A note on<i> Ruppia </i>species (Ruppiaceae) from the abandoned saltpan in the Gulf of Kutch, India

Abstract

<i>Ruppia</i> bed measuring ~ 0.015 km² was observed from the shallow waters in the saltpan. The salinity and temperature of the overlying waters of the bed was 22.7 PSU and 30°C, respectively. Vegetative features, ecological and environmental characteristics, confirmed close resemblance of the genus with <i>Ruppia rostellata</i> Koch. However, pollen morphology is suggestive of an ecological adaptation or a new variety of <i>R</i>. <i>rostellata</i>. Vegetation remains for the short period (June-October) during monsoon. Annual occurrence of <i>R</i>. <i>rostellata </i>bed from the region could be attributed to the reduced salinity and temperature with the onset of monsoon. Epiphytic flora was mostly dominated by species of <i>Lyngbya </i>and <i>Navicula</i>.