Abstract

The species composition in the mangrove habitats of India is reviewed and discussed. The review shows that Indian mangroves consist of 46 true mangrove species belonging to 14 families and 22 genera, which includes 42 species and 4 natural hybrids. In other words, about 57% of the world’s mangrove species are represented in India. The East coast has 40 mangrove species belonging to 14 families and 22 genera. The West coast has 27 species belonging to 11 families and 16 genera and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) have 38 species belonging to 13 families and 19 genera. Among the 13 States/Union Territories having mangroves, diversity is highest in the ANI. Species namely Rhizophora × lamarckii, Lumnitzera littorea, Sonneratia ovata, S. lanceolata, S. × urama and S. × gulngai are restricted to ANI in India. In terms of mangrove diversity, India is the third richest country in the world (after Indonesia and Australia). However, a majority of the Indian mangrove habitats are now threatened by various factors such as reduction in freshwater flow, marine & coastal pollution, siltation, sedimentation and excessive salinity. Periodical floristic surveys are needed to monitor and preserve the rich mangrove plant diversity in India.

Keyword: Floristics, India, Mangroves.