Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2024 | 16(6): 25410-25421

 

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) 

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9044.16.6.25410-25421

#9044 | Received 27 March 2024 | Final received 25 May 2024 | Finally accepted 08 June 2024

 

 

Addition to the liverwort flora (Marchantiophyta) of Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Nonya Chimyang 1, Pherkop Mossang 2, Anshul Dhyani 3, Heikham Evelin 4, Prem Lal Uniyal 5, Devendra Singh6, Meghna Paul 7 & S.K. Nasim Ali 8

 

1,2,4 Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh 791112, India.

1,2,3,5 Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India.

4 Department of Life Sciences (Botany), Manipur University, Imphal, Manipur 795003, India.

6.7.8 Botanical Survey of India, Central National Herbarium, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India.

1 nonya.chimyang@rgu.ac.in, 2 ferkopm01@gmail.com, 3 anshuld42@gmail.com, 4 heikham.evelin@rgu.ac.in (corresponding author), 5 uniyalpl@rediffmail.com, 6 singhdrds@rediffmail.com, 7 meghnapaul87@gmail.com, 8 sknasimalivu@gmail.com

 

 

Editor: Anonymity requested.            Date of publication: 26 June 2024 (online & print)

 

Citation: Chimyang, N., P. Mossang, A. Dhyani, H. Evelin, P.L. Uniyal, D. Singh, M. Paul & S.K.N. Ali (2024). Addition to the liverwort flora (Marchantiophyta) of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 16(6): 25410-25421. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9044.16.6.25410-25421

  

Copyright: © Chimyang et al. 2024. 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: This research received no external funding.

 

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Author details: Nonya Chimyang is a research scholar, currently pursuing her Ph.D. Pherkop Mossang is a research scholar, currently enrolled in the Ph.D. programme. Anshul Dhyani is a Ph.D. scholar. Heikham Evelin is an associate professor. Prem Lal Uniyal is a senior professor. Devendra Singh is a scientist. Meghna Paul and Sk Nasim Ali are research scholars.

 

Authors contribution: NC collected the specimens, prepared herbarium species, and examined detailed morphological and anatomical characters. PM, AD, MP, and SNA studied detailed morphological and anatomical characters. PLU and DS established and confirmed the identity of the species. HE conceptualized the study and guided throughout the entire research process.

 

Acknowledgements: The authors are thankful to Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, University of Delhi, Delhi and Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata for providing research facilities. NC and PM are grateful to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India for providing National Fellowship for Tribal Students.

 

 

Abstract: The present study identified 20 liverwort species from Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, India, marking the first ever documentation of bryophytes from the region. The specimens were collected from various locations within the study area and subsequently brought to the laboratory. Micromorphological and anatomical characteristics of the specimens were analysed and identified by consulting relevant literatures. Three species, viz. Plagiochila himalayana Schiffn., P. khasiana Mitt., and Solenostoma lanigerum (Mitt.) Váňa & D.G.Long, are newly reported for the first time from the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The species were found to be an integral part of ecosystem growing in association with various plant species, providing soil stability, and shelter for other organisms. The study is important for understanding bryophyte diversity and ecosystem health of the region. In addition, it will also help in planning conservation strategy and sustainable management of bryophytes, their habitat or host species and the overall biodiversity in the region.

 

Keywords: Bryophytes, conservation, diversity, eastern Himalaya, ecosystem, epiphytic, Plagiochila himalayana, Plagiochila khasiana, Solenostoma lanigerum, Tirap district.

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Marchantiophyta is globally represented by about 7,486 species (Söderstorm et al. 2016) of which nearly 854 species have been recorded in India (Singh et al. 2016a; Majumdar & Dey 2021). A few studies reported the presence of liverworts in Arunachal Pradesh. Deo & Singh (2013, 2014, 2016, 2020), Singh & Singh (2016) documented bryophytes from West Siang district, Majumdar et al. (2013), Majumdar & Singh (2015, 2016, 2017) and Singh et al. (2016b) reported bryophytes from Anjaw district. Rawat & Verma (2014) and Rawat et al. (2017) collected bryophytes from Tawang District and Dey et al. (2009) from many areas of Arunachal Pradesh. In total, at present 84 species of liverworts from the state are recorded. However, the Tirap district of the state was bryologically unattended.

Tirap district is a part of the Eastern Himalayas, one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. It is located in the southernmost part of the state and lies between the latitude 27.018 °N, 95.519 °E (District website of Tirap 2022, accessed on 22 September 2022). The elevation of the district ranges 200–4,000 m in the northwest to the Patkai hills. Tirap is bounded by Changlang district in the east, Assam state in the north, Longding district and Nagaland in the west, and Myanmar in the south (Wangpan et al. 2019). The district has an annual rainfall of 2,754 mm per year and temperature ranges 14–25 0C (World Data Atlas 2023). The vegetation of Tirap is primarily comprised of tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, with interspersed grasslands and temperate forests in the upper elevations. The temperature in Tirap is moderate to warm with frequent rainfall. The district offers a virgin area for the diverse and luxuriant growth of many plants including bryophytes. The inhabitants of Tirap, revere and offer prayers to nature for their reliance on plants for food, shelter, livelihood, and well–being. Wangpan et al. (2019) and Tangjang et al. (2011) documented flowering plants for various purposes such as food, medicine, and house construction. The district remained unattended for the lower plant groups like bryophytes and pteridophytes which provide the intricate relation with the higher plants. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to survey and document the bryoflora of the region (Figure 1).

 

 

Materials and Methods

 

Liverwort samples were collected from the Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, India, during May 2021 and 2022. Field data, including habit, habitat, temperature, humidity, and soil types, were recorded for each species. The specimens were initially stored in zip-lock plastic bags, air-dried, and later transferred to paper bags in the laboratory. To aid in identification, the specimens were rehydrated in water until they regained their original shape. Micromorphological and anatomical characteristics were studied using a stereo zoom microscope (Zeiss Stemi 508) and a compound microscope (Zeiss Lab A.1). Identification was based on relevant literature. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of Arunachal University (HAU) and the Delhi University Herbarium (DUH), following the classification system by Crandall-Stotler et al. (2009).

 

 

Results

 

Throughout the study, 20 liverwort species from 15 genera and 11 families were documented in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, representing the initial record of bryophytes in this area (Table 1).

Among the recorded species, three species, viz, Plagiochila himalayana Schiffn., P. khasiana Mitt., and Solenostoma lanigerum (Mitt.) Váňa & D.G.Long., are noteworthy as they are recorded for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh.

A majority of these species were observed in damp, shady locations, thriving on both soil and rocks (e.g. Solenostoma lanigerum, Notoscyphus darjeelingensis Udar & Ad. Kumar var. darjeelingensis, Plagiochila uniformis, P. khasiana). Few species were epiphytic (Frullania arecae, Spruceanthus semirepandus), while some could be found on multiple substrates, including soil, rocks, and the roots and debris of other plants (Riccardia inconspicua (Steph.) Reeb & Bardat, Heteroscyphus argutus (Reinw., Blume & Nees) Schiffn.). The frequently recorded species in the study area are Dumortiera hirsuta (Sw.) Nees and Targionia hypophylla L., followed by Ptychanthus striatus (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Nees, Riccardia inconspicua (Steph.) Reeb & Bardatand and Solenostoma lanigerum (Mitt.) Váňa & D.G. Long. The species, which were found only in small patches are Lejeunea tuberculosa Steph. and Notoscyphus darjeelingensis var. darjeelingensis. Image 1–Image 5. The reported species are enumerated here.

 

ANEURACEAE

Riccardia inconspicua (Steph.) Reeb & Bardat, Cryptog. Bryol. 35(1): 61. 2014.

Habitat: Terrestrial and epilithic, growing on soil and rock in association with moss species in moist and shady areas. The species was in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Khonsa Circle. Lapnan–Hydel Road. 26.996 °N; 95.489 °E; elevation 580 m. HAU/AN- 1866; DUH15116.

Distribution: India [Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore (Sahu & Asthana 2022; Sahu et al. 2023).

 

Riccardia multifida (L.) Gray, Nat. Arr. Brit. Pl. 1: 684. 1821.

Habitat: Epixylic, growing on rotten wood. The species was found in the reproductive stage with gynoecium and androecium branches.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Namsang Circle. 27.099 °N; 95.472 °E; elevation 265 m. HAU/AN- 1868; DUH15521.

Distribution: India [Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Sikkim - East and West districts, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], China, Hawaii, Russia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, Africa, Europe, Micronesia, North America (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

DUMORTIERACEAE

Dumortiera hirsuta (Sw.) Nees, Nova Acta Phys.-Med. Acad. Caes. Leop. -Carol. Nat. Cur. 12(1): 410. 1825.

Habitat: Terrestrial, growing on soil in moist and shady areas. The species was in the reproductive stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Khonsa Circle. Lapnan Village. 26.988 °N; 95.487 °E; elevation 809 m. HAU/AN- 1939; DUH15128.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Africa, Europe, Hawaii, Japan, Nepal, New Zealand, North America (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

FRULLANIACEAE

Frullania arecae (Spreng.) Gottsche Mexik. Leverm. 236. 1863 var. arecae

Habitat: Epiphytic, growing on bark of Saurauia roxburghii Wall. together with Ptychostomum capillare (Hedw.) D.T.Holyoak & N.Pedersen, Porella caespitans var. cordifolia (Steph.) S.Hatt. ex T.Katag. & T.Yamag, Spruceanthus semirepandus (Nees) Verd. The species was found in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Moktowa Village. 26.871 °N; 95.457 °E; elevation 1,805 m. HAU/AN- 1940; DUH15513.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim - East, West, North and South districts, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal], Bhutan, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Pacific Is., Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Africa, Australia, North America, South America (Majumdar 2017; Singh & Singh 2023).

 

GEOCALYCACEAE

Notoscyphus darjeelingensis Udar & Ad.Kumar, J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 49: 250.1981. var. darjeelingensis

Habitat: Terrestrial, growing on damp soil. The species was found in vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Dadam–Moktowa road. 26.926 °N; 95.470 °E; elevation 1,097 m. HAU/AN- 1946; DUH15120.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal] (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

HERBERTACEAE

Herbertus armitianus (Steph.) H.A.Mill., J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 28: 324. 1965.

Habitat: Terrestrial, growing on soil. The species was found in vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Moktowa Village. 26.870 °N; 95.456 °E; elevation 1,826 m. HAU/AN- 1941; DUH15520.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim - East, West, and North districts], Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

LEJEUNEACEAE

Spruceanthus semirepandus (Nees) Verd., Ann. Bryol., Suppl. 4: 153. 1934.

Habitat: Epiphytic, growing on tree bark of Saurauia roxburghii Wall. in association with Ptychostomum capillare (Hedw.) D.T.Holyoak & N.Pedersen, Porella caespitans var. cordifolia (Steph.) S.Hatt. ex T.Katag. & T.Yamag, Frullania arecae (Spreng.) Gottsche var. arecae. The species was found in vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Moktowa Village. 26.871 °N; 95.457 °E; elevation 1,805 m. HAU/AN- 1945; DUH15515.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

Lejeunea tuberculosa Steph., Sp. Hepat. 5: 790. 1915.

Habitat: Epilithic, growing on rock. The species was found in vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Dadam–Moktowa road. 26.922 °N; 95.456 °E; elevation 1,205 m. HAU/AN- 1944; DUH15119.

Distribution: India [Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Africa, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

Ptychanthus striatus (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Nees, Naturgesch. Eur. Leberm. 3: 212. 1838.

Habitat: Epiphytic, growing on branches of Pouzolzia rugulosa (Wedd.) Acharya & Kravtsova in association with Pelekium investe (Mitt.) Touw, Pseudotrachypus convolvens (Mitt.) W.R.Buck, Meteoriopsis reclinata (Müll.Hal.) M.Fleisch.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Laju Circle. Kolam village. 26.937 °N; 95.576 °E; elevation 1,588 m. HAU/AN- 1859; DUH15123.

Distribution: India [Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Africa, Australia. Bhutan, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

LEPIDOZIACEAE

Bazzania sumbavensis (Gottsche ex Steph.) Steph., Hedwigia 32: 204. 1893.

Habitat: Epilithic, growing on rock. The species was found in vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Namsang Circle. Namsang Village. 27.100 °N; 95.472 °E; elevation 257 m. HAU/AN- 1938; DUH15516.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, West Bengal, Kerala], Bhutan, Java, Indonesia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Thailand (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

LOPHOCOLEACEAE

Heteroscyphus argutus (Reinw., Blume & Nees) Schiffn., Oesterr. Bot. Z. 60: 172. 1910.

Habitat: Epilithic and Terrestrial. Growing on rock, soil and roots of ferns, and debris of other plants, in association with hornwort sp. and moss spp. at moist and shady area. The species was found in vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Khonsa Circle. Khonsa–Hydel Road. 26.996 °N; 95.489 °E; elevation 580 m. HAU/AN- 1947; DUH15113.

Distribution: India [Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Melanesia, Nepal, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South America, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vietnam (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

MARCHANTIACEAE

Marchantia linearis Lehm. & Lindenb., Nov. Stirp. Pug. 4: 8. 1832.

Habitat: Growing on soil and rock.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Khonsa Circle. Lapnan village. 26.989 °N; 95.483 °E; elevation 901 m. HAU/AN- 1949; DUH15519.

Distribution: India [Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal], Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, West Indies (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

Marchantia polymorpha L., Sp. Pl. 2: 1137. 1753.

Habitat: Growing on black, hard, rock-like soil together with Pohlia crudoides (Sull. & Lesq.) Broth. The species was found in the reproductive stage with male and female thalli bearing matured antheridia and archegonia.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Laju Circle. On the way to Pongkong village. 26.893 °N; 95.540 °E; elevation 1,337 m. HAU/AN- 1950; DUH15125.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim - East and North districts, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], widely distributed throughout the globe (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

PLAGIOCHILACEAE

Plagiochila himalayana Schiffn., Oesterr. Bot. Z. 49: 131. 1899.

Habitat: Epiphytic, growing on the tree. The species was found in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Dadam Village. 26.904 °N; 95.458 °E; elevation 1,080 m. HAU/AN- 1954; DUH15517.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh (Present Study), Kerala, Sikkim, West Bengal], Bhutan, China (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

Plagiochila khasiana Mitt., J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 5: 95. 1861 [1860].

Habitat: Epilithic, growing on rock. The species was found in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Moktowa Village. 26.870 °N; 95.453 °E; elevation 1,765 m. HAU/AN- 1955; DUH15122.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh (present study), eastern Himalaya, Kerala, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, western Himalaya], Bhutan, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

Plagiochila sciophila Nees ex Lindenb., Sp. Hepat. (Lindenberg) (fasc. 2–4): 100. 1840.

Habitat: Epilithic, growing on rock. The species was in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Khonsa Circle. Lapnan village. 26.988 °N; 95.487 °E; elevation 809 m. HAU/AN- 1956; DUH15114.

Distribution: India [Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Australia, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

Plagiochila uniformis Mitt., J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 5: 98. 1861 [1860].

Habitat: Epilithic, growing on rock. The species was found in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Moktowa Village. 26.870 °N; 95.452 °E; elevation 1,730 m. HAU/AN- 1957; DUH15518.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand (Majumdar 2017; Singh & Singh 2023).

 

PORELLACEAE

Porella caespitans (Steph.) S.Hatt. ex T.Katag. & T.Yamag., Bryol. Res. 10(5): 133. 2011. var. cordifolia

Habitat: Epiphytic, growing on the bark of Saurauia roxburghii Wall. together with Frullania arecae (Spreng.) Gottsche var. arecae, Rosulabryum capillare (Hedw.) J.R. Spence, Spruceanthus semirepandus (Nees) Verd. The species was in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Moktowa Village. 26.871 °N; 95.457 °E; elevation 1,805 m. HAU/AN- 1953; DUH15514.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand], Bhutan, China, Nepal, Russia, Taiwan (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

SOLENOSTOMACEAE

Solenostoma lanigerum (Mitt.) Váňa & D.G.Long, Nova Hedwigia 89: 503. 2009.

Habitat: Terrestrial, growing on soil. The species was in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Dadam Circle. Dadam Village. 26.904 °N; 95.458 °E; elevation 1,070 m. HAU/AN- 1960; DUH15132.

Distribution: India [Arunachal Pradesh (present study), Meghalaya, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], China, Nepal, Pakistan (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

TARGIONIACEAE

Targionia hypophylla L., Sp. Pl. 2: 1136. 1753.

Habitat: Terrestrial and epilithic, growing abundantly on soil and rock. The species was in the vegetative stage.

Specimen examined: India, Arunachal Pradesh, Tirap District, Laju Circle. Kolam Village. 26.938 °N; 95.577 °E; elevation 1,527 m. HAU/AN- 1961; DUH15124.

Distribution: India [Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal], widely distributed throughout the globe (Singh & Singh 2023).

 

 

Discussion

 

The study area represents a diverse species of liverworts, owing to its mild temperature, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. Dumortiera hirsuta and Targionia hypophylla were the most frequently recorded species in the area, while Lejeunea tuberculosa and Notoscyphus darjeelingensis var. darjeelingensis were found only in small patches. The species were found inhabiting different habitats, for example, in damp shady locations, thriving on various substrates such as soil, rocks plant debris, etc. The prevalence of species in various habitats highlights the adaptability and resilience of liverworts in diverse environmental conditions. The observation of epiphytic species and those found on multiple substrates further emphasizes the ecological versatility of liverworts in colonizing different microhabitats. The frequently recorded species indicate their ecological importance and potential role in the local ecosystem. In addition, the species found in small patches signal the necessity to take conservation actions in order to safeguard them from the risk of extinction.

Many of the presently collected bryophyte samples were found growing exclusively on certain tree species. These host trees must be considered in conservation efforts as they serve as essential habitats for various species. Bryophytes enhance water-holding capacity, nutrient status, and soil particle aggregation. Consequently, other plant species associated with bryophytes may also benefit from them. Additionally, Tirap’s hilly terrain makes it highly susceptible to landslides. The widespread practice of Jhum cultivation in the area leads to deforestation, destroying natural habitats, and increasing soil erosion. Bryophytes, with their ability to naturally cover and restore disturbed habitats, can potentially play a crucial role in mitigating these environmental challenges in the region.

Therefore, this study contributes to the scientific understanding of liverwort diversity as well as the ecological importance of these understudied bryophytes in maintaining the balance and resilience of the region’s ecosystem. Continued research and conservation efforts are crucial to further unravel the intricate relationships between liverworts and their environment, ensuring the preservation of this unique botanical heritage in the eastern Himalaya.

 

 

Table 1. Liverwort species of Tirap District, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

 

Species

Family

1

Riccardia inconspicua (Steph.) Reeb & Bardat

Aneuraceae

2

Riccardia multifida (L.) Gray

Aneuraceae

3

Dumortiera hirsuta (Sw.) Nees

Dumortieraceae

4

Frullania arecae (Spreng.) Gottsche var. arecae

Frullaniaceae

5

Notoscyphus darjeelingensis Udar & Ad.Kumar var. darjeelingensis

Geocalycaceae

6

Herbertus armitanus (Steph.) H.A.Mill.

Herbertaceae

7

Lejeunea tuberculosa Steph.

Lejeuneaceae

8

Ptychanthus striatus (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Nees

Lejeuneaceae

9

Spruceanthus semirepandus (Nees) Verd.

Lejeuneaceae

10

Bazzania sumbavensis (Gottsche ex Steph.) Steph.

Lepidoziaceae

11

Heteroscyphus argutus (Reinw., Blume & Nees) Schiffn.

Lophocoleaceae

12

Marchantia linearis Lehm. & Lindenb. 

Marchantiaceae

13

Marchantia polymorpha L.

Marchantiaceae

14

Plagiochila himalayana Schiffn. *

Plagiochilaceae

15

Plagiochila khasiana Mitt. *

Plagiochilaceae

16

Plagiochila sciophila Nees ex Lindenb.

Plagiochilaceae

17

Plagiochila uniformis Mitt.

Plagiochilaceae

18

Porella caespitans var. cordifolia (Steph.) S.Hatt. ex T.Katag. & Yamag.

Porellaceae

19

Solenostoma lanigerum (Mitt.) Váňa & D.G.Long *

Solenostomaceae

20

Targionia hypophylla L.

Targioniaceae

Note: The superscript ‘*’ in the names of some bryophytes represents the new records for the state.

For figure & images -  - click here for full PDF

 

References

 

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Deo, S.S. & D.K. Singh (2013). Cheilolejeunea eximia (Lejeuneaceae: Marchantiophyta) – an addition to the Indian Bryoflora from Eastern Himalaya with a note on distribution of the genus in India. NeBIO  4(4): 52–57.

Deo, S.S. & D.K. Singh (2014). Plagiochila gymnoclada (Marchantiophyta: Plagiochilaceae) – new to Indian Bryoflora from eastern Himalaya with a note on distribution of the sect. Plagiochila in India. Nelumbo 56: 268–272. https://doi.org/10.20324/nelumbo/v56/2014/86659

Deo, S.S. & D.K. Singh (2020). Dinckleria singularis (Marchantiophyta: Plagiochilaceae)—An Addition to the Indian Liverwort Flora from Arunachal Pradesh. The Journal of Japanese Botany 95(5): 306–309. https://doi.org/10.51033/jjapbot.95_5_11042

Deo, S.S. & V. Singh (2016). Herbertus ramosus (Herbertaceae, Marchantiophyta) – an addition to Indian bryoflora from Arunachal Pradesh with a note on H. sendtneri. Lindbergia 39: 1–6. https://doi.org/10.25227/linbg.01066

Dey, M., D. Singh & D.K. Singh (2009). Some new and noteworthy records of Hepaticae from Eastern Himalaya, India. Indian Journal of Forestry 16(4): 669–684. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2009-3RQ71X 

Majumdar, S. (2017). Taxonomic studies on the hepaticae and anthocerotae (bryophytes) of Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh. PhD Thesis. Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, West Bengal, 103 pp.

Majumdar, S. & D.K. Singh (2015). A new species of the genus Plagiochila (Plagiochilaceae, Marchantiophyta) from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India. NeBIO 6(4): 8–12.

Majumdar, S. & D.K. Singh (2016). Jubula hutchinsiae subsp. hutchinsiae (Jubulaceae, Marchantiophyta) – An addition to the Indian Bryoflora from Eastern Himalaya. NeBIO 7(1): 6–9.

Majumdar, S. & D.K. Singh (2017). First Report of Anastrophyllum lignicola Anastrophyllaceae, Marchantiophyta) from Arunachal Pradesh in Eastern Himalaya of India. National Academy Science Letters 40(6): 439–444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-017-0580-3

Majumdar, S. & M. Dey (2020). A Handbook on Bryophytes with Special Reference to Type Specimens of Liverworts and Hornworts in Indian Herbaria. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 274 pp.

Majumdar, S. & M. Dey (2021). Present status of Liverworts and Hornworts in India. Annals of Plant Sciences 10(3): 4162–4166. https://doi.org/10.5281/aps.2021.10.3.1

Majumdar, S., S.S. Deo & D.K. Singh (2013). Plagiochilion braunianum (Plagiochilaceae, Marchantiophyta) - an addition to the Indian bryoflora from eastern Himalaya. Lindbergia 36: 19–24.

Rawat, K.K. & P.K. Verma (2014). On a collection of liverworts from Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India with Frullania rhystocolea Herzog new to India. Frahmia 8: 1–7.

Rawat, K.K., V. Sahu, C.P. Singh & P.K. Verma (2017). Additions to the Bryophyte flora of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Frahmia 13: 1–17.

Sahu, V. & A.K. Asthana (2022). Diversity and distribution of Liverworts in some under explored area of Manipur. Indian Forester 148(9): 931–937. https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2022/v148i9/154596

Sahu, V., A.K. Asthana & K.K. Rawat (2023). On Recent Survey of Liverworts and Hornworts (Bryophyta) of Nagaland, India. International Journal of Plant and Environment 9(3): 251–260. https://doi.org/10.18811/ijpen.v9i03.08

Singh, D. & D.K. Singh (2016). Lopholejeunea soae (Marchantiophyta: Lejeuneaceae)- New to India from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya. The Journal of Japanese Botany 91(5): 285–289. https://doi.org/10.51033/jjapbot.91_5_10687

Singh, D. & D.K. Singh (2023). Liverwort and Hornwort flora of Sikkim, Vol I and II. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 1222 pp.

Singh, D.K., S. Majumdar & S.S. Deo (2016a). Radula (Radulaceae, Marchantiophyta) in India with three new additions from Arunachal Pradesh in Eastern Himalaya. Cryptogamie, Bryologie 37(2): 167–180. https://doi.org/10.7872/cryb/v37.iss2.2016.167

Singh, D.K., S.K. Singh & D. Singh (2016b). Liverworts and Hornworts of India. An Annotated Checklist. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 439 pp.

Singh, S.K. & D.K. Singh (2009). Hepaticae & Anthocerotae of Great Himalayan National Park and its Environs (HP), India. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 465 pp.

Söderstorm, L., A. Hagborg, M. Konrat, S. Bartholomew-Began, D. Bell & L. Briscoe (2016). World checklist of hornworts and liverworts. PhytoKeys 59: 1–828. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.59.6261

Tangjang, S., N.D. Namsa, C. Aran & A. Litin (2011). An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in the Eastern Himalayan zone of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 134(1): 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.053

Wangpan, T., N. Chimyang, C. Lowang, T. Taka, J. Giba, P. Tesia & S. Tangjang (2019). Ethnobotanically important plants used by the Nocte Tribe of eastern Himalaya. Journal of Bioresources 6(1): 36–45.

World Data Atlas (2023). Accessed on 26 October 2023. https://knoema.com › atlas