Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

AQUATIC MACROPHYTES OF THE WETLANDS OF HOJAI SUB DIVISION, NAGAON DISTRICT OF ASSAM, INDIA

Monjit Saikia

Hojai sub division is situated in the southern part of Nagaon district of Assam, India and global position in between the latitude 260:01/:05//N to 260:03/:00// N and 920:45/:40//E to 920:47/:05//E longitude. The study has been carried out for two years i.e from 2009 to 2010. Hojai contains 8 (oxbow type) beels covering total area of 345 hectare and Nabhanga beel was found to be with its highest depth (3.2 m). Altogether 62 macrophyte species of 51 genera under 30 families have been recorded, out of which 4 families are of Pteridophytes. 31 species were annual and 31species were perennial. Cyperaceae with its 5 genera and 9 species, Poaceae with its 7 genera and 7 species and Hydrocharitaceae with 6 genera and 7 species were found to be the dominant families in the study sites. Cyperus was the dominant genera with its 4 species. There were 6 exotic aquatic plants species recorded. The aquatic macrophyte species, growing along the marshy edges of the wetlands formed the dominant ecological category (Emergent anchored 35.48%) and widely distributed throughout the wetlands. These aquatic plants are used as vegetable, herbal medicine, fodder by the rural inhabitants of Hojai.

Published Date: 2013-06-10;