Pteridophytes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Contents: Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction: I. Location and area. II. Geology and soil. III. Climate. 2. Vegetation. 3. Ecology. 4. Botanical history. 5. Methodology. 6. Floristic analysis and phytogeography. 7. Conservation prospectives. 8. Conservation measures proposed. 9. Useful pteridophytes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 10. List of pteridophytic families of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 11. Key to the families. 12. Systematic treatment. Selected bibliography. Index to botanical names. "The present work forms the first consolidated botanical account on pteridophytes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Pteridophytes have remained more or less neglected group of vascular plants. Only a fragmentary list has earlier been published; therefore, the present work has been undertaken in detail for the first time. "The present treatment is based on collections made from islands since the inception of Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Circle in the year 1973 at Port Blair and the specialised collections have been made by the authors as well as specimens housed at herbarium CAL. "The book provides detailed account of taxonomic treatment of 126 taxa (7 varieties) belonging to 60 genera and 37 families. Of which seven species are endemic to the islands. Among non endemic pteridophytes 44 species are not found in mainland but extend their distribution to South-East Asian countries. "The present work provides key to the families, genera and species as well as current nomenclature, brief description, ecology, distribution and specimens examined etc." (jacket).