Kheyali Halder and Souvik Mitra
Abstract
The present investigation aims to explore the diversity of epiphytic mosses in Rimbick, located at the northern range of Singalila National Park. A total of 22 moss species belonging to 12 families were recorded based on a study conducted on five dominant phorophyte genera. Most of the pleurocarpous taxa belonged to the order Hypnales, while all the acrocarpous mosses were members of Dicranales. Syrrhopodon confertus, a member of the family Calymperaceae, was the most abundant and frequently occurring species in the study area. Plagiothecium neckeroideum var. myurum and Leucobryum humillimum were also frequently observed on most of the host trees. Among the identified hosts, the highest species richness was recorded on Castanopsis sp., whereas only two moss species were found on Lyonia ovalifolia. Considering the immense ecological importance of epiphytes, the present study provides an important update on the biodiversity of Eastern Himalayan bryoflora and may serve as a baseline for future conservation efforts.