Ethnobotanical uses of some Hill road side Pteridophytes in Mizoram, India

Abstract

Mizoram is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the Eastern Himalayan region and is a bio-diversity rich area. Its unique location, topography with hills and valleys, and geology provide immense ranges of microclimatic conditions, which are replete with rich diversity of Pteridophytes. Roadside flora of Mizoram also rich in pteridophytes. These pteridophytes are one of the source of carbon sink along the road. Some work related to Pteridophytes have been reported by some researchers in some protected areas like sanctuaries and some forests in Mizoram. Till date no work has been reported on the Diversity, Ecology and Utilization of Pteridophytes along the Hill Roads in Mizoram. The paper elucidates the current diversity, taxonomy, ecology and utilization status of the Pteridophytes along some selected roads of Mizoram so that proper attention should be made during further capacity augmentation /widening of these roads for conservation of the Pteridophytes .The study would be helpful in monitoring and management of remaining population of the Pteridophytes along other roads also. Key words: Hill roads, Pteridophytes, Diversity, Ecology, Hotspots, and Carbon sink.