Diversity and Chorotype Analysis of the Pteridophytes of Zimbabwe

Abstract

In the current investigation, an attempt has been made to document the floristic diversity and chorotype analysis of Pteridophytes growing in Zimbabwe. Previously published literature and online sources were consulted to confirm the nomenclature, precise locations, chorotype, stages of invasion, and conservation status of the Pteridophytes in Zimbabwe. The updated list of Pteridophyte taxa confirms that there are 297 taxa belonging to 83 genera and 19 families. The largest family is Aspleniaceae, with 78 taxa (26.26%), followed by Polypodiaceae and Pteridaceace with 67 taxa (22.56%) and 54 taxa (18.18%), respectively. The largest genus is Asplenium L., with 46 taxa (15.49%), followed by Hemionitis L. with 22 taxa (7.41%), Ophioglossum L. (16 taxa, 5.39%), Thelypteris Schmidel (14 taxa, 4.71%), and Elaphoglossum Schott ex J.Sm. (12 taxa, 4.04%). A total of 20 taxa (6.73%) are threatened with extinction, emphasizing the need for detailed knowledge of the nomenclature, conservation status, and distribution of Pteridophytes taxa in Zimbabwe. Research focusing on the diversity, ecology, and conservation status of Pteridophytes is imperative for biodiversity conservation, as they are an important component of natural ecosystems adapted to different habitats. Therefore, future studies on Pteridophytes in Zimbabwe should explore how the lack of floristic data on the plant group can hinder ecological research.