Geography and ecology of Indian clubmosses

Abstract

SynopsisObservations are made on the geographical and ecological distribution of the clubmosses (Lycopodiuni) in India, and their habitats and reproductive abilities.The requirements of clubmosses in India for conditions of good illumination plus habitats of low vegetational competition pressure are probably the most important factors in restricting the species to either well lit forest canopies in the tropics or to open, treeless hillsides in the temperate zone. In the former, the epiphytic habit has become important. In the latter, the terrestrial habit has been exploited. Reproduction in the epiphytes is by spores, which establish in mossy epiphytic cushions. Reproduction in the terrestrial species is either by spores which establish in mosses or in areas opened by erosion and landslides, or by bulbils. The latter achieve a useful, local, additional means of reproduction in climates where, because of low temperatures, the rates of growth can be very slow.