Phylogenetic diversity of Lycopsids (Selaginella) species in Tropical region - A Review
Sandeep Kumar Pandey and Arvind Kumar Singh
Department of Botany, T.D.P.G. College Jaunpur - 222002 (India)
ABSTRACT
Selaginella, a prehistoric plant, exists on the earth since 440 mya or the early carboniferous period without significant morphological changes. It successfully continue to exist through natural selection and grow in all biome types (mostly humid and warm climatic regions) except Antarctica. Many of the selaginella species are considered potent medicinal plants. Selaginella bryopteris commonly known a Sanjiwani is a widely used herbal medicine in India. From an evolutionary view point selaginella which differ from one another in eco geographical distribution and molecular and morphological features. Phylogenetic diversity is a promising measure of biodiversity sciences, leading to preserving the diversity with natural history. A series of extensive field survey has been conducted by Indian researchers that pioneered the systematic of Indian selaginella. Among the Indian species of selaginella about 30 are reported to occur in Eastern Himalaya. The Western Ghat another biodiversity hotspot rich in selaginella 18 species as described in earlier reporters.