v7i2.173

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v7i2.173

Submitted date: 21 April 2014
Accepted date: 14 October 2014
Published date: 20 February 2015
Pp. 98, Pl. 7.

Leptolejeunea epiphylla (Lejeuneaceae): An addition to the Western Ghats

K.C. Kariyappa & A.E.D. Daniels*
*Corresponding author. E-mail: dulipdaniels@yahoo.co.uk

During a bryophyte survey, Leptolejeunea epiphylla was collected at Mundanthurai and Palode in the Western Ghats, India. In both localities it was found to inhabit the leaves of Arenga wightii Griff., an endemic, understorey palm, commonly seen in evergreen and riparian forests of the southern Western Ghats. This record is an addition to the liverwort flora (especially to the epiphyllous flora) of the Indian mainland because in India, this species was so far known only from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is one among the 11 species of Leptolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn so far known to occur in India . The species is briefly described and illustrated, and its distribution is mapped.

Section Editor: William R. Buck