Ophioglossum jaykrishnae (Ophioglossaceae) Marks a Novel Addition to the Flora of Eastern Maharashtra, India

Abstract

In the present study, the population of inimitable individuals of Ophioglossum L. was observed during field studies in the Sakoli Tehsil of the Bhandara forest range of the state of Maharashtra. Specimens among the population were collected, brought to the laboratory, and processed for systematic studies under critical investigation. The collected species is illustrated with a reddish brown-pink colour; trophophylls 2-4 per rhizomorph, lanceolate, erect. the species identified as Ophioglossum jaykrishnae a new record for the Vidarbha region of the State of Maharashtra. The species was earlier reported and published in 2020 as a de novo species from Gujrat, India and in December 2023 from the state of Maharashtra.