https://doi.org/10.51514/JSTR.7.3.2025.17-25
Tapash Debnath, Monojit Ray, Poornima Sharma and Suraj Sk
ABSTRACT
The present study examines the diversity and distribution of aquatic macrophyte flora in the water of the Kopai River, with a focus on phytosociological analysis and diversity indices. Macrophytic floral diversity studies are important for properly documenting macrophytic flora and indicating the ecological status of the aquatic environment. Recent surveys have shown that the macrophytic flora of the Kopai River has not been thoroughly explored. This work is based on an extensive survey of three different points or ghats of the Kopai River conducted during 2023-2025 across different months to capture seasonal variations in macrophytic vegetation. The phytosociological study was carried out at three locations along the Kopai River, analyzing plant communities with regard to species composition, density, frequency, abundance, important value index, distribution patterns, and diversity indices. This helps to understand how plant life is organized and interacts within the riverine environment. The results identified 34 macrophyte species from 19 families. The study also mentions scientific names, growth forms, flowering and fruiting times, spore-producing periods, lifespan, seed or spore types, and IUCN status. Overall, this research not only investigates the variation of macrophyte species in the Kopai River but also provides a foundation for future studies on the aquatic ecosystem.
Keywords: Flora, Diversity, Environment, Vegetation, Kopai River, Species, Families etc.