• ISSN: 0972-8546
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  • NAAS Rating (Scientific Journals): 3.63

Plant Science Research, Vol. 34 2012, Pages : 97-98

G.M. Narasimha Rao, V. Lakshmi Narayana, and B. Niranjana Reddi

Distribution and composition of halophytes at Vainateyam estuary Andhra Pradesh

Halophytes are succulents which occur near estuarine and mangrove habitats only. These plants are commercially useful for food, fodder, extraction of antibiotics and bio-fuels. Halophytes of Vainateyam estuary was studied by using 1 X1 m quadrat; 6 study sites were selected in the distributaries of the estuary to collect the data on distribution and abundance of different plant species. A total 60 quadrat samples were collect in various parts of the estuary to get the information on frequency and abundance of halophytic populations. Species such as Suaeda maritima, Suaeda monoica, Salicornia bracliiata and Sesuvium portulacastrum were reported as dominant forms in this estuary while species such as Suaeda nudiflora, Heliotropium curassavicum and Prosopis chilensis were reported as rare species. Frequency and abundance were also minimum for these populations in this estuary. Halophytes were distributed along the creeks and drainage canals near the estuary.



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