The study investigates the impact of Lantana camara, an invasive alien species, on biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and non-timber forest products (NTFP) in central India. The aggressive growth and spread of the weed have resulted in the displacement of native flora and fauna, leading to substantial ecological and economic consequences. Regression analysis reveals a statistically significant negative correlation between proximity to Lantana camara infested plots and average annual crop loss, with closer proximity resulting in higher crop destruction. Additionally, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirms substantial reductions in NTFP collection post-infestation, highlighting significant economic losses for local communities reliant on these resources. The study also employs linear and non-linear regression analyses to assess the impact of Lantana camara infestation on species richness across various vegetation species, revealing a consistent negative effect on biodiversity. ANOVA and SIMPER analyses further corroborate these findings, indicating significant decreases in species richness, particularly among NTFP species. The results underscore the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate the adverse ecological and socioeconomic effects of Lantana camara invasions, emphasizing conservation efforts and sustainable practices to support the livelihoods of affected communities.

Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, a new species is described here from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This newly described species is closely allied to Phlogacanthus guttatus (Wall.) Nees, but can be differentiated by its strikingly different yellowish-cream colored corolla with yellow patches and brown maculation, ratio of calyx lobes and tube length being ~1:1 and deltoid staminodes (vs. greenish-cream to white corolla with red-maroon maculation, ratio of calyx lobes and tube length ~2:1 and subulate-ensiform staminodes in the latter).

We report the occurrence of an epiphytic, gemmiferous moss, Aptychella robusta (Pylaisiadelphaceae), as an addition to the bryoflora of India. The species was collected from the north-facing mesic site within the Oak forest in the Gairsain area of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Earlier, the species was known only from East Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. As A. robusta shows a close morphological resemblance with A. planula, therefore, we amplified and sequenced its rbcL DNA-barcode region. Its comparison with the available rbcL sequences of A. robusta and A. planula on the NCBI database further validated the identity of the moss as A. robusta. The key morphological characteristics of this taxon and the rbcL amplicon have been given for future reference.

Salinity is the leading abiotic stress, especially in India, where saline soil affects 6.727 million hectares. The study investigated the effects of different combinations of chemical fertilizers, bacterial inoculums, and compost on the growth of Prosopis cineraria and Toona ciliata in pot experiments using saline forest soil. Treatments included varying mixes of seeds, compost, bacterial inoculums, and chemical fertilizers. Soil analysis confirmed salinity with pH and electrical conductivity (EC) levels indicating saline conditions. Results showed that treatments incorporating compost and bacterial inoculums significantly enhanced plant growth, increasing shoot, and root lengths, as well as fresh and dry weights. The application of compost increased the root length of Toona ciliata. The dual application of Pseudomonas spp. and compost enhanced the biomass of the root, whereas the application of chemical fertilizer and compost improved the height of the plan. The study indicates that the combined application of compost, bacterial inoculum, and chemical fertilizer is superior in enhancing the growth and development of the vegetative growth of plants. Overall, the study underscores the potential of integrated nutrient management strategies involving compost, bacterial inoculums, and reduced chemical fertilizers to enhance productivity in saline and salt-affected soils.

Bentham in the year 1881 described a monospecific climbing bamboo genus Melocalamus. After hundred years later in 1983 the second species M. elevatissimus Hsueh & Yi was described from Tibet. At present its 15 species and one variety known from the world, three species from India. The genus was later merged with Dinochloa Buse. However, at present both are considered distinct. A species Dinochloa macclellandii initially described on vegetative characters which was subsequently transferred under Melocalamus and a combination Melocalamus macclellandii (Munro) Naithani was proposed. The present paper discusses the identity of M. macclellandii. Distinguishing characters for the genera have been provided, the epithet Melocalamus macclellandii (Munro) Naithani has been retained. Colour photographs, illustration and descriptions of the floral parts have now been provided for the first time.

Explorations carried out in the sacred groves of Kannur District led to the identification of Isopterygium andamanicum Gangulee for the first time from this place. This is the first report of this Indian endemic species from a sacred grove in Indian mainland. This discovery extends the distribution of the species to the Western Ghats of Kerala. A brief description with a photographic plate is provided here.

The present study records the first collection of Phyllanthus rheedei Wight from Uttar Pradesh, India. Detailed description and photographs are provided for easy identification of the species in the field.

Tremella fuciformis Berk., a wild edible mushroom is reported here as a new record for the state. A detailed morphological description with photographs, distribution, associated mushrooms, and plants are provided for easy identification in the field.

Two very little known Cheilolejeunea species in India, viz., Cheilolejeunea eximia (Jovet-Ast & Tixier) R.L.Zhu & M.L.So and Cheilolejeunea osumiensis (S.Hatt.) Mizut. are reported here for the first time from Meghalaya. Of which, the former was earlier known in India from Arunachal Pradesh only, while the latter from Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Description of both the species with notes on habitat, distribution and SEM details are provided in present communication.