Epiphytic Moss Flora of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (M.P.): An Important Aspect of Bryophyte Diversity

Pachmarhi biosphere reserve (PBR) encompasses 3 biodiversity conservation units viz. Pachmarhi Sanctuary, Satpura National Park and Bori Sanctuary, extending to an area of 4987.38 square km. PBR has been recognized as one of the 26 endemic centers of the country and therefore the diversity of flora at the region holds much significance. The bryophyte diversity of PBR has been a matter of consideration by workers over several decades. The present work describes 13 epiphytes belonging to 9 families and 11 genera among which 5 taxa viz. Platygyriella aurea (Schwaegr.) Buck, Leucoloma amoene—virens Mitt., Meiothecium microcarpum (Hook.) Mitt., Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) C. Muell. and Entodontopsis setschwanica (Broth.) Buck & Ireland are new to PBR. Stereophyllaceae, Hypnaceae and Dicranaceae emerged as relatively frequent families and Entodontopsis nitens and Entodontopsis leucostega as the dominant taxa. Epiphytic flora of a region accounts for ecological and environmental importance therefore, unveiling of epiphytic moss flora of PBR will undoubtedly aid in further studies on biodiversity.