Exploring the Bryophyte Spectrum of Meenmutty, Kallar
Abstract
The present study investigates the diversity and distribution of bryophytes in the ecologically rich and undisturbed region of Meenmutty, Kallar, located at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Bryophytes comprising mosses, liverworts, and hornworts play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating humidity, aiding soil formation, and serving as bioindicators of environmental health.
Extensive field surveys were conducted across varying microhabitats including moist rocks, tree trunks, shaded soil, and waterfall adjacent zones. A total of 47 bryophyte taxa were recorded, encompassing 32 moss species, 12 liverwort species and 3 hornwort species, distributed across 21 families. Several species, such as Fissidens spp., Riccia spp., and Marchantia spp., were found thriving in high humidity niches. The occurrence of certain rare and endemic taxa suggests that the Meenmutty Kallar zone offers ideal conditions for bryophyte proliferation due to its perennial water flow, dense canopy cover, and undisturbed terrain.
This study not only contributes to the regional bryoflora documentation but also emphasizes the conservation importance of micro ecosystems often overlooked in broader biodiversity assessments. Further taxonomic and ecological research is recommended to assess seasonal variations and ecological roles of these non vascular plants in the Meenmutty region.
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