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

Abstract

Ruppia bed measuring approx. 0.015 km sup(2) 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 degrees C, respectively. Vegetative features, ecological and environmental characteristics, confirmed close resemblance of the genus with Ruppia rostellata Koch. However, pollen morphology is suggestive of an ecological adaptation or a new variety of R. rostellata. Vegetation remains for the short period (June-October) during monsoon. Annual occurrence of R. rostellata 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 Lyngbya and Navicula