Studies on the order Marchantiales of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), Western Ghats, India, have revealed the occurrence of three taxa of genus Targionia L., namely Targionia hypophylla L., Targionia lorbeeriana K. Müll., and Targionia indica Udar et A. Gupta, belonging to the family Targioniaceae (Hepaticopsida). Due to rapid habitat loss the genus is under threat of extinction, like the previously known species, Targionia indica. Now only two species are found to be scattered in a few localities of NBR, as terrestrial form. Hence, the present paper provides the complete morphotaxonomic account of these two existing species along with SEM details of spores. This would be helpful for proper identification of these taxa in future.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12178

International Journal of Environment

Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 58-67