al. (2016), which is provided below as aconspectus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field survey, Collection and Herbarium Consultation

Newly reported plant specimens were collected in the month of February 2021 from theprimary forests of Pistana Circle of Yachuli Forest Range, Lower Subansiri District (Figure 3).Photographs were taken with the help of DSLR (Sony 20.4 Mega Pixeles, Exmor R) anddesiccated mounted voucher specimens were deposited for further reference (S. bryopteris,along with Kee River Side, Pistana Circle, Lower Subansiri District, A. K. Soni, 43952 25/02/2021, Acc No. 31,695, ARUN.) in the Pteridophytes Herbarium. The personal collection andherbarium consultation based (ARUN, ASSAM, CAL and BSA.) verified list of all species ofgenus Selaginella for Arunachal Pradesh including with general distribution (inside and outsidefrom India and Asia) pattern with local places in Arunachal Pradesh are presented here. Thecollected plants were preserved following Bridson & Forman (1998) and subsequently identifiedwith the help of standard Indian and foreign literature (Beddome 1866; Dixit 1992; Singh &Panigrahi 2005 and Fraser-Jenkins et al. 2016) [Table 1].

Morphological Observations of Newly Reported Taxa

During survey and collection of Pteridophytes from the forests of Lower Subansiri Districtand Tale Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS) in Arunachal Pradesh (Figure 1), first author came acrossa healthy, disease free population of Selaginella. The plants were identified based on the“Selaginellaceae of India” by Dixit (1992), the plant body coils to form a ball like structureduring dry season and as soon as the atmospheric humidity is restored, the plants uncoil andbecome green. Locally it is known as Sanjeevni-Booti and used as medicine and decorations(Kholia & Punetha 2005). Identification has confirmed it to be S. bryopteris which is first recordto the fern allies flora of Arunachal Pradesh in North East India. Present study providesdetailed taxonomic observation, photographs, distribution map, and exsiccatae as an additionaltaxonomic attribute.

TAXONOMIC TREATMENTS

Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker, J. Bot. 22: 376. 1884. [Figures 1 & 2]

Lycopodium bryopteris L. Sp. PI. 2: 1103. 1753; Lycopodioides bryopteris (L.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl.1: 825. 1891; Lycopodium imbricatum Forssk., Flor. Aegypt.-Arab. 125: 187. 1775; Selaginella imbricata(Forssk.) Spring ex Decne., Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. 2:193, t. 7. 1842; Lycopodium imbricatum Roxb., inGriffith, Calcutta J. Nat. Hist. 4: 475. 1844, non Forssk; Selaginella imbricata (Roxb.) J.Scott, J.Agri-Hort. Soc. India 1: 260. 1868, non (Forssk.) Spring ex Decne. 1842.

Plants terrestrial, semi-erect herb, 12-18 cm, bright green in living condition, drying brown atmaturity; Stem un-branched with contiguous isomorphic leaves, prostrate creeping,stoloniferous, differentiated in to nodes and internodes, internodes sparsely leafy; aerial branchesarise only from nodes, 5-16 cm long, branched towards apex, branches flabellate; Rhizophoresconfined at base only; Leaves dimorphic, green when young, brown on maturity, ligulate,midrib indistinct; Lateral leaves 2.5 x 1 mm, unequally oblique, acuminate, larger half semi-ovate, smaller half lanceolate, entire, dentate, apices caudate, midrib obscure, transparent; Axillaryleaves similar to lateral leaves, 1-1.2 x 1.8-2 mm, ovate, oblique, cordate, acute, ciliate at base,dentate towards apex; Median leaves 2 mm long, small in size, comparison to lateral andaxillary

A.K. Soni et al. 235

leaves, margins ciliate, apices caudate;Strobili compact, quadrangular, one or twoat the apex of each branchlets; Sporophyllsovate, margins dentate, acuminate;Megaspore globose, verrucate, 250 ìm,deep-yellow, winged, exine Smooth;Microspore globose, papillate, 15-25 µm,deep yellow, granulose. Figure 1 (Dixit, Fig.11, pp.111, 1992) and Figure 2.

Cytology: 2n = 20 (Kuriachan 1963).

Occurrence: Rarely found, growing inmoist humus rich forest floors, hill slopesor on rock crevices.

Distribution in World: Asia: Bhutan,Nepal, Yemen; Africa.

Distribution in India: Andhra Pradesh,Assam State, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha,Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal

Distribution in Arunachal Pradesh: Newto this state from Pistana Circle of LowerSubansiri District [Figure 3].

Reproductive period: November-February.

Ecology: Lithophytic, collected fromPrimary Forest of Pistana Circle of LowerSubansiri District, between 800-1500 m.altitudes

Specimens Examined: India, ArunachalPradesh, Lower Subansiri District, PrimaryForest of Pistana Circle, along with KeeRiver, altitude 901 m, 43952, 27. 51255N, 93.64811 E, 25.02.2021, Soni, A. K.,(ARUN !).

Figure 1. Illustration of Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker.(Dixit, R. D., F11, 111, 1992); A. Part of leafy branch, B.Lateral leaf, C. Median leaf, D. Strobilus, E. Sporo-phyll, FI. Distal part of megaspore, GI. Distal part ofmicrospore, I. Parts of main stem with isomorphicleaves

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

According to Dixit (1992), 62 species of Selaginella are found in India viz., North West Himalayas16.75% (ca. 09 species); Eastern Himalayas 50.25% (ca. 30 species); Eastern India 33.5% (ca. 20species); Deccan plateau 25% (ca. 15 species); Western ghats 28.25% (ca. 17 species); Easternghats 21.75% (ca. 14 species); Gangetic plains 13.25% (ca. 07 species); Western dry regions06.75% (ca. 02 species) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands has 06.75% (ca. 04 species), thedistributional analysis of species revealed the percentage of occurrence in aforesaid variousregions of India. Whereas, 31 taxa, followed by 04 cultivated species and 01 endemic species(S. pentagona Spring) in North East India (Fraser-Jenkins et al. 2016). Of these, 23 species ofSelaginella from Arunachal Pradesh are reported by Fraser-Jenkins and Baishya (2020) for this


Table 1. Distribution of different species of Selaginella P.Beauv. in Arunachal Pradesh, NorthEast India vis-à-vis their general distribution

Species name Distribution in Arunachal Pradesh General Distribution

1 Selaginella biformis

A. Braun ex Kuhn

Changlang (Miao to Vijaynagar road). Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,

Nagaland; elsewhere in Andaman &

Nicobar Islands; Asia, Africa.

2 Selaginella bisulcata

Spring

Papum Pare (Duphla Hills); Kameng

(West Kameng, Sessa and Rahung to

Kudam village); Siang (E. Siang, W. Siang

and Mechuka).

Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,

Nagaland, Sikkim, West Bengal;

elsewhere in Asia.

3 Selaginella bryopteris

(L.) Baker

As a New Record to the State from Lower

Subansiri District (Kee River, Pistana

Circle).

Andhra Pradesh, Assam State, Bihar,

Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya

Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil

Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh,

West Bengal; Asia: Bhutan, Nepal,

Yemen; Africa.

4 Selaginella chrysocaulos

(Hook. & Grev.) Spring

Kameng (Tawang District, 4-Bridge);

Changlang (Namdapha).

Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland,

Sikkim, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, West

Bengal; elsewhere in India and Asia,

Africa.

5 Selaginella chrysorrhizos Spring

Kameng (between Krishna and Sessa, on

road to Bomdila); Papum Pare (Ganga

Lake, Kimin to Khunipahad); Tirap

(Chenglang to Khela); Changlang (Tirap,

Miao nala).

Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,

Sikkim, West Bengal; elsewhere in

India and Asia.

6 Selaginella ciliaris

(Retz.) Spring

Papum Pare (Seinki View, N. part of

Itanagar).


Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal;

elsewhere in India and Asia, Pacific

Islands, Australasia.

7 Selaginella decipiens

Warb.

Papum Pare (Tsiria Kanna Hill, Itanagar);

Siang (Take pokong to Sirang, Minguing

to 8Pokong). Lohit (Dreyi to

Sonegodam); Changlang (Nampong to

Pangsu Pass, Namdapha, 17th mile area,

Miao to Vijaynagar road, Namdapha, from

22nd km to Deban Inspection Bungalow);

Tirap (Tirap, Waka).


Tripura; China, Vietnam.

8 Selaginella helferi Warb.

Papum Pare (Subansiri, from Kimin to

Khunipahar, Poma, Itanagar, Seinki view);

Subansiri (Subansiri Expedition); Siang

(Siang, Gensi area, Kappong to Allong, W.

Siang, Mechuka, E. Siang, Pasighat forest

area); Debang Valley (Mehao Wildlife

Sanctuary, Mehao Lake surrounding);

Lohit (Lohit, Tezu); Changlang

(Haldibari, Nampong to Pangsu Pass,

Zero Camp, Namdapha, M. Pen Check

gate, Namdapha, 29th mile, Miao to

Vijaynagar road); Tirap (Khela to Khonsa,

Rusa to Bimalpur, Tirap Frontier District,

Waka).


Nagaland, Tripura; elsewhere in

Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Asia.

9 Selaginella indica R. Kameng (Tawang to Zong). Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh,



9 Selaginella indica R.

M.Tryon

Kameng (Tawang to Zong). Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh,

Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, West

Bengal, Bihar; Bhutan

10 Selaginella inaequalifolia (Hook.

& Grev.) Spring

Kameng (Kameng, North of Becham

river, 3 km along the new road to

Wanabasti); Papum Pare Kimin, Itanagar

to Khuni pahad, Poma, River Paniar,

Daffla Hills, Kimin to Khunipahad);

Lower Subansiri District (Chessa,

Gangasagar); Upper Subansiri (Radang

village, Palin, Taliha, Mori); Siang (Siang,

Tato area, Koppu to Geling, Kampong to

Allong, E. Siang, Tuting or Pasighat, on

the way to Palin, Upper Siang); Debang

Valley (Mishmee Hills); Lohit (Meyuliang

to Douliang, along Dou river valley);

Changlang (Deban, Haldibari, 20-24th

mile, Miao to Vijaynagar road).

Assam State, Kerala, Mizoram, Tamil

Nadu; Asia: Myanmar, Thailand

11 Selaginella involvens

(Sw.) Spring

Kameng (Kameng, Tippi, W. Kameng,

New Bomdila (Gompha village), Tawang,

Lum-La, Shergaon, Bomdila to Rahung,

Bomdila surroundings, Bomdila Camp to

Wang Basti, 23 km. from Dirang on the

road to Senge, Rupa to Kalaktang,

Nyukmadong to Senge Dzong); Lower

Subansiri (Yazali to Ziro); Upper

Subansiri (Subansiri Expedition, Gelemo

to Gelenisiniak); Siang (Siang, Gapo to

Riga, Shili stream, Yemchung, Abor Hills);

Debang Valley (Mehao Wildlife

Sanctuary, mini Mehao Lake surroundings,

Etalin); Changlang (Deban, Miao to

Vijaynagar road); Tirap (Raho to

Vokanoska).


Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, West

Bengal; elsewhere in India and Asia.

12 Selaginella megaphylla Baker

Papum Pare (Kimin to Khuni-Pahad,

Kimin river bank); Lower Subansiri (Ziro

to Daporijo); Upper Subansiri (Subansiri

Expedition near Amjee from Begi side);

Siang (from Garsing to Eyo, Mechuka,

Igar Stream, Abor Expedition, Upper

Siang, near Tuting); Changlang

(Namdapha, Kamlat to Walap); Debang

Valley (Mishmee Hills).

Assam State; Asia: Bhutan, Myanmar,

Tibet

13 Selaginella monospora Spring

Kameng (Kalaktang, Baha Hillon way to

Amartala, Amartala to 900 chain,

Khellong, West Kameng, Nechiphu,

Tawang); Lohit (Delei Valley, Sadiya

Frontier Tract); Lower Subansiri (Yazali

to Ziro); Upper Subansiri11 km. E. of

Begi); Papum Pare (Khuni-Pahad); Siang

(Cangu to Minguing, near Gensi area,

Bulli, Bulli to Shikhar mountain); Debang

Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim,

West Bengal; elsewhere in Asia.



13 Selaginella monospora [contd.]

Valley (Dibang Valley, way to Miodia

Pass, along hillside stream); Changlang

(Miao to Vijaynagar road, Namdapha);

Siang (Siang, Tato, Mechuka).

14 Selaginella nepalensis Spring

Papum Pare (Khunipahad to Petepool). Manipur, Meghalaya elsewhere in

Western Himalaya and Bhutan, Nepal,

Tibet.

15 Selaginella pennata

(D. Don) Spring

Kameng (Siang, Tato); Papum Pare

(Kimin to Khunipahad).


West Bengal; China, Myanmar, Nepal,

Thailand.

16 Selaginella pentagona

Spring

Kameng (Seargaon); Papum Pare

(Holangi); Upper Subansiri (on way to

Radang village from Palin, Serley

Kurungkumey,); Changlang (Deban).

Assam State, Manipur, Meghalaya,

Endemic to N.E. India; Myanmar.

17 Selaginella picta A.

Braun ex Baker

Upper Subansiri (Daporijo); Siang

(Yambung, Dihang Valley, Abor Hills);

Debang Valley (Mishmee Hills);

Changlang (Deban Hornbill Camp,

Namdapha, Patkai Hills, Namdapha

National Park); Tirap (Longsek Hillock

(Changlang), Nampong to Pangsu Pass,

Nignu to Niusa, Niusa to Wanu,

Miao nala).

Assam State, Manipur, Nagaland; Asia:

Cambodia,

China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Tibet

and Vietnam.

18 Selaginella reticulata

(Hook. & Grev.)

Spring

Kameng (between Doimara and

Khellong).

Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, West


19 Selaginella remotifolia

Spring

Arunachal Pradesh Manipur; Asia: Bhutan, China,

Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Nepal,

Philippines, Taiwan.

20 Selaginella semicordata (Wall ex

Grev. & Hook.)

Spring

Siang (Garsing to Eyo, Ninguing to

Pangu, Tuting to Koppu, river course);

Tirap (Chenglang to Khela).

Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Mizoram,

Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal;

elsewhere in Gangetic plains in India,

Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia,

Myanmar, Nepal.

21 Selaginella subdiaphana (Wall.

ex Hook. & Grev.)

Spring

Kameng (W. Kameng, Sessa); Siang (W.

Siang, Gensi, Bulli to Shikhar mountain,

Shikhar hill-range, Gapo to Riga,

Mechuka); Debang Valley (Mehao

Wildlife Sanctuary, around Mayodia),

Changlang (Deban to Miao, Miao to

Vijaynagar road), Lohit (Sonego dam to

Inter. camp, Dreyi).



elsewhere in India, Bhutan, Nepal.

22 Selaginella tenuifolia

Spring

Papum Pare (Kimin to Khuni-Pahad);

Debang Valley (Mishmee Hills,

Namdapha); Changlang (Miao to

Vijaynagar road).


Bengal; elsewhere in Myanmar, Nepal,

Thailand.

23 Selaginella vaginata

Spring

Kameng (Right bank of Dirang river, on

Dirang Dzong); Siang (Siang, Tato,


Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayodia, Namdapha,

Krosam to Shirong,); Changlang (Deban





Map – 1. Outline map of the Lower Subansiri District and Tale Wildlife Sanctuary of ArunachalPradesh where from Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker was reported


Figure 2. Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker. A. Habitat; B. Plant body; C. Mounted herbarium-sheet.




[contd.]


to Miao).

24 Selaginella wallichii (Hook. & Grev.)

Spring

Kameng (W. Kameng, Sessa, Aka Hills,

Sissini Camp, Elephant Flat, on road to

Bomdila, between Doimara to Khellong,

Sepla); Papum Pare (Kimin to

Khunipahad), Itanagar; Siang (Gensi area,

Mechuka, Gensi eastwards, from Garsing

to Eyo); Changlang (Haldibari); Tirap

(Niusa to Wanu, Miao to Vijaynagar road).

Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya (Previous

report as S. hookeri from the state

belong here) Nagaland; elsewhere in

Asiain Asia.

heterosporous family. Of these, Singh & Panigrahi, (2005) gave morphological details of c. 09species of Selaginella, viz. S. helferi, S. involvens, S. monospora, S. namdaphaensis, S. picta, S. pentagona,S. semicordata, S. tenuifolia and S. wallichii.

New records: During present study it was found that one species, S. bryopteris, is a newrecords for the Fern Allies flora of Arunachal Pradesh (Dixit 1992; Freser-Jenkins et al.2016). It is important to note that this newly recorded species were found only once at onelocation and only in small number (Figure-2A). However, this species is recorded in theSelaginellaceae of India (1992, Figure 1) with local localities of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,Tamilnadu and Uttar Pradesh. Whereas, in An Annotated Checklist of Indian Pteridophytes Part-1 (Lycopodiaceae to Thelypteridaceae (Freser-Jenkins et al. 2016) also has as general distributionfor this species from elsewhere in India except Arunachal Pradesh. It seems that the descriptionto go with Figure 11 on page number 111 in Selaginellaceae of India by Dixit (1992) waspublished, but not from this state. However, we consider the name S. bryopteris to be validly

Figure 3. Diversity of Selaginalles with regards to habitat analysis.

published as the Figure 11 itself shows the leafy branch, lateral leaf, median leaf, strobilus,sporophyll, distal part of megaspore, distal part of microspore and parts of main stemwith isomorphic leaves (Figure 1) are sufficient to testifies a new Pteridophytic record toArunachal Pradesh. It is an uncommon and rare species in high land of North East India,previously reported from neighboring state of Assam, which grows on rocks or on walls asa chasmophyte and it can thrive well in xeric climates. S. bryopteris is widely sold in Indianbazaars as the life-restoring Sanjeevni-Booti of the Hindu epic, Ramayana an alternative viewwas presented by Fraser-Jenkins (2016).

Habitat Analysis: An analysis of habitat preference of the species under Selaginellaceae suggeststheir categorization into six different life-forms is given in bar-graph (Figure 4) following Dixit


(1992). All these are based on their growth habits and classification based on the habitats theyoccupy namely: Heliophilous, Holiophilous, Climbing, River–Banks, Lithophytes andXerophytes. There were 10 taxa Heliophilous ((Terrestrial or Sun Loving) species, 13 taxaHoliophilous, 4 taxa climbing, 5 taxa linked to River- Banks, 9 taxa Lithophytes and 3 taxa forXerophytes in all the six sites studied. Table 1 provides a conspectus of the family Selaginellaceaefrom Arunachal Pradesh.

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF& CC), Government of India and to the Director of Botanical Survey of India for hisfinancial support through a project under Flora of India (BSI – Flora of India Project 292/2//2019-Tech). We are duly thankful to the Department of Environment & Forests, Govt.of Arunachal Pradesh for all help, providing necessary permission to visit the area andpermit collection of the specimens and also grateful to the staff of Yachuli Forest Range,Yachuli for providing us with a permit and the opportunity to conduct a field survey in theprimary forest.

LITERATURE CITED

Baker, J.G. 1883. A synopsis of the genus Selaginella. Journal of Botany 21: 1–5, 42–46, 80-84,97–100, 141–145, 210–213, 240–244.

Baker, J.G. 1885. A synopsis of the genus Selaginella. Journal of Botany 23: 19–25, 45–48, 116–122, 154–157, 176–180, 248–252, 292–302 .

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AbstractSelaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker (Selaginellaceae), which is also known as resurrecting herb orSanjeevni Buti; a fern-ally has been encountered from Lower Subansiri District which is a newrecord from the state of Arunachal Pradesh in North East India. Till date, 23 species of Selaginellawere found from this state except the newly reported taxon S. bryopteris (L.) Baker. The presentedgathering from Arunachal Pradesh shows its extended distribution to this state also. Taxonomicaccount, desiccated mounted specimens, distributional range, ecology, photographs and specimensexamined of newly reported taxon have been provided with an emphasis on listing of genusSelaginella P. Beauv. including with habitat analysis for Arunachal Pradesh.


INTRODUCTION









Abstract

Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker (Selaginellaceae), which is also known as resurrecting herb orSanjeevni Buti; a fern-ally has been encountered from Lower Subansiri District which is a newrecord from the state of Arunachal Pradesh in North East India. Till date, 23 species of Selaginellawere found from this state except the newly reported taxon S. bryopteris (L.) Baker. The presentedgathering from Arunachal Pradesh shows its extended distribution to this state also. Taxonomicaccount, desiccated mounted specimens, distributional range, ecology, photographs and specimensexamined of newly reported taxon have been provided with an emphasis on listing of genusSelaginella P. Beauv. including with habitat analysis for Arunachal Pradesh.


INTRODUCTION




sporophylls (Mukhopadhyay & Sen 1981; Mukhopadhyay 2001). Selaginella existed 300 millionyears ago and is considered one of the most primitive members of vascular plants on earth.The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and comprises approximately ca. 700 species (Pichi-Sermolli 1971). Although Jermy (1990) estimated that the genus Selaginella comprises ca. 750species, he assigned only ca. 415 species to the five subgenera he recognized within the genus.On the basis of morphological study and chromosome data (Zhou et al. 2015) Selaginellaceaerecognized six subgenera and 18 sections within the single genus Selaginella and widely distributedthroughout the world, from arctic and alpine regions to the tropics and subtropics, where themain species diversity is found (Jermy 1990). Approximately ca. 50 species, most of themfound in temperate and dry areas of the world, have vegetative leaves that are monomorphic(Jermy 1990).

This family also has much variations in chromosomal number, in subg. Stachygynandrumn = 7, 8, 9, 10; in subg. Selaginella, x = 9 and in sub. Heterostachys with triploids and tetraploids,n = 12. Chromosomal number n = 12 and 2n = 18, 24 also reported from India. Whereas,2n = 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 27, 36, 48-50, 60, 68 (2n = 18 is fairly common; triploids andtetraploids in some species with x = 9. India) are determined. Those with n = 9 haveindeterminate branch system, sporadic cone production in isolated branches and are in openhabitats and with n =10 also have determinate with lateral branch system, coning simultaneouslyon all branch-endings and grow in dense forests (Jermy et al. 1967; Mukhopadhyay 1998;Singh & Panigrahi 2005). Rhizophores of Selaginella are established by Webster & Steeves(1964 a,b, 1967) as roots. Heterospory and presence of vessels in some species of Selaginellaindicate that a family is specialized. Few species of this genus are used in traditional medicinesto treat a variety of diseases such as prolapsed of rectum, bleeding piles, amenorrhoea,cardio-vascular problems, diabetes, gastritis and hepatitis etc. In this context, S. bryopterisis iswidely sold in the market in the name of Sanjeevni-Booti and has cooling effect, restore energy,vitality and agility. Generally the plant is crushed into paste, mixed with sugar and taken assyrup (Dixit 1992).

The member of this family usually characterized by the two opposite rows of theleaves (small, heteromorphous or isomorphous); strobili terminal on the branches,tetrastichous, square or polystichous in shape; sporophyll uniform or dimorphic; sporangiaare of two types (Megasporangia and Microsporangia) which are borne on the upper surfaceof the sporophylls. These are borne terminally on the stem and are readily recognized in thatsporophylls are similar and more closely associated than are the stem leaves. Considerabletaxonomic emphasis has been placed on the shape of the sporophylls relative to those ofthe stem leaves as will be evident from the definition of the subgenera. The other identifyingcharacters of the family are ligule, usually 4 megaspors (three small and one large), triletespore, the gametes also show segregation of sex, i.e. monoecious and by the biciliateantherozoids.

The present paper focuses on providing an annotated checklist of Sellaginellaceaewith a new record to this state of Arunachal Pradesh. The state has good percentage offorest cover and is regarded as one of the top mega-biodiversity centers of the world.With an area of 83,743 sq km, this state has top rank among the North East Indian states.It is an enthralling place and a best example of micro-India representing the idea of unityin diversity. Arunachal Pradesh has a diverse culture, mountainous terrain and scenic beautyalso with a large variety of orchids and fern and fern allies grow in the state, enriching itsendowment of flora. Such bio-diversities make to this state a paradise for the biologists.A more detailed and a broader study about the state would, hopefully, take the readersnearer to flora and fauna, and people of this great land of dawn-lit mountains. A


comprehensive list of Sellaginellaceae members has been prepared from Arunachal Pradeshbased on field surveys, herbarium consultation and literature scrutiny including Dixit (1992),Singh & Panigrahi (2005) and Fraser-Jenkins et al. (2016), which is provided below as aconspectus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field survey, Collection and Herbarium Consultation

Newly reported plant specimens were collected in the month of February 2021 from theprimary forests of Pistana Circle of Yachuli Forest Range, Lower Subansiri District (Figure 3).Photographs were taken with the help of DSLR (Sony 20.4 Mega Pixeles, Exmor R) anddesiccated mounted voucher specimens were deposited for further reference (S. bryopteris,along with Kee River Side, Pistana Circle, Lower Subansiri District, A. K. Soni, 43952 25/02/2021, Acc No. 31,695, ARUN.) in the Pteridophytes Herbarium. The personal collection andherbarium consultation based (ARUN, ASSAM, CAL and BSA.) verified list of all species ofgenus Selaginella for Arunachal Pradesh including with general distribution (inside and outsidefrom India and Asia) pattern with local places in Arunachal Pradesh are presented here. Thecollected plants were preserved following Bridson & Forman (1998) and subsequently identifiedwith the help of standard Indian and foreign literature (Beddome 1866; Dixit 1992; Singh &Panigrahi 2005 and Fraser-Jenkins et al. 2016) [Table 1].

Morphological Observations of Newly Reported Taxa

During survey and collection of Pteridophytes from the forests of Lower Subansiri Districtand Tale Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS) in Arunachal Pradesh (Figure 1), first author came acrossa healthy, disease free population of Selaginella. The plants were identified based on the“Selaginellaceae of India” by Dixit (1992), the plant body coils to form a ball like structureduring dry season and as soon as the atmospheric humidity is restored, the plants uncoil andbecome green. Locally it is known as Sanjeevni-Booti and used as medicine and decorations(Kholia & Punetha 2005). Identification has confirmed it to be S. bryopteris which is first recordto the fern allies flora of Arunachal Pradesh in North East India. Present study providesdetailed taxonomic observation, photographs, distribution map, and exsiccatae as an additionaltaxonomic attribute.

TAXONOMIC TREATMENTS

Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker, J. Bot. 22: 376. 1884. [Figures 1 & 2]

Lycopodium bryopteris L. Sp. PI. 2: 1103. 1753; Lycopodioides bryopteris (L.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl.1: 825. 1891; Lycopodium imbricatum Forssk., Flor. Aegypt.-Arab. 125: 187. 1775; Selaginella imbricata(Forssk.) Spring ex Decne., Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. 2:193, t. 7. 1842; Lycopodium imbricatum Roxb., inGriffith, Calcutta J. Nat. Hist. 4: 475. 1844, non Forssk; Selaginella imbricata (Roxb.) J.Scott, J.Agri-Hort. Soc. India 1: 260. 1868, non (Forssk.) Spring ex Decne. 1842.

Plants terrestrial, semi-erect herb, 12-18 cm, bright green in living condition, drying brown atmaturity; Stem un-branched with contiguous isomorphic leaves, prostrate creeping,stoloniferous, differentiated in to nodes and internodes, internodes sparsely leafy; aerial branchesarise only from nodes, 5-16 cm long, branched towards apex, branches flabellate; Rhizophoresconfined at base only; Leaves dimorphic, green when young, brown on maturity, ligulate,midrib indistinct; Lateral leaves 2.5 x 1 mm, unequally oblique, acuminate, larger half semi-ovate, smaller half lanceolate, entire, dentate, apices caudate, midrib obscure, transparent; Axillaryleaves similar to lateral leaves, 1-1.2 x 1.8-2 mm, ovate, oblique, cordate, acute, ciliate at base,dentate towards apex; Median leaves 2 mm long, small in size, comparison to lateral andaxillary


leaves, margins ciliate, apices caudate;Strobili compact, quadrangular, one or twoat the apex of each branchlets; Sporophyllsovate, margins dentate, acuminate;Megaspore globose, verrucate, 250 ìm,deep-yellow, winged, exine Smooth;Microspore globose, papillate, 15-25 µm,deep yellow, granulose. Figure 1 (Dixit, Fig.11, pp.111, 1992) and Figure 2.

Cytology: 2n = 20 (Kuriachan 1963).

Occurrence: Rarely found, growing inmoist humus rich forest floors, hill slopesor on rock crevices.

Distribution in World: Asia: Bhutan,Nepal, Yemen; Africa.

Distribution in India: Andhra Pradesh,Assam State, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha,Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal

Distribution in Arunachal Pradesh: Newto this state from Pistana Circle of LowerSubansiri District [Figure 3].

Reproductive period: November-February.

Ecology: Lithophytic, collected fromPrimary Forest of Pistana Circle of LowerSubansiri District, between 800-1500 m.altitudes

Specimens Examined: India, ArunachalPradesh, Lower Subansiri District, PrimaryForest of Pistana Circle, along with KeeRiver, altitude 901 m, 43952, 27. 51255N, 93.64811 E, 25.02.2021, Soni, A. K.,(ARUN !).

Figure 1. Illustration of Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker.(Dixit, R. D., F11, 111, 1992); A. Part of leafy branch, B.Lateral leaf, C. Median leaf, D. Strobilus, E. Sporo-phyll, FI. Distal part of megaspore, GI. Distal part ofmicrospore, I. Parts of main stem with isomorphicleaves

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

According to Dixit (1992), 62 species of Selaginella are found in India viz., North West Himalayas16.75% (ca. 09 species); Eastern Himalayas 50.25% (ca. 30 species); Eastern India 33.5% (ca. 20species); Deccan plateau 25% (ca. 15 species); Western ghats 28.25% (ca. 17 species); Easternghats 21.75% (ca. 14 species); Gangetic plains 13.25% (ca. 07 species); Western dry regions06.75% (ca. 02 species) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands has 06.75% (ca. 04 species), thedistributional analysis of species revealed the percentage of occurrence in aforesaid variousregions of India. Whereas, 31 taxa, followed by 04 cultivated species and 01 endemic species(S. pentagona Spring) in North East India (Fraser-Jenkins et al. 2016). Of these, 23 species ofSelaginella from Arunachal Pradesh are reported by Fraser-Jenkins and Baishya (2020) for this


Table 1. Distribution of different species of Selaginella P.Beauv. in Arunachal Pradesh, NorthEast India vis-à-vis their general distribution


1 Selaginella biformis

A. Braun ex Kuhn

Changlang (Miao to Vijaynagar road). Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,

Nagaland; elsewhere in Andaman &

Nicobar Islands; Asia, Africa.

2 Selaginella bisulcata

Spring

Papum Pare (Duphla Hills); Kameng

(West Kameng, Sessa and Rahung to

Kudam village); Siang (E. Siang, W. Siang

and Mechuka).



elsewhere in Asia.

3 Selaginella bryopteris

(L.) Baker

As a New Record to the State from Lower

Subansiri District (Kee River, Pistana

Circle).

Andhra Pradesh, Assam State, Bihar,

Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya

Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil

Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh,

West Bengal; Asia: Bhutan, Nepal,

Yemen; Africa.

4 Selaginella chrysocaulos

(Hook. & Grev.) Spring

Kameng (Tawang District, 4-Bridge);

Changlang (Namdapha).

Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland,

Sikkim, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, West

Bengal; elsewhere in India and Asia,

Africa.

5 Selaginella chrysorrhizos Spring

Kameng (between Krishna and Sessa, on

road to Bomdila); Papum Pare (Ganga

Lake, Kimin to Khunipahad); Tirap

(Chenglang to Khela); Changlang (Tirap,

Miao nala).


Sikkim, West Bengal; elsewhere in

India and Asia.

6 Selaginella ciliaris

(Retz.) Spring

Papum Pare (Seinki View, N. part of

Itanagar).


Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal;

elsewhere in India and Asia, Pacific

Islands, Australasia.

7 Selaginella decipiens

Warb.

Papum Pare (Tsiria Kanna Hill, Itanagar);

Siang (Take pokong to Sirang, Minguing

to 8Pokong). Lohit (Dreyi to

Sonegodam); Changlang (Nampong to

Pangsu Pass, Namdapha, 17th mile area,

Miao to Vijaynagar road, Namdapha, from

22nd km to Deban Inspection Bungalow);

Tirap (Tirap, Waka).


Tripura; China, Vietnam.

8 Selaginella helferi Warb.

Papum Pare (Subansiri, from Kimin to

Khunipahar, Poma, Itanagar, Seinki view);

Subansiri (Subansiri Expedition); Siang

(Siang, Gensi area, Kappong to Allong, W.

Siang, Mechuka, E. Siang, Pasighat forest

area); Debang Valley (Mehao Wildlife

Sanctuary, Mehao Lake surrounding);

Lohit (Lohit, Tezu); Changlang

(Haldibari, Nampong to Pangsu Pass,

Zero Camp, Namdapha, M. Pen Check

gate, Namdapha, 29th mile, Miao to

Vijaynagar road); Tirap (Khela to Khonsa,

Rusa to Bimalpur, Tirap Frontier District,

Waka).


Nagaland, Tripura; elsewhere in

Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Asia.

9 Selaginella indica R. Kameng (Tawang to Zong). Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh,



9 Selaginella indica R.

M.Tryon

Kameng (Tawang to Zong). Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh,

Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, West

Bengal, Bihar; Bhutan

10 Selaginella inaequalifolia (Hook.

& Grev.) Spring

Kameng (Kameng, North of Becham

river, 3 km along the new road to

Wanabasti); Papum Pare Kimin, Itanagar

to Khuni pahad, Poma, River Paniar,

Daffla Hills, Kimin to Khunipahad);

Lower Subansiri District (Chessa,

Gangasagar); Upper Subansiri (Radang

village, Palin, Taliha, Mori); Siang (Siang,

Tato area, Koppu to Geling, Kampong to

Allong, E. Siang, Tuting or Pasighat, on

the way to Palin, Upper Siang); Debang

Valley (Mishmee Hills); Lohit (Meyuliang

to Douliang, along Dou river valley);

Changlang (Deban, Haldibari, 20-24th

mile, Miao to Vijaynagar road).

Assam State, Kerala, Mizoram, Tamil

Nadu; Asia: Myanmar, Thailand

11 Selaginella involvens

(Sw.) Spring

Kameng (Kameng, Tippi, W. Kameng,

New Bomdila (Gompha village), Tawang,

Lum-La, Shergaon, Bomdila to Rahung,

Bomdila surroundings, Bomdila Camp to

Wang Basti, 23 km. from Dirang on the

road to Senge, Rupa to Kalaktang,

Nyukmadong to Senge Dzong); Lower

Subansiri (Yazali to Ziro); Upper

Subansiri (Subansiri Expedition, Gelemo

to Gelenisiniak); Siang (Siang, Gapo to

Riga, Shili stream, Yemchung, Abor Hills);

Debang Valley (Mehao Wildlife

Sanctuary, mini Mehao Lake surroundings,

Etalin); Changlang (Deban, Miao to

Vijaynagar road); Tirap (Raho to

Vokanoska).




12 Selaginella megaphylla Baker

Papum Pare (Kimin to Khuni-Pahad,

Kimin river bank); Lower Subansiri (Ziro

to Daporijo); Upper Subansiri (Subansiri

Expedition near Amjee from Begi side);

Siang (from Garsing to Eyo, Mechuka,

Igar Stream, Abor Expedition, Upper

Siang, near Tuting); Changlang

(Namdapha, Kamlat to Walap); Debang

Valley (Mishmee Hills).

Assam State; Asia: Bhutan, Myanmar,

Tibet

13 Selaginella monospora Spring

Kameng (Kalaktang, Baha Hillon way to

Amartala, Amartala to 900 chain,

Khellong, West Kameng, Nechiphu,

Tawang); Lohit (Delei Valley, Sadiya

Frontier Tract); Lower Subansiri (Yazali

to Ziro); Upper Subansiri11 km. E. of

Begi); Papum Pare (Khuni-Pahad); Siang

(Cangu to Minguing, near Gensi area,

Bulli, Bulli to Shikhar mountain); Debang


West Bengal; elsewhere in Asia.



13 Selaginella monospora [contd.]

Valley (Dibang Valley, way to Miodia

Pass, along hillside stream); Changlang

(Miao to Vijaynagar road, Namdapha);

Siang (Siang, Tato, Mechuka).

14 Selaginella nepalensis Spring

Papum Pare (Khunipahad to Petepool). Manipur, Meghalaya elsewhere in

Western Himalaya and Bhutan, Nepal,

Tibet.

15 Selaginella pennata

(D. Don) Spring

Kameng (Siang, Tato); Papum Pare

(Kimin to Khunipahad).


West Bengal; China, Myanmar, Nepal,

Thailand.

16 Selaginella pentagona

Spring

Kameng (Seargaon); Papum Pare

(Holangi); Upper Subansiri (on way to

Radang village from Palin, Serley

Kurungkumey,); Changlang (Deban).

Assam State, Manipur, Meghalaya,

Endemic to N.E. India; Myanmar.

17 Selaginella picta A.

Braun ex Baker

Upper Subansiri (Daporijo); Siang

(Yambung, Dihang Valley, Abor Hills);

Debang Valley (Mishmee Hills);

Changlang (Deban Hornbill Camp,

Namdapha, Patkai Hills, Namdapha

National Park); Tirap (Longsek Hillock

(Changlang), Nampong to Pangsu Pass,

Nignu to Niusa, Niusa to Wanu,

Miao nala).

Assam State, Manipur, Nagaland; Asia:

Cambodia,

China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Tibet

and Vietnam.

18 Selaginella reticulata

(Hook. & Grev.)

Spring

Kameng (between Doimara and

Khellong).



19 Selaginella remotifolia

Spring

Arunachal Pradesh Manipur; Asia: Bhutan, China,

Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Nepal,

Philippines, Taiwan.

20 Selaginella semicordata (Wall ex

Grev. & Hook.)

Spring

Siang (Garsing to Eyo, Ninguing to

Pangu, Tuting to Koppu, river course);

Tirap (Chenglang to Khela).

Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Mizoram,

Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal;

elsewhere in Gangetic plains in India,

Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia,

Myanmar, Nepal.

21 Selaginella subdiaphana (Wall.

ex Hook. & Grev.)

Spring

Kameng (W. Kameng, Sessa); Siang (W.

Siang, Gensi, Bulli to Shikhar mountain,

Shikhar hill-range, Gapo to Riga,


Wildlife Sanctuary, around Mayodia),

Changlang (Deban to Miao, Miao to

Vijaynagar road), Lohit (Sonego dam to

Inter. camp, Dreyi).



elsewhere in India, Bhutan, Nepal.

22 Selaginella tenuifolia

Spring

Papum Pare (Kimin to Khuni-Pahad);

Debang Valley (Mishmee Hills,

Namdapha); Changlang (Miao to

Vijaynagar road).


Bengal; elsewhere in Myanmar, Nepal,

Thailand.


Spring

Kameng (Right bank of Dirang river, on

Dirang Dzong); Siang (Siang, Tato,


Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayodia, Namdapha,






Map – 1. Outline map of the Lower Subansiri District and Tale Wildlife Sanctuary of ArunachalPradesh where from Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker was reported


Figure 2. Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker. A. Habitat; B. Plant body; C. Mounted herbarium-sheet.




[contd.]


to Miao).

24 Selaginella wallichii (Hook. & Grev.)

Spring

Kameng (W. Kameng, Sessa, Aka Hills,

Sissini Camp, Elephant Flat, on road to

Bomdila, between Doimara to Khellong,

Sepla); Papum Pare (Kimin to

Khunipahad), Itanagar; Siang (Gensi area,

Mechuka, Gensi eastwards, from Garsing

to Eyo); Changlang (Haldibari); Tirap

(Niusa to Wanu, Miao to Vijaynagar road).

Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya (Previous

report as S. hookeri from the state

belong here) Nagaland; elsewhere in

Asiain Asia.

heterosporous family. Of these, Singh & Panigrahi, (2005) gave morphological details of c. 09species of Selaginella, viz. S. helferi, S. involvens, S. monospora, S. namdaphaensis, S. picta, S. pentagona,S. semicordata, S. tenuifolia and S. wallichii.

New records: During present study it was found that one species, S. bryopteris, is a newrecords for the Fern Allies flora of Arunachal Pradesh (Dixit 1992; Freser-Jenkins et al.2016). It is important to note that this newly recorded species were found only once at onelocation and only in small number (Figure-2A). However, this species is recorded in theSelaginellaceae of India (1992, Figure 1) with local localities of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,Tamilnadu and Uttar Pradesh. Whereas, in An Annotated Checklist of Indian Pteridophytes Part-1 (Lycopodiaceae to Thelypteridaceae (Freser-Jenkins et al. 2016) also has as general distributionfor this species from elsewhere in India except Arunachal Pradesh. It seems that the descriptionto go with Figure 11 on page number 111 in Selaginellaceae of India by Dixit (1992) waspublished, but not from this state. However, we consider the name S. bryopteris to be validly

Figure 3. Diversity of Selaginalles with regards to habitat analysis.

published as the Figure 11 itself shows the leafy branch, lateral leaf, median leaf, strobilus,sporophyll, distal part of megaspore, distal part of microspore and parts of main stemwith isomorphic leaves (Figure 1) are sufficient to testifies a new Pteridophytic record toArunachal Pradesh. It is an uncommon and rare species in high land of North East India,previously reported from neighboring state of Assam, which grows on rocks or on walls asa chasmophyte and it can thrive well in xeric climates. S. bryopteris is widely sold in Indianbazaars as the life-restoring Sanjeevni-Booti of the Hindu epic, Ramayana an alternative viewwas presented by Fraser-Jenkins (2016).

Habitat Analysis: An analysis of habitat preference of the species under Selaginellaceae suggeststheir categorization into six different life-forms is given in bar-graph (Figure 4) following Dixit


(1992). All these are based on their growth habits and classification based on the habitats theyoccupy namely: Heliophilous, Holiophilous, Climbing, River–Banks, Lithophytes andXerophytes. There were 10 taxa Heliophilous ((Terrestrial or Sun Loving) species, 13 taxaHoliophilous, 4 taxa climbing, 5 taxa linked to River- Banks, 9 taxa Lithophytes and 3 taxa forXerophytes in all the six sites studied. Table 1 provides a conspectus of the family Selaginellaceaefrom Arunachal Pradesh.

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF& CC), Government of India and to the Director of Botanical Survey of India for hisfinancial support through a project under Flora of India (BSI – Flora of India Project 292/2//2019-Tech). We are duly thankful to the Department of Environment & Forests, Govt.of Arunachal Pradesh for all help, providing necessary permission to visit the area andpermit collection of the specimens and also grateful to the staff of Yachuli Forest Range,Yachuli for providing us with a permit and the opportunity to conduct a field survey in theprimary forest.

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