DIVERSITY OF PTERIDOPHYTES IN PHU THAB BOEK AREA, PHU HIN RONG KLA NATIONAL PARK, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

The diversity of pteridophyte was explored in the lower montane rainforest in Phu Thab Boek area, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phetchabun Province from March 2013 to June 2014. A total of 108 species belonging to 53 genera and 20 families of pteridophytes were recorded from 10 transects (ca 10 kilometers) at altitude ranging from 1,600 – 1,800 AMSL. Among these, 2 families, 4 genera and 4 species are lycophytes, the remaining majority being ferns. Three families of ferns, namely Aspleniaceae, Dryopteridaceae and Polypodiaceae, were the most common families with 11, 13 and 25 species, respectively. According to habitat, there are 57 species of terrestrial plants, followed by 33 species of epiphyte, 6 species of lithophytes and 12 species occur in more than one habitat, although it is worth noting that some of these species were uncommon or rare. In addition, Pteris mcclurei Ching (Pteridaceae) and Plagiogyria euphlebia (Kunze) Mett. (Plagiogyriaceae) are a new records for Thailand, 2 species namely Cyclosorus siamensis (Tagawa & K.Iwats.) Panigrahi and Arthromeris phuluangensis Tagawa & K.Iwats. are endemic species, respectively. Key to genera and species were constructed. Full description, ecological data, distribution, vernacular name and photographs of each species were prepared. The voucher specimens are deposited at Professor Kasin Suvatabhandhu Herbarium, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University and the Forest Herbarium, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.