Aijaz Hassan Ganie

Ceratophyllum platyacanthum subsp. oryzetorum (Kom.) Les (Ceratophyllaceae): an addition to the flora of India from Kashmir Himalaya

Ceratophyllum platyacanthum Cham. subsp. oryzetorum (Kom.) Les (Ceratophyllaceae) is recorded for the first time from Kashmir Himalaya and India. The species differs from its closely related taxon, Ceratophyllum demersum, in having smaller leaves and the fruit with a facial spine. A comparison between Ceratophyllum demersum and C. platyacanthum subsp. oryzetorum , and the taxonomic description, photographs and distribution map are provided to facilitate its field identification in the region.

Clonal growth architecture and spatial dynamics of 10 species of the genus Potamogeton across different habitats in Kashmir Valley, India

The plasticity in clonal architecture may enable plants to effectively respond to environmental constraints and to enhance species ecological niche breadth but its role in plant tolerance to water flow is poorly documented. The present study was carried out to determine whether the clonal architecture varies with respect to water flow in 10 species of the genus Potamogeton colonizing habitats differing by flow conditions. For these 10 species, the traits describing clonal architecture were measured on individuals sampled in natural sites and plasticity in clonal architecture was examined in a common garden growth experiment. The clonal growth architecture did not vary significantly in the species which inhabit either standing (P. lucens, P. natans, and P. pusillus) or running water (P. amblyphyllus and P. berchtoldii). However, the species inhabiting both standing as well as running waters (P. crispus, P. nodosus, P. pectinatus, P. perfoliatus, and P. wrightii) showed considerable and significant variation in clonal growth architecture across these habitats. Transplantation experiment revealed that clonal architecture observed between the plants under different conditions is plastic and not due to genetic differentiation. The present study demonstrated that plasticity in the clonal architecture may enable these species to inhabit stressful conditions of flowing water.

On correct identification, range expansion and management implications of Myriophyllum aquaticum in Kashmir Himalaya, India

The misidentification of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. in the Kashmir Himalaya, India is corrected. In addition to its taxonomic description and illustration, the paper discusses the range expansion of this invasive plant species into different aquatic habitats and management implications in the region.

Typha orientalis Presl (Typhaceae): a new species record for India

Typha orientalis C. Presl (Typhaceae) is recorded for the first time from the Kashmir Himalaya, India.and for the first time in the entire Indian sub-continent. A detailed taxonomic description and photographs of the diagnostic characters are provided to facilitate its identification in the field. Also provided are diagnostic characters used to distinguish T. orientalis C. Presl from T. latifolia L.

Weed flora of raised bunds and undulated lands growing along the rice fields of Kashmir Valley

For an effective weed management in the rice fields, it is crucial to identify the actual weeds as well as those growing on the raised bunds and undulated lands nearby rice fields. The present study was carried out with this aim to record the weeds growing on bunds and nearby undulated lands of the rice fields in Kashmir Valley, so that not only the actual weeds inside the rice field but also the nearby growing weed species that may pose future risk could also be targeted under the weed management practices. During the present study, 58 weed species belonging to 45 genera and 27 families were recorded along raised bunds and undulated lands of rice fields in Kashmir Valley. Of these, 38 weed species were terrestrial and 20 were semi-aquatic species; and it is the latter set of species that can become the future weeds of rice fields in the region.

Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nevski (Orchidaceae): an addition to flora of India from Kashmir Himalaya

Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. &Kir.) Nevski is reported for the first time from Kashmir Himalaya, India. A brief description, illustration, photographs of diagnostic features, and a distribution map is provided. Also provided are comparative characters to distinguish D. umbrosa from other species already known from Kashmir Himalaya: D. hatagirea, D. kafiriana and D. viridis . The species shows rare distribution in the alpine habitats of this Himalayan region and overexploitation for local use poses threat to the existence of this rare medicinal orchid species. Therefore, the documentation of this species assumes significance for devising conservation strategies and sustainable use in this Himalayan region.