Diversity of Common Pteridophytes of Dryopteridaceae Family in District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh (India)

The present account documents eight common pteridophytes of the family Dryopteridaceae occurring in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (India). Field surveys and morpho-taxonomic identification confirmed the presence of six species under the genus Dryopteris - D. lepidopoda, D. panda, D. pulvinulifera, D. ramosa, D. redactopinnata, and D. subimpressa— and two species under the genus Polystichum - P. nepalense and P. thomsonii. These species were predominantly found in moist, shaded forest habitats and along riparian zones, with maximum representation between 1000–3100 m elevation. The study highlights the ecological significance of these taxa as indicators of habitat quality and microclimatic stability in the lower and mid-Himalayan region. The updated checklist contributes to regional floristic records and provides a baseline for future ecological, taxonomic, and conservation studies of Dryopteridaceae in the Western Himalaya.