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Lindsea, Microlepia, Pteris, Dryopteris, Blechnum, Tectoria, Nephrolepis, Diplazium,

Cyclosorous etc. Dicranopteris linearis and Adiantum latifolium form thickets in forests.
Species like Tectoria paradoxa, T.wightii, Pteris ensiformis, P. reptans grow in edge of forest

while species like Pteris vittata grow in moist shady places. Amphineuron terminans and
Stenochlaena palustris are generally grown in marshy areas.Christella dentata and Asplenium

grevillei are commonly found in reverine habitats. The genus Lygodium is a climbing fern.
Lygodium microphyllum and L. flexosum normally occurs upto 700 m altitude.Some of the

epiphytic pteridophytic species are Drynaria quercifolia, Huperzia hamiltoni, Pyrossia

lanceolata, P. heterophylla, Vittaria elongata. Species like Adiantum caudatum, A. incisum
and Asplenium obscurum grow in wall crevices under shade.Some other lithophytic species

are Pithyrogramma calomelanos, Adiantum philipense, Actinopteris radiata, Bolbitis

semicordata, Pteris vittata and Parahemionitis cordata. Species like Marchantia minuta and
Ceratopteris thallictroides are commonly grown in marshy areas. Salvinia molesta is found

in fully exposed ponds and reverine habitats.(Fig. 1)

Fig.1 Distribution of species in different habitats

6. Medicinal pteridopytes

The present study made an attempt to gather indigenous information about the use of
pteridopytes for the benefits of society. Out of 77 species recorded, 14 (18%) have medicinal

value.It includes Adiantum caudatum for fever and Scorpion bites. Actinopteris radiata used
for Bronchitis and Gynecological disorder. Drynaria quercifolia for Cough, Migraine, Fever

and Inflammation. Blechnum orientale for typhoid and burns. Lygodium flexosum for
rheumatism, sprains and cut wounds. Dicranopteris linearis for asthma and helminthic.

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