Diversity of Angiospermic Plants in estuarine and Adjoining Riparian Areas of Sabarmati and Mahi Rivers, Gujarat, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted with an aim of documenting the diversity of flowering plants in selected localities in the estuarine and adjoining riparian zones of Sabarmati and Mahi rivers of Gujarat, India. The Sabarmati and Mahi rivers are west-flowing perennial rivers having considerable ecological and religious importance. A total of 40 species of flowering plants belonging to 26 different families were recorded in the study area which were dominated by herbaceous plants. Among the 40 species recorded 2 species were trees, 8 species were shrubs, 28 species were herbs and 2 species were grasses. Moreover, as far as ecological groups are concerned, 6 species were halophytes, 13 species were hydrophytes, 17 species were mesophytes and 4 species were xerophytes. In the study area of Sabarmati river, 28 species were recorded that included 2 tree species, 6 shrub species, 18 herb species and 2 grass species. From the view point of ecological groups 5 species were halophytes, 3 species were hydrophytes, 16 species were mesophytes and 4 species were xerophytes. In the study area of Mahi river, 24 species were recorded that included 2 tree species, 6 shrub species, 14 herb species and 2 grass species. From the view point of ecological groups 5 species were halophytes, 12 species were hydrophytes, 5 species were mesophytes and 2 species were xerophytes.