Floristic Diversity of Pteridophytes in the Rocky Outcrops of Kumarapuram-Thoppur, Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

A taxonomic study was conducted to document the diversity of pteridophytes in the rocky outcrops of Kumarapuram-Thoppur, Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, located within the Southern Western Ghats. A total of 20 species, representing 15 genera and 9 families, were recorded. The dominant family was Pteridaceae (6 species), followed by Aspleniaceae and Ophioglossaceae (3 species each). Other families, such as Salviniaceae and Polypodiaceae, contained 2 species each, while Isoetaceae, Schizaceae, Marsileaceaeand Selaginellaceae were monospecific. Habitat-wise, terrestrial species were the most abundant (8 species), followed by aquatic and lithophytic (5 each), and epiphytic (2) species. The findings highlight the significant ecological diversity of pteridophytes in this region, with a predominance of species adapted to rocky and aquatic environments. This diversity is threatened by anthropogenic disturbances, particularly mining, which may impact the delicate balance of these ecosystems. Further conservation efforts are essential to protect this unique flora.