Diversity and Ornamental potential of ferns and fern- allies in India: A review
Rahul Kumar and Ratna Katiyar*
Department of Botany, University of Lucknow - 226007 (India) *Corresponding author- ratnalubot@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The present study mainly focused on the diversity and ornamental potential of ferns and fern allies (pteridophytes) that have been widely used for decorative purposes since the ancient period. Ferns and fern-allies belong to Order Filicales. They are selected for foliage color, texture of leaves/ pinna, shape of fronds, upright habit and delicate beauty, excellent for decorative prospects, and cultivated as ornamental plants. These species are distributed all over the world, In India, various types of ferns and fern allies are found in the Himalayan mountain range, Eastern Ghat and Western Ghat. They are often neglected, less cultivated, underutilized, unrecognized plants and there is a lack of awareness of the importance of ferns. Thus, ferns and fern allies occupy an intermediate position in the ladder/course of evolution of plant kingdom, thereby making the whole group quite interesting for research & study.