Diversity and Distribution of Liverworts in Gujarat – Current Status

Abstract

The liverwort diversity in Gujarat has been mostly neglected by biodiversity researchers across the state and more than 75% of the districts have never been investigated for their bryo-diversity. A detailed study was conducted during 2013-2015 covering 75 locations spread over 31 of the 33 district of the state to understand the diversity and distribution of liverworts in the state. The liverwort diversity in the state now stands at 22 species of which 16 species were located in the current study. Genus Riccia has the maximum diversity in the state. Cyathodium cavernarum Kunze. was the most widely distributed species being located in 17 out of the 31 districts studied. Taxilejeunea ghatensis, Riccia crystallina and R. cavernosa are new records to the state. Genus Marchantia is also being reported for the first time. Dangs and Panchmahal districts have the highest liverwort diversity with 10 species each.