Write short note on the diversity of Gymnosperms in Manipur
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⚝ The wetlands of Manipur are included under the sub-group Eastern Himalayas wetlands under Himalayan wetlands. In Manipur there are 155 wetlands of the size greater than 2.25 ha occupying an estimated area of 52959 ha which is 2.37% of the total geographical area of the state. The Loktak Lake (a Ramsar Site) covering an area of 24672 ha is the largest wetland of the state. Other major wetlands of the state are Pumlen/Khoidum/Lamjao Pat (8022 ha), Ikop and Kharung Pat (6520 ha), Loushi Pat (1864 ha). Poirou Pat (810 ha), Waithou/Phumnom Pat (465 ha), Sana pat (282 ha), Aonbikhong Pat (225 ha) and Utra Pat (185 ha). These wetlands support a rich diversity of flowering plants. The present survey reveals the presence of 137 species of monocotyledonous plants. These 137 monocotyledonous species belong to 77 genera which are distributed over 21 families. When compared with the monocotyledonous wetland flora of other Indian states, the wetlands of Manipur showed a very rich species diversity. Plants like Alocasia cucullata. Alpinia galanga, Alpinia nigra, Hedychium stenopetalum. Sagittaria trifolia, Zizania latifolia etc. are edible. Species like Acorus calamus, Cyperus rotundus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Hedychium marginatum etc. are used medicinally by the local people. Many of these wetland plants are dwindling in their numbers due to the degradation of their habitat. Key words: Wetlands, Manipur, Monocotyledonous plants.