Subaerial algal flora of Similipal biosphere reserve, Odisha, India

Abstract

Similipal biosphere is 2,750 km2 (1,060 sq mi) in size and is located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. The aim of this study was to collect and document various algal forms growing on tree bark, rock surfaces and other subaerial habitats in Similipal Biosphere Reserve. In the present study, a total of 27 algal species under 20 genera, 17 families and 9 orders of 4 divisions (Cyanoprokaryota, Chlorophyta and Charophyta, Bacillariophyta) are reported from different sites of Similipal biosphere reserve, Odisha. Out of 27 algal species, 23 species are recorded for the first time from this biosphere reserve; such as Anabaena fuellebornii, Leptolyngbya foveolarum , Nostoc sp., Tolypothrix scytonematoides, Westiellopsis prolifica, Chlorella minuta, Chlorococcum sp., Coelastrella sp., Dictyococcus varians, Dictyochloropsis sp., Gloeocystis gigas, Kirchneriella aperta, Kirchneriella obesa, Monoraphidium contortum, Monoraphidium indicum, Monoraphidium tortile, Stichococcus minor, Symbiochloris irregularis, Cosmarium sp., Klebsormidium dissectum, Klebsormidium flaccidum, Gomphonema sp., Pinnularia borealis