A Systematic Review of Pteridophytic Flora of the Newly Established Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, Assam, in North-Eastern India

Abstract

The present study provides a systematic review of pteridophytic flora recorded from Sikhna National Park, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Assam. Extensive field surveys were conducted over a period of nearly one year, from January 2020 to September 2021, covering different seasons to document the diversity and distribution of species. A comprehensive review has been prepared based on systematic field collections, critical examination of specimens, and consultation of relevant floras, manuals, published literature, and academic thesis. As a result, a total of 39 species belonging to 29 genera and 22 families of pteridophytes have been recorded from the study area. Analysis of life-form distribution reveals that terrestrial species dominate the flora, accounting for more than 61% (24 species) of the total recorded taxa. Epiphytic species constitute about 20% (8 species), indicating the availability of suitable host trees and favourable microclimatic conditions within the forest. In addition, four species of climbers and three species of aquatic ferns were also documented, reflecting the habitat heterogeneity of Sikhna National Park. A comparative assessment of the 22 dominant families of pteridophytes occurring in the area shows that Pteridaceae is the most dominant family. The number of Stenochlaena palustries ( Burm.) Bedd., Nephrolepsis radicans (Burm.f) Kuhn., Trigonospora ciliata (Wall. ex Benth.) Holtt., Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Hoffm. species are encountered inside the National Park which is not recorded in the early work. The study emphasizes that Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park harbours a virgin forest with considerable pteridophytic diversity and underscores the need for long-term and detailed studies for more comprehensive documentation and conservation planning.

Introduction

Pteridophytes are non-flowering, spore-bearing vascular plants comprising ferns and fern allies that once dominated Earth’s vegetation, particularly during the Carboniferous period. Globally, there are over 13,000 species, with India hosting more than 1,000 species across numerous families and genera. Although pteridophytes form only about 5% of India’s vascular plant diversity, the country has significant endemic, rare, and threatened species. Extensive floristic and taxonomic studies have been conducted across various Indian regions, yet fern allies remain underrepresented in many local floras, especially in parts of Assam.

In Assam, while several studies have documented pteridophytic diversity, comprehensive coverage is limited, particularly in the lower Assam region and newly established protected areas. The present study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic taxonomic enumeration of pteridophytes in Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park.

The methodology involved regular field surveys, specimen collection, identification, herbarium preparation, and detailed morphological documentation following standard botanical practices. Specimens were preserved and deposited at the Bodoland University Botanical Herbarium.

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, notified in 2025, is located in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam and forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve. The park is ecologically and culturally significant, characterized by rich biodiversity, unique habitats, and notable features such as pneumatophores and a hot water spring. It supports diverse flora and fauna, including endangered wildlife and a high diversity of butterflies, making it an important site for documenting pteridophytic diversity and strengthening botanical knowledge of the region.

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Copyright © 2026 Sansuma Basumatary. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.