Journal of Threatened Taxa |
www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 May 2023 | 15(5): 23240–23247
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893
(Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8292.15.5.23240–23247
#8292 | Received 01 December 2022 | Final
received 08 March 2023 | Finally accepted 01 April 2023
An evaluation of the wetland grass flora of Mizoram, India
S. Pathak
Department of Botany,
Mahadevananda Mahavidyalaya,
Barrackpore, North 24-Paraganas, West Bengal 700120, India.
spathak.bsi@gmail.com
Editor: Anonymity requested. Date of publication: 26 May 2023 (online & print)
Citation: Pathak, S. (2023). An evaluation of the wetland grass flora of
Mizoram, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 15(5): 23240–23247. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8292.15.5.23240-23247
Copyright: © Pathak 2023. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
License. JoTT
allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any
medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of
publication.
Funding: Botanical Survey of India, Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Competing interests: The author declares no competing interests.
Author details: Dr. Saumyasree Pathak worked in CNH Botanical Survey of India from 2010 to 2017 on grasses and bamboos of northeastern India and has acquired PhD degree in 2016 from University of Burdwan. Currently working in Mahadevananda Mahavidyalaya as lecturer in Botany. She has been working on the diversity of Poaceae in Mizoram State.
Acknowledgements: The author is
thankful to the chief conservator of forests, Mizoram; Botanical Survey of
India and Ministry of Environment Forests & Climate Change, New Delhi for
support and financial assistance. Sincere gratitude is due to the Department of
Botany, Burdwan University and to the faculties of the Department of Botany, Mahadevananda Mahavidyalaya for
constant encouragement.
Abstract: Mizoram, a diminutive
state in northeastern India forms a major segment of the Indo-Burma
biodiversity hotspots. The wetland grasses in the ecosystem are elements
adapted in assorted habitat as one of the primary producers. This present
assessment is principally focused to augment and evaluate information on the
current status of the aquatic and semi-aquatic grasses from the taxonomic and
ecological perspectives from this ecoregion. The paper encompasses the present
taxonomic account of the wetland grasses with recent citations, protologue,
type, basionym, phenology, growth forms, field
status, worldwide distribution and specimens examined. The present
investigation revealed the occurrence and distribution of 16 genera including
23 species of wetland grasses from this state. This kind of study always sets
the ground for launching in-depth ecological projects for working out the
present ecological characteristics and status of the wetlands and their
restoration and conservation.
Keywords: Biodiversity,
evaluation, flora, grass, hotspot, northeastern India, phenology, Poaceae.
Introduction
Wetlands are
frequently referred to as the ‘Kidneys of landscape’ which are the land-water
transitional zone between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table
is usually at or near the surface or the land. The region usually remains covered by marshy, shallow or muddy water.
The RAMSAR convention defined wetlands as ‘areas of marsh, peat land or water,
whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is
static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine
water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters’ (Bridgewater
& Kim 2021). Wetlands all over the world are threatened directly due
to reclamation for development activities, reduction in function due to
pollution, water demand, change in hydrologic regime, overexploitation of
wetland resources and also due to underlying causes such as market
failure, information failure and intervention failure. In this
scenario, fundamental knowledge on location, characteristics, functions,
values, threats and assessments of status of wetlands are prerequisite for
developing sustainable conservation programme
for wetlands. They are amongst the most productive ecosystems on earth and
any alterations might lead to changes in their bio-physical, socio-economic and
climatic conditions.
Grass-dominated communities cover about 24%
of the Earth’s vegetation (Judd et al. 2002). They not only provide ecosystem
services such as water and climate regulation in support of agriculture,
biogeochemical cycling, carbon storage, but also form a habitat for a variety
of aquatic macro-invertebrates and herbivores (White et al. 2000). Moreover,
they have wide ecological amplitude and are able to adapt in diverse habitats
as one of the primary producers, as in wetland ecosystems (Mukherjee 1993). The
members can acclimatize to far-reaching range of habitations more than sedges
and are aptly considered one of the most ecologically successful taxa due to
their broad diversification, adaptability and tolerance (Palit
et al. 2017).
The graminoids form the fifth largest
family of flowering plants (Stevens 2001) but its importance is beyond doubt
for it provides to the grasslands which occupy a third of the land’s surface
(Schantz 1954). They are globally represented by 12,000 species under 780
genera (Christenhusz & Byng 2016) among which
India includes 263 genera and 1,291 species (Karthikeyan et al. 1989). There
are 18 genera (Sreekumar & Nair 1991) and 350 species (Jain 1986) of
grasses which are endemic to India. An exhaustive survey to generate the grass
flora of Mizoram amalgamated with literature compilation and herbarium study
revealed 64 genera comprising 100 species of grasses. The taxonomic and
functional appraisal of the wetland grass flora of this state recorded 16
genera having 23 species which indicates the relevance in ecological management
and restoration. This assessment was carried out from 2016 onwards to augment
and update information on aquatic and semi-aquatic grass flora from the
taxonomic and ecological perspectives. The present commentary includes the
current taxonomic status, type, abundance, growth forms, phenology,
distribution in India and in the world of the diverse variety of the wetland
grass species which are encountered from this geographical area.
Material and
Methods
Northeastern India including the state of
Mizoram forms a significant segment of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The
geographical location is between 21º56’–24º31’N & 92º15’–93º26’E having
21,087 km2 area. The state does not have vast wetland areas or
RAMSAR zones however, c. 2.25 ha area forms the wetlands. The major rivers of
the state are Chhimtuipui (largest), Tlawng (longest), Tuirial, Teirei, Serlui, Sajek, Tuipui, Kawrpui, & Mengpui and lakes
being Palak (largest), Tamdil, Rihdil,
& Rengdil (National Wetland Atlas: Mizoram
2010). While studying the grass diversity in Mizoram, special
concentration was given to the wetlands because of its intimate aquatic
association. Adequate numbers of plant specimens were collected from the
wetlands from 2016 onwards, some of which were processed for herbarium
preservation at CAL herbarium and the rest were taxonomically worked out.
Standard taxonomic methods were applied for description and identification
using authentic literature (Bor 1960; Guhabakshi 1984; Baruah & Baruah 2006). The taxonomic account
includes current taxonomic citations, protologue, type, basionym,
phenology, growth forms, status, field notes, distribution and specimens
examined. The genera and species under each genus are arranged alphabetically.
Results and
Discussion
The present survey and investigation
revealed the occurrence of 16 genera including 23 species of grasses (Poaceae) from the wetlands of Mizoram.
1 Brachiaria
ramosa (L.) Stapf in
Prain, Fl. Trop. Afr. 9(3): 542–544. 1919.
Type: LINN-80.44.
Basionym: Panicum ramosum
L., Mant. Pl.: 29. 1767.
Phenology: April to October.
Habitat: Grows beside canals, ditches,
muddy areas and marshes.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Common.
Distribution:
Tropical regions of the world; Sri Lanka. India: Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra
Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu
& Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Mamit District, fringes of the Dampa
canal, 466 m, 02.x.2016, S. Pathak 48541 (CAL).
2. Brachiaria reptans (L.) Gard. & C.E. Hubb.
in W. Hooker’s Ic. Pl. sub tab. 3363. 1938.
Type:
P. Browne s.n.; LINN-80.52, upper specimen.
Basionym: Panicum reptans L.,
Syst. Nat. (ed. 10) 2: 870. 1759.
Phenology: July to March.
Habitat: Grows along edges of river banks.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Pan-tropical parts of
the world. India: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Andaman &
Nicobar, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha,
Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Chhimtuipui District, banks of Chhimtuipui
River, 846 m, 02.viii.2016, S. Pathak 48548 (CAL).
3. Coix
lacryma-jobi L., Sp. Pl. (ed. 10) 2: 972. 1753.
Type: INDIA (Indiis);
Carl Von Linnaeus, LINN- 1098.1.
Phenology:
April to June.
Habitat: Muddy slope of river banks.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Not common.
Distribution: Native to tropical Asia;
currently extensively distributed throughout tropics. India: Andhra Pradesh,
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,
Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West
Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Chhimtuipui District, along the banks of Chhimtuipui River, 846 m, 02.vi.2017, S. Pathak 48506
(CAL).
4. Cynodon
dactylon (L.) Pers., Syn. Pl. 1: 85. 1805.
Type:
INDIA: Bombay, sand foreshore, June, 1904, G. Forrest 358 (K).
Basionym: Panicum dactylon
L., Sp. Pl. (ed. 1) 58: 1753.
Phenology: Almost throughout the year.
Habitat: Damp waste lands, the edges of
small streams and rivers.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Very common.
Distribution: Cosmopolitan. India:
Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan,
Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Aizawl
District, beside Turial River, 341 m, 06.x.2016, S.
Pathak 48544 (CAL).
5. Digitaria
ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler., Descr. Gram. 27. 1802.
Type:
CHINA: Guangdong, Guangzhou, Wennerberg
s.n.
Basionym: Panicum ciliare Retz., Observ. Bot. 4: 16. 1786.
Phenology: April to July.
Habitat: Along shady damp canals, beside
ditches and river banks.
Growth-form: Hyperhydate/Helophyte.
Status: Not common.
Distribution: Tropical regions of the
world; Africa, Myanmar. India: Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir,
Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Mamit District, beside Sajek River,
366 m, 02.v.2017, S. Pathak 48346 (CAL).
6. Digitaria
setigera Roth, Syst. Veg. (ed. 15) 2: 474.
1817.
Type: INDIA: Heyne
s.n. (Holo: B; Iso: K).
Phenology: May to February.
Habitat: Grows beside water flowing
channels and edges of lakes.
Growth-form: Hyperhydate.
Status: Not very common.
Distribution: Australia,
China, Myanmar, South America, Thailand, several parts of tropical Asia. India:
Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen
examined: Mizoram, Aizawl District, marshy banks of Tamdil
Lake, 1,170 m, 06.vii.2018, S. Pathak 48567 (CAL).
7.
Echinochloa colona
(L.)
Link in Hot. Berol. 2: 209. 1833.
Type:
JAMAICA: Browne s.n., LINN-80.23.
Basionym: Panicum colonum
L., Syst. Nat. 2(ed. 10): 870. 1759.
Phenology: May to October.
Habitat: Along banks of lakes and muddy
forest trails.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Very common.
Distribution: Africa, Asia,
Australia, China, New Zealand, South America, Sri Lanka. India: Andaman &
Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal
Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar
Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen
examined: Mizoram, Aizawl District, Rungdil
Lake, 1,143 m, 07.vi.2018, S. Pathak 48480 (CAL).
8.
Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn., Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 8, pl. 1, f. 11. 1788.
Type:
Plukenet, Phytographia pl.
91, f. 5 .1691.
Basionym: Cynosurus
coracanus L., Syst. Nat. (ed. 10) 2:
875. 1759.
Phenology: March to May.
Habitat: Beside muddy river slopes.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Not common.
Distribution: Tropical and sub tropical zones of the world. India: Arunachal Pradesh,
Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Aizawl
District, way to Turial River, 1,112 m, 06.v.2018, S.
Pathak 48562 (CAL).
9. Eragrostis
gangetica (Roxb.) Steud., Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 266.
1854.
Type: INDIA: Native of the banks of the Ganges but
scarce (Holo: K; Iso:
BM).
Basionym: Poa gangetica Roxb., Fl.
Ind., (ed.)1: 341. 1820.
Phenology: March to November.
Habitat: Beside muddy banks of lakes.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Asia, Africa, Myanmar,
Sri Lanka. India: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Daman & Diu, Goa, Himachal
Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu,
Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, beside muddy
slopes of Tamdil Lake, 887 m, 12.x.2017, S. Pathak
48505 (CAL).
10. Eragrostis
tenella (L) P. Beauv.
ex Roem. & Schult., Syst.Veg. 2:576.1817.
Type:
Syst. Veg. (Sprengel) 2: 576. 1817.
Basionym: Poa tenella L., Sp. Pl. 1: 69. 1753.
Phenology: June to October.
Habitat: Grows in the moist places along
rivers.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Asia, China, Malaysia, Sri
Lanka. India: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal
Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Kolasib District, slopes of Tlawng
River, 1,508 m, 02.vii.2011, S. Pathak 48321 (CAL).
11. Leptochloa
chinensis (L.) Nees, Syll.
Pl. Nov. 1: 4. 1824.
Type:
INDIA: Osbeck s.n.
LINN- 87.32.
Basionym: Poa chinensis L., Sp. Pl. (ed. 1): 69. 1753.
Phenology: May to September.
Habitat: Grows in moist aquatic areas,
along canals and muddy river slopes.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Africa, eastern China,
southeastern Asia. India: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and
West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Kolasib District, along Serlui
River, 399 m, 05.ix.2018, S. Pathak 48489 (CAL).
12. Panicum repens L., Sp. Pl. (ed. 2) 1: 87. 1762.
Type:
Alstroemer 2a; LINN-80.74.
Phenology:
February to December.
Habitat:
Along the fringes of rivers.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Semi-common.
Distribution: Tropical and sub-tropical
zones. India: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Orissa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim,
Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Aizawl
District, along banks of Tlawng River, 808 m,
06.xi.2017, S. Pathak 48542 (CAL).
13. Paspalidium
flavidum (Retz.) A. Camus, Fl. Indo-Chine 7: 419,
1922.
Type:
SRI LANKA: König s.n. (in Herb. Retzius) (LD).
Basionym: Panicum flavidum
Retz., Observ. Bot. 4: 15. 1786.
Phenology: May to March.
Habitat: Grows in patches along marshy
edges of lakes.
Growth-form: Ephydate/Pleustophyte/Helophyte.
Status: Scarce.
Distribution: Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
and parts of Asia, Africa. India: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil
Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Saiha District, marshy edges of Palak lake, 370 m, 06.ix.2017,
S. Pathak 48361 (CAL).
14. Paspalum
conjugatum Bergius in Acta Helv.
Phys. Math. 7: 129. t. 8. 1772.
Type:
FRENCH GUIANA: Surinam, F.W. Sieber 127 (US).
Phenology:
May to February.
Habitat: Patches along muddy crevices.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Tropical regions of the
world. Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Myanmar, New Zealand, North America.
Indi: Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Serchhip
District, slopes of Tuirihiau falls, 1,179 m,
10.vii.2018, S. Pathak 48360 (CAL).
15. Paspalum
scrobiculatum L., Mant.
Pl. 1: 29. 1767.
Type:
INDIA (India oriental), LINN-79.4.
Phenology:
Almost throughout the year.
Habitat:
Moist fringes of rivers.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Not common.
Distribution: Tropical regions of the
world. India: Andaman, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar,
Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and
West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Lawngtlai District, slopes of Chawngte
River, 2,186 m, 05.iv.2011, S. Pathak 48556 (CAL).
16. Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin.
ex Steud., Nomencl. Bot.
(ed. 2) 1: 144. 1840.
Type: INDIA: Orientali
vulgatissima ad tecta Indorum
utitur, Konig s.n. (LD).
Basionym: Arundo
karka Retz., Observ.
Bot. 4: 21. 1786.
Phenology: May to September.
Habitat: Along slopes of river fringes and
muddy edges.
Growth-form: Hyperhydate.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Tropical Africa, Polynesia,
Sri Lanka to southeastern Asia and northern Australia. India: Andhra Pradesh,
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu
Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and
West Bengal.
Specimen
examined: Mizoram, Aizawl District, slopes of marshy banks of Kaladan River, 2,117 m, 10.ix.2018, S. Pathak 48575
(CAL).
17.
Saccharum spontaneum
L., Mant. Pl. 2:183. 1771.
Type:
INDIA: Kerala, Malabar (Malabariae aquosis), Koenig s.n.,
LINN-77.1.
Phenology: May to September.
Habitat: Along the fringes of rivers.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Not common.
Distribution: Africa, Asia, Australia, China,
Europe. India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &
Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha,
Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Aizawl District,
slopes of marshy banks of Kaladan River, 2,110 m,
10.ix.2018, S. Pathak 48443 (CAL).
18. Sacciolepis
indica (L.) Chase in Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.
21:8, 1908.
Type:
SRI LANKA: Sabaraganamuwa Province, Ratnapura District, 22.x.1974, Davidse
& D.B. Sumithraarachehi 7871 (K).
Basionym: Aira
indica L., Sp. Pl. 1: 63, 1231, in errata
after index. 1753.
Phenology: May to November.
Habitat: Along muddy river banks.
Growth-form: Graminids.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Africa, Asia, America,
Australia, Brazil, China, Myanmar, New Zealand, Sri Lanka. India: Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Kolasib District, slopes of Tlawng
River, 1,598 m, 02.vii.2011, S. Pathak 48493 (CAL).
19. Setaria
pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult., Syst. Veg.
ed. 15(2): 891. 1817.
Type: Unknown locality (probably
FRANCE or NORTH AFRICA), Desfontaines s.n. (P).
Basionym: Panicum pumilum
Poir., Encycl. Suppl. 4(1): 273. 1816.
Phenology:
Late February to September.
Habitat: Along the fringes and marshes of
the lakes.
Growth-form: Helophyte/ Ephydate.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Tropical regions of the
world (Kabeer & Nair, 2009), Bhutan, France. India: Sikkim, Tamil Nadu,
West Bengal, and Mizoram (present study).
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Champhai District, on the banks of Rihdil
Lake near Zokhawthar, 1,678 m, 16.vi.2016, S.
Pathak 48553 (CAL).
20. Setaria
verticillata (L.) P. Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 51, 171. 1812.
Type:
EUROPE (Europa australi & Oriente).
Basionym: Panicum verticillatum L.,
Sp. Pl. (ed. 2) 1: 82. 1762.
Phenology: Almost throughout the year.
Habitat: Muddy banks of rivers.
Growth-form: Helophyte/ Ephydate.
Status: Common.
Distribution:
Tropical regions of the world; Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, introduced in
America. India: Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tamil
Nadu, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Chhimtuipui District, slopes of Chhimtuipui
River, 846 m, 02.viii.2017, S. Pathak 48559 (CAL).
21. Setaria
viridis (L.) Peauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 51, 171, 178.
1812.
Type:
EUROPE (Europa australi).
Basionym: Panicum viride
L., Syst. Nat. (ed. 10) 2: 670. 1759.
Phenology: Almost throughout the year.
Habitat: Along the edges of lakes and
streams.
Growth-form: Helophyte/ Ephydate.
Status: Common.
Distribution:
China, Eurasia, plateau of Tibet, c. 4,000 m; cooler parts of the world. India:
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Saiha District, slopes and edges of Palak Lake, 370 m,
06.ix.2017, S. Pathak 48537 (CAL).
22. Sporobolus
diandrus (Retz.) P. Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 26, 147, 178.
1812.
Type:
INDIA: Koenig s.n. (Holo:
LD; Iso: BM, C, K, L, NSW).
Basionym: Agrostis diandra Retz.,
Observ. Bot. 5: 19. 1789.
Phenology: April to August.
Habitat: Marshes of the river banks.
Growth-form: Helophyte/Ephydate.
Status: Very Common.
Distribution: Cosmopolitan in the tropical
and sub tropical regions; Mynmar,
Sri Lanka extending up to Australia. India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu,
Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Lunglei district, marshes of Deh
River, 1,009 m, 07.x.2018, S. Pathak 48501 (CAL).
23. Sporobolus
fertilis (Steud.)
Clayton in Kew Bull. 19: 291. 1965.
Type:
JAPAN: Burger s.n. (Isolecto:
K, P, L).
Basionym: Agrostis fertilis Steud., Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 170.
1854.
Phenology: April to December.
Habitat: Along river fringes and muddy
slopes.
Growth-form: Helophyte/ Ephydate.
Status: Common.
Distribution: Asia, Australia, China.
India: Andaman, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West
Bengal.
Specimen examined: Mizoram, Lunglei District, marshes of Deh
River, 1,009 m, 07.x.2018, S. Pathak 48396 (CAL).
In
the current study, 16 genera having 23 species under family Poaceae
(grasses) from the various wetlands of Mizoram were encountered. They were
worked out taxonomically, identified and preserved. The study revealed that,
the diversity of the wetland grasses observed in the concerned geographical
area remained quite dissimilar to other places of India. The assemblage of the
grasses in the wetlands significantly altered in accordance with the
availability of soil and intensity of light. Moreover, many species exhibited a
wide range of tolerance to the variations in the altitude, wind velocity and
intensity of submergence. The species
also showed longer culms where the height of water was higher than those in the
marshy zones. Furthermore, the plant height gradually decreased with the
increase in altitude.
In addition to the above, the comparative
account of the wetland grass species assemblage indicated variations in the
richness and the abundance in accordance with the soil and slope pattern. The
extent of species range and plant assemblage in close proximity of large water
bodies was considerably higher than that of forested wetlands. Thus, the
pattern of the assemblage in the wetlands depends on the water regime, soil
nutrient content, altitude and use as observed in varied geographical
locations.
Conclusion
The
present study based on 23 wetlands grasses is purely a taxonomic approach with
notes on location, type, growth form, phenology, and distribution. Extending
the observations to the present context, continuous monitoring of the wetlands
should be continued to retrieve the variations in the distribution of the
wetland grasses and associated changes in the community structure. These kinds
of revisions are always important for the studies of ecological characteristics
of the wetlands, their restoration and conservation.
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