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Pyrossia heterophylla used in swellings, sprains and cut wounds. Marselia minuta is used for

cough. Nephrolepis cordifolia for cough, intestinal disorders and stomach ulcers.
Lycopodiella cernua for cough and skin eruptions. Angiopteris evecta for dysentery, leprosy

and skin diseases. Christella dentata used for head ache. Lygodium microphyllum for
swelling and skin diseases.

7. Weedy pteridopytes

13 species of fast growing pteridopytes which become weeds in agriculture have been

recorded. Adiantum linearis, A. Philippines, A. caudatum, Salvinia molesta, Selaginella
deliculata, Parahemionitis cordata and Stenochlena palustris are annual weedy pteridopytes.

Lygodium microphyllum, Christella dentata, Cyclosorus interuptus, Amphineuron terminans
were included in perennial weeds.

8. Ornamentals

Pteridophytes are also greatly valued as ornamentals. The ‘Sword fern’ Nephrolepis

cordifolia is commonly used as ornamental species. Lygodium sp., Pteris sp., Selaginella
sp.etc. are also grown in the gardens. These ornamental ferns are also grown on nurseries.

They are mainly used as ornmentals which are either grown on gardens or beautify places
during functions.

CONCLUSION

Pteridopytes are non flowering dominant group of plants next to angiosperms. They are

mainly distributed to the tropical , subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world.Due
to selective and excessive exploitation of ferns without proper management practices for their

regeneration, there is an extinction of species. Therefore conservation of fern is all the more
important. An endangered species is one in which the natural regeneration is not able to cope

with the prevailing exploitation level.Conservation of genetic resources also focus on

economic benefits as some of the pteridopytes posses medicinal importance.On geological
time scale the evolution of new taxa and extinction of the existing fern in somewhat balanced

proportions have been taking place, but in recent year’s human activities which include
destruction of their natural habitats finally resulted in the extinction of various species at a

faster rate. Factors like industrialization, over exploitation of natural resources, climate

change posses major threat to their survival.Each fern species has its own preference for
temperature, humidity, soil type, moisture etc. and in many cases are very specific indicators

for the conditions they need.Different species of ferns and their alleles classify into different

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