A Bryofloristic Ecological Assessment of Assam, India

Abstract

Bryophytes, an interesting group of non-vascular cryptogams, constitute one of the important components of phytodiversity of Assam. The present paper deals with an ecological assessment of bryophytes with particular reference to their habitat preferences of Assam, India. In the present investigations a total of 162 taxa of bryophytes (Liverworts, Hornworts & Mosses) under 90 genera and 39 families have been recorded with their proper habitat which reveals an exquisite variety of habitats for their luxuriant growth and spread with an interesting and characteristic bryo-vegetation in Assam. Accordingly, attempt was made to gain an insight into the peculiarities of distribution of the taxa of Bryoflora in different microhabitats such as river bank, river bed, earth cutting slopes, termite mound; tree trunks, knotholes of tree trunks, rotten wood logs; fruit bodies of wood rotting fungi, birds’ nest, old historical monuments etc., which will be considered as noteworthy contributions towards the Bryoflora of Assam considering both taxonomical and ecological aspects.