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The current distribution and threat assessment of Dendrobium tenuicaule Hook. f. (Orchidaceae), an endemic orchid of Middle Andaman Island is presented here. New data available from field surveys indicated the species is Critically Endangered as per the 2001 IUCN Red List Catagories and Criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the Orchid flora of Assam 4 species of Micropera recorded Micropera mannii, Micropera obtusa, Micropera pallida and Micropera rostrata in an intensive survey during 1996-2011. The present paper deals Micropera species diversity and distribution in Assam, India. This attempt is the first step to correct taxonomic identification to workout currently accepted botanical names with present ecological status, date of collection, Voucher specimen numbers, habitat, phenology and local and general distribution of Micropera species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the high economic value of the Saussurea species in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the potential of most of the species is yet to be investigated. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution, habitat preference, nativity, endemism, status and indigenous uses of Saussurea species in the IHR. A total of 62 species were recorded from the IHR; of these, 37 species were native to the Himalayan region, 8 were endemic and 21 were near endemic to the IHR. Twenty-seven of the 28 species that were known to have indigenous uses also had medicinal value and are used for the treatment of various diseases/ailments. Many species, e.g., S. affinis (Ganga Mula*), S. auriculata (Pachak Kut), S. bracteata (Prerak Mul), S. costus (Kuth), S. gossypiphora (Kasturi Kamal) and S. obvallata (Brahm Kamal), have multiple uses. The genus showed high habitat specificity in that 16 species were recorded to be restricted to one or two habitats only. As many as 44 species were identified as rare in the study region. Considering the high industrial demand for raw materials and the endangered status of S. costus, S. gossypiphora, S. obvallata and S. simpsoniana (Fen Kamal), these species should be prioritized for conservation (in situ and ex situ) throughout the IHR. Population assessment of the rare-endangered, native, endemic and economically important species using standard ecological methods has been suggested for the quantification of the existing stock of these species in their natural habitats. Further, phytochemical investigations for the identification of active ingredients are suggested. Propagation and cultivation techniques are lacking for most of the species of Saussurea except for S. costus, S. obvallata and S. medusa (Snow Lotus). Furthermore, the native communities need to be sensitized to the sustainable use and conservation value of the species in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent was prepared on the basis of observations of different taxa belonging to this family in wild habitats, examination of herbarium specimens and reviews of taxonomic literature. On the Indian subcontinent (comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India), the Pittosporaceae family is represented poorly, i.e. by 16 species (6.4 % of global number of species). The cumulative rate of phytoendemism of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent was determined. Eight species (50 %) are endemics in the analysed area, i.e. 5 species (31.25 %) are narrow range endemics and 3 species (18.75 %) are broad range endemics. For better understanding of the species dynamics of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent, the present status of phytoendemism was compared to the data of previous investigations performed in the 19th century. On the basis of phytogeographical analysis and fossil evidences of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent, endemics were divided into holoendemics and island endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief account of the distribution, phytoendemism, and possible fossil ancestry of the members of the family Berberidaceae in India is presented. A preliminary checklist of Berberidaceae on the Indian subcontinent has been prepared based on primary observations of different taxa of this taxonomic group in wild habitats and on secondary observations based on examining herbarium specimens. An appraisal of the survival threat and phytoendemism of the Berberidaceae taxa is presented. On the Indian subcontinent (comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India), the family Berberidaceae is moderately represented (49.31 % of the total taxa). For a better understanding of the species dynamics of Berberidaceae on the Indian subcontinent, the present status of endemism has been compared with the data of previous investigations done in the nineteenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]