Diversity of ferns and fern allies at Khao Khiao area in Khao Yai National Park

Abstract

Diversity of pteridophyte at Khao Khiao, Khao Yai National Park was explored from December 2003 to May 2005 at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,300 m above mean sea level. Two hundred and nineteen specimens were collected from their natural habitats and were determined into 113 species and 2 varieties, in 59 genera within 25 families. Among these, 22 families, 55 genera, 105 species and 2 varieties were ferns, while 3 familes, 4 genera and 8 species were fern allies. Three families of ferns namely, Polypodiaceae, Thelypteridaceae, Dryopteridaceae, were among the common families which included 17, 13 and 12 species, respectively. As regard to habitat, there were 58 species of terrestrials, 30 species of epiphytes and 7 species and 2 varieties of lithophytes. However 18 species of ferns and fern allies could be found in more than one habitat. In addition, it can be concluded that 53 species and 2 varieties were found in tropical evergreen forest. While 34 species were found in hill evergreen forest and 6 species were found in grassland and secondary forest. However, 20 species grew in more than one forest types. Full description together with ecological data, distribution, vernacular name, utilization of and photographs of each species were prepared. Keys to the genera and species were also constructed. The voucher specimens were depsited at the Professor Kasin Suvatabhandhu Herbarium, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University and The Forest Herbarium, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.