J Bangladesh Agril Univ 20(2): 122–132, 2022 https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.

105308
ISSN 1810-3030 (Print) 2408-8684 (Online)

Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University

Journal home page: http://baures.bau.edu.bd/jbau

Research Article
Pteridophytes (Ferns and Fern Allies) diversity in Bangladesh Agricultural
University Botanical Garden
Md. Jahid Hasan Jone, M. Ashrafuzzaman and M. H. R. Pramanik
Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history Pteridophytes are the cryptogams having vascular bundles and are distributed all over the world.
Received: 24 Mar 2022 They are mostly neglected plants though they have versatile economic uses. The present study has
Accepted: 12 Apr 2022 been planned to prepare primary documentation through the taxonomic study of the Pteridophytes
Published: 30 Jun 2022 available in the Bangladesh Agricultural University Botanical Garden (BAUBG). Forty Pteridophyte
species available in the BAUBG, Mymensingh were identified and those belong to 19 families have
Keywords been documented. Among those 19 species appear to be not evaluated as those were not reported
Pteridophytes,
elsewhere in Bangladesh. A brief description of each species along with its family and uses has been
Ferns,
presented in the text. A graphical presentation showing their classification and categories based on a
Diversity, few parameters has been provided for their easy understanding and identification.
Ecology,
Bangladesh
Correspondence
M. Ashrafuzzaman
: ashrafcbot@bau.edu.bd

Copyright ©2022 by authors and BAURES. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC By 4.0).

Introduction ornamental values, and thus they are extensively used

The name pteridophyte was derived from the “Greek” in Homoeopathic, Ayurvedic, and Unani production
words, “pteron” means feather and “phyta” means (Uddin et al., 1998) and Tribal medicine (Vasudeva,
plant as they have feather-like leaves. Pteridophytes, 1999). Chinese local doctors prescribe many ferns as a
are a group of most primitive non-flowering vascular source of medicine (Kimura and Noro, 1965). The
plants with almost 13600 species distributed all over ethnobotanical uses of this plant group have great
the world (Linder, 2001; Krishnan and Rekha, 2021). significance (Singh et al., 1989; Dhiman, 1998).
They propagate through sexual and asexual (vegetative
ways of reproduction) means but propagation through In Bangladesh, 196 pteridophyte species have been
sexual spore formation is the most common way. reported, and most of them grow either as epiphytes,
Vegetative reproduction through fragmentation, hydrophytes, mesophytes, or lithophytes (Siddiqui et
gemmae, bulbils, etc. was also reported (Kumar, 2001). al., 2007). The majority of people are ignorant about
The ferns and fern allies together form the the potential uses of ferns. The economic values of the
Pteridophytes, including the ferns, lycopsids, ferns have already been enumerated but a large
psilopsids, and horsetails. They differ from each other number of ferns are yet considered to be costly for their
primarily in the pattern of organization of their plant ornamental, medicinal, or insecticidal values (Mannan
bodies (Doyle, 1970). Pteridophytes are bridging the et al., 2008). Pteridophytes having aesthetic appeal are
non-vascular cryptogams with the seed plants, continue recently being used for decorative purposes.
to occupy numerous niches on the land and in marshes
and swamps, and even in water bodies (Dudani et al., The chief aim of this primary study is to identify and
2011). They have importance for food, medicinal, and record the Pteridophytes available at Bangladesh
Cite This Article
Jone, M.J.H., Ashrafuzzaman, M. and Pramanik, M.H.R. 2022. Pteridophytes (Ferns and Fern Allies) diversity in Bangladesh Agricultural
University Botanical Garden. Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University, 20(2): 122–132. https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.105308
 Jone et al.

Agricultural University Botanical Garden, to provide an relative humidity range from 80 to 90% in summer and
account of their taxonomic distribution, habitat about 60-70% in winter with an average rainfall of
diversities, utilities for medicinal, vegetable, and/or about 2000 mm (Haque et al., 2012). The present study
ornamental values, and finally to cross-check their has been planned to prepare a primary documentation
availability reported elsewhere in Bangladesh. thorough taxonomic study of the Pteridophytes
available in the Bangladesh Agricultural University
Materials and Methods Botanical Garden (BAUBG). All the data were generated
Bangladesh Agricultural University is one of the largest through field visits in the garden and those were cross-
universities in Bangladesh located in the Mymensingh checked with The Plant List
District. It has a well-established Botanical Garden (http://www.theplantlist.org/) and the Encyclopedia of
which is situated on the west bank of the old Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh (Siddiqui et al., 2007) for
Brahmaputra River. The garden has about 1496 plant taxonomical study. The genera and species under each
species under 198 families and 287 genera family have been arranged alphabetically. The valid
(https://bg.bau.edu.bd/). The Garden is geographically names of each taxon and its habit, use, and
located at E90°26'29.6'' and N24°43'26.8'' (Figure-1) conservation status have been presented in the text.
with dominating Tropical Monsoon climate having a

Figure 1. Bangladesh Map showing the research area (BAUBG) marked with an arrow sign

Results and Discussion under each family. The rest of the 15 families had only
A total of 40 species of 24 genera belong 19 families of one genus. Adiantaceae and Asparagaceae each family
Pteridophytes have been found in BAUBG, had the maximum species (five) followed by
Mymensingh. Most of the available species are herbs Pteridaceae which had four species. About 9 families
which are about 34 out of 40 species, while 2 of them consisted of a single species. About 57 percent of total
are tree-like ferns and 4 are climbers. Here, the highest Pteridophytes were found to grow solely in terrestrial
number of genera (three) was recorded under habitats while 12 percent to grow solely in aquatic
Pteridaceae followed by Athyriaceae, Polypodiaceae, habitats and the rest were amphibian i.e., those were
and Thelypteridaceae where two genera were recorded found to grow both in terrestrial and aquatic or other

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habitats. A total of 23 species can be used as medicine Adiantum tenerum Sw.

while 25 species can be used as ornamental plants. Nine Synonym: Adiantum extensum Fée
of the species can be consumed as a vegetable while 8 Description: A small and delicate herb grows in a
of them are used for other purposes like mulch or creeping position, semi-erect. Generally, grows in shady
organic matter. About 19 species were found as new in places.
the botanical garden as those were not evaluated or Use: Commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in
listed elsewhere in Bangladesh. For each species, up-to- botanical gardens also used as demulcent, expectorant,
date nomenclature, short descriptions, and uses have and sudorific, for bronchial and catarrhal affections
been mentioned below. (Uddin et al., 1998).

Acrostichum aureum L Adiantum trapeziforme L.

Synonym: Acrostichum guineense Gaudich. Synonym: Adiantum trapeziforme var. oblongatum T.
Description: The golden leather fern, is a large herb Moore
species of fern that grows in mangrove swamps and Description: One of the long-lasting herbs that are often
other wet locations. It can grow in full sun or shady being grown for its dainty and attractive foliage.
places. Use: Used as ornamental plant excellent for container
Use: Used in traditional medicine, fronds are shredded gardening.
or crushed and applied as a poultice on wounds, boils,
or ulcers. In India, the fronds are used to treat snake Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm.
bites (www.nparks.gov.sg) Synonym: Polypodium evectum G. Forst.
Description: Terrestrial giant herb often very large
Adiantum capillus-veneris L. commonly found on the forest floor. May also grow
Synonym: Adiantum capillus Sw. near shady streams, riverbanks, or steep clay slopes
Description: An evergreen, perennial herb grows on (Figure 6-C).
streambanks in riverine forests, in evergreen forests, Use: Used to arrest discharge of blood after
and deciduous woodland. They can be Epiphytic, miscarriage, to treat beriberi, leaves, and rhizomes are
lithophyte, and terrestrial (Figure 6-A). used as intoxicant juice (Uddin et al., 1998a). The
Use: The plant is considered to be a bronchio-dilator, species is also used as an ornamental plant (deWinter
diuretic and pectoral. It is used extensively in India for and Amoroso, 2003).
the treatment of fevers in children. It is s constituent of
'Hansraj', a preparation used in India for the treatment Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop
of coughs. The root is considered good for treating Synonym: Asparagus myriocladus Baker
fever and elephantiasis. Frond infusion is used Description: Asparagus densiflorus is a scrambling,
for jaundice therapy (Tewary et al., 2017). A decoction perennial herb. The appearance of the plants varies
of the root is used in the treatment of throat affections enormously and has led to the naming of a large
number of cultivars or forms, usually grown under glass.
Adiantum mendoncae Alston The berries they produce are attractive to birds and
Synonym: Not found may be spread by them.
Description: A small and delicate herb, Lithophyte, Use: The foliage can also be incorporated as a filler with
terrestrial. cut flowers in arrangements. The feathery short stems
Use: Used for bronchitis, coughs, whooping cough, and are found in almost every bunch of cut flowers as
heavy menstruation with cramps. Also used to loosen foliage.
chest congestion.
Asparagus officinalis L.
Adiantum philippense L. Synonym: Asparagus altilis (L.) Asch.
Synonym: Adiantum arcuatum Sw. Description: Asparagus officinalis is a perennial herb
Description: A small and delicate herb grows in a that grows in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade
creeping or semi-erect position. It grows on stream and can tolerate maritime exposure.
banks, often on rocks in forests and woodland (Figure 6- Use: The tender shoots, roots, and underground stems
B). are used to make medicine. Asparagus is used as
Use: Used as stomachic and diuretic, as a cure for irrigation therapy to increase urine output. Also used to
dysentery also used in the treatment of cough, leprosy, treat urinary tract infections and other conditions that
hair falling, fever, and burning sensation (Uddin et al., cause pain and swelling. Stems of this fern can also be
1998). Also used as an ornamental plant. eaten.

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Asparagus plumosus Baker Willd. (Kunth) Jessop Azolla pinnata R. Br.

Synonym: Protasparagus plumosus (Baker) Oberm. Synonym: Not found.
Description: A long-lived herb with stems that grow in a Description: A small herb with a triangular frond. It is
twining fashion. They need bright indirect sunlight. usually found floating upon the surface of water bodies.
Flowers are produced from spring to early autumn. They can fix nitrogen from the air through the symbiosis
Use: One of the fastest-growing least demanding process with Anabaena azollae.
houseplants used as an ornamental plant. Stems of this Use: Used in the rice field to add nitrogen, used to
fern can also be eaten. remove heavy metals from contaminated water, also
added to chicken feed.
Asparagus racemosus Willd.
Synonym: Asparagopsis abyssinica Kunth Balantium antarcticum (Labill.) C. Presl
Description: A climbing herb producing blackish-purple, Synonym: Dicksonia antarctica Labill.
globular berries. They produce hundreds of tuberous Description: An Evergreen tree fern grows up to 15
roots of about one meter in length, thus known as meters and consists of a clear fibrous trunk that is a
Shatamuli (Figure 6-D). host for a wide range of epiphyte or other ferns. It
Use: Widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Extract from grows in shady damp places.
dried roots is used for many reproductive and hormonal Use: The pith of this plant is eaten as a source of starch.
issues in women (Hechtman, 2018). Also used for
gastric ulcers and indigestion (Goyal et al., 2003). Blechnum finlaysonianum Wall.
Synonym: Not found.
Asparagus setaceus (Kunth) Jessop Description: Terrestrial herb of humid lowland never
Synonym: Asparagus lujae De Wild. grows in full shade, usually large to moderate in size.
Description: A fast-growing climbing perennial herb The plant is one of the primary colonizers after forest
usually grows as a terrestrial plant. Found elsewhere as clearing.
an ornamental plant but the fruit of this plant might be Use: Used as a diaphoretic, aromatic, appetitive, and
toxic and should not be eaten. poultice. Rhizomes are also prescribed for urinary
Use: Widely grown as an ornamental plant. Extracts complications (de Winter and Amoroso, 2003). Young
from the shoots are used for heart diseases. leaves of all Blechnum species are eaten as a vegetable
in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, and
Asplenium nidus L. cultivated as ornamental plants.
Synonym: Asplenium australasicum (J. Sm.) Hook.
Description: Epiphytic or terrestrial herb grows often in Cyathea gigantea Wall. Ex. Hook.
palm trees, with large banana leaf-like fronds. The Synonym: Alsophila gigantea
fronds roll back and create a large nest-like structure in Description: Tree-like herb, relatively taller than other
the branches and trunks of trees (Figure 6-E). tree ferns with a trunk of about 2 to 7-meter-long. The
Use: Used as an anti-bacterial agent (Nath et al., 2017). trunk is so soft with loosely attached fibres and leaf
Also used as an Ornamental Plant. bases (Figure 6-F).
Use: Used as avenue plant for its erect and straight
Athyrium accedens (Blume) Milde tree-like structures. Also used as ornamental house
Synonym: Diplazium accedens Blume plants.
Description: Large terrestrial herb grows in the low land
forest. Grows in shaded to semi-shaded areas. Cyclosorus opulentus (Kaulf.) Nakaike
Cultivated for its attractive fronds. Synonym: Nephrodium opulentum (Kaulf.) C. Presl
Use: Can be used as an ornamental plant. In Description: Herb with a short creeping rhizome, found
Madagascar, young plants are used as cooked in the vicinity of freshwater swamps. They are
vegetables. cultivated as they are likely to be a useful landscape
plant if kept damp and in gardens free of frost.
Azolla filiculoides Lam. Use: Rhizomes are edible. Also used in herbal medicine.
Synonym: Azolla arbuscula Desv.
Description: A fastest growing floating aquatic herb Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.
having the ability to fix nitrogen from air by the Synonym: Anisogonium esculentum (Retz.) C. Presl
symbiosis process with Nostoc azollae. Description: A terrestrial herb, with a short and erect
Use: Frequently cultivated in aquarium or pond. They rhizome that is occasionally trunk-like or can be
can fix N 500kg/ha (Aziz, 2001a). In many regions of the creeping. Its fronds are deciduous or evergreen.
old world, it is used to enhance the growth of aquatic Use: Leaves are used as a tonic for women after they
crops also used as green manure (Lumpkin and have given birth and are also used as vegetables.
Plucknett, 1982).

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Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. Nephrolepis falcata (Cav.) C. Chr.

Synonym: Ophiala zeylanica (L.) Desv. Synonym: Tectaria falcata Cav.
Description: Terrestrial herb, known as “Flowering Description: This large tropical to sub-tropical
Fern”, with a thick slowly creeping rhizome. Grows in evergreen herb, leaflet tips are once or twice forked like
shady damp places. Produces a beautiful flower that a fish’s tail giving an unusual appearance (Figure 7-C).
looks like a spike (Figure 6-G). Use: Cultivated in hanging pots as an ornamental plant.
Use: Rhizome is used as a mild laxative. Also used Cut fronds are a lovely addition to floral arrangements.
against malaria and for the treatment of sciatica. Can be Leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Rhizomes and young
grown as an ornamental plant. Can be used for food shoots are eaten as a vegetable.
and fibre.
Phymatosorus scolopendria (Burm. f.) Pic. Serm.
Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. Synonym: Chrysopteris phymatodes (L.) Link
Synonym: Hydroglossum flexuosum (L.) Willd. Description: Epiphyte, Lithophytes herb. Usually grows
Description: Lygodium flexuosum is a slender, in disturbed areas, secondary forests, and coral rock
evergreen, climbing herb with a short-creeping crevices.
rhizome. It can quickly cover unsightly structures and Use: It is an excellent ground cover, cultivated as a
provide shade for other plants (Figure 6-H). bedding plant. Cut fronds are added to flower
Use: Used as an expectorant. applications for Eczema, arrangements. Fronds are fragrant and used for
Scabies, Rheumatism, Sprains, and cut wounds. scenting clothes
Likewise, in Bangladesh, the juice of the whole plant of
Lygodium sp. is applied to insect bites. Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link
Synonym: Acrostichum calomelanos L.
Microsorum punctatum (L.) Copel. Description: A terrestrial herb, closely tufted,
Synonym: Acrostichum punctatum L. f. rhizomatous fern up to about 1 m tall. Usually grows on
Description: Epiphytic or lithophyte herb grows in Semi- rocks and roadsides (Figure 7-D).
evergreen and evergreen forests, and have an erect Use: Leaves are used externally to heal wounds and
rhizome. This cultivar is fast-growing (Figure 6-I). stop bleeding
Use: Leaves are eaten as vegetables, chewed rhizome of
the species is applied to lizard bites, and used as a Pteridium arachnoideum (Kaulf.) Maxon
remedy for chronic diarrhoea. Can be cultivated as an Synonym: Allosorus arachnoideus (Kaulf.) C. Presl
indoor ornamental. Description: One of the world’s most powerful weeds. It
invades abandoned or newly burned areas. Terrestrial
Microsorum scolopendria (Burm. f.) Copel. herb.
Synonym: Not found. Use: bracken was traditionally used as mulch, for animal
Description: Wart fern species have short or widely bedding. Can be used as an insecticide.
creeping rhizomes that are often enveloped in felt
roots. Epiphyte, Lithophytes herb. Pteris ensiformis Burm.f.
Use: Fronds are fragrant and used for scenting clothes Synonym: Pteris ensiformis var. ensiformis
& coconut oil. Also used as ornamental plants as they Description: A small terrestrial herb of shady areas.
have very beautiful foliage. There is an exotic cultivar with variegated fronds that
have been naturalized. It has a creeping rhizome
Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) C. Presl bearing fronds close together. Prefers moist soil, and
Synonym: Aspidium cordifolium (L.) Sw. does not appreciate direct light (Figure 7-E).
Description: Epiphytic, epilithic (on rock), or terrestrial Use: The juice of the young plant is stated to possess
herb inhabit typically grows in woodland areas. It is astringent properties; A decoction of fresh fronds is
regarded as an environmental weed (Figure 7-A). given in dysentery. The juice extracted from the
Use: Used as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. rhizome is applied for glandular swellings of the neck
Also used as an ornamental plant. (deWinter and Amoroso, 2003).

Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott Pteris ensiformis-victoriae

Synonym: Aspidium exaltatum (L.) Sw. Synonym: Pteris ensiformis var. ensiformis
Description: An indoor herb that can be grown outdoors Description: A slow-growing evergreen herb. Fronds
in warm areas. They have various cultivars available. with the silver-whitish centre, grow to 20 - 30 cm
They require indirect lights to grow well (Figure 7-B). long. Prefer Semi-Shade.
Use: Used in traditional medicine against cough. Also Use: Used as an ornamental plant.
used as an ornamental plant.

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Salvinia cucullata Roxb. Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron.

Synonym: Not Found Synonym: Lycopodioides moellendorffii (Hieron.) H.S.
Description: A small free-floating aquatic herb can be Kung
identified by cup-shaped floating leaves that look like Description: Terrestrial or epilithic, evergreen herb
the ears of rats that’s why it is commonly known as grows on sunny banks and riverbanks, and in shady
“IndurKani” in Bangla (Figure 7-F). places (Figure 7-H).
Use: Harvested biomass is composted and applied in Use: Used as an Antithyperuricemic, Anti-Inflammatory,
crop fields for nutrients. It is used as a shelter for fish in and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition.
ponds. Also used as an ornamental plant in an
aquarium. Selaginella uncinata (Desv. ex Poir.) Spring
Synonym: Lycopodioides uncinatum (Desv. ex Poir.)
Salvinia adnata Desv. Kuntze
Synonym: Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. Description: Terrestrial herb, with small foliage forming
Description: A small free-floating aquatic herb prefers diffuse mats. Perfect for shady locations with rich well-
tropical, sub-tropical, or warm temperate areas. In drained soil that retains moisture (Figure 7-I).
standing water, it forms a floating mat-like structure. Use: Widely cultivated outdoor along the gulf coast for
The plant exhibits great morphological variation its ornamental values. In folk medicine, commonly used
depending on the conditions of the habitat (Figure 7-G). to treat cough and asthma.
Use: Floating aquatic weeds have been used for
compost, paper making, mulch, fodder, handcrafts, and Tectaria cicutaria (L.) Copel
bio-gas generation (Howard and Harley, 1997). Also Synonym: Polypodium cicutarium L.
used as an ornamental plant. Description: Terrestrial herb having round button-like
bulbils, with thin, soft, and triangular fronds.
Salvinia natans (L.) All. Use: Rhizomes are widely used to treat various ailments
Synonym: Marsilea natans L. in the Ayurvedic system such as rheumatic pain, burns,
Description: A small free-floating aquatic herb can sprains, tonsillitis, etc. (Choudhari et al., 2013)
eventually cover entire ponds or lakes without
ecological competition, starving other plant species. Thelypteris serrata (Cav.) Alston
Use: Harvested biomass is composted and applied in Synonym: Dryopteris reticulata var. serrata (Cav.) Farw.
crop fields for nutrients. It is used as a shelter for fish in Description: Perennial evergreen herb with large fronds.
ponds. Also used as an ornamental plant in an Usually grows in Cypress swamps, sloughs, and
aquarium. floodplains.
Use: Commonly consumed as vegetables.

Figure 2. Number of species grouped based on their habit

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Table 1. List of Pteridophytes along with their scientific name, habitat, possible use, and conservation status
Family &
SL Scientific name Habitat Use CS
Common name
Adiantaceae
1 Black Maidenhair Adiantum capillus-veneris L. T, L, E M LC
2 Maidenhair Fern Adiantum mendoncae Alston T, L M NE
3 Filipino pakha Adiantum philippense L. T, L M, O LC
4 Brittle maidenhair Fern Adiantum tenerum Sw. T M LC
5 Diamond Maidenhair Adiantum trapeziforme L. T O NE
Asparagaceae
6 Foxtail Fern Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop T O NE
7 Sparrow Asparagus fern Asparagus officinalis L. T M, V NE
8 Feathered Asparagus Fern Asparagus plumosus Baker T, E O, V NE
9 Shatavari, Satawar Asparagus racemosus Willd. T M NE
10 Ferny Asparagus Asparagus setaceus (Kunth) Jessop T M, O NE
Aspleniaceae
11 Bird's nest Fern Asplenium nidus L. T, E M, O LC
Athyriaceae
12 Lady-Fern Athyrium accedens (Blume) Milde T O, V NE
13 Fiddlehead Fern Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. T M, V LC
Azollaceae
14 Red Water velvet Azolla filiculoides Lam A O, OT LC
15 Water velvet Azolla pinnata R. Br. A O, OT LC
Blechnaceae
16 Hard Fern Blechnum finlaysonianum Wall. T M, O, V NE
Cyatheaceae
17 Tree fern Cyathea gigantea Wall. Ex. Hook. T O LC
Dennstaedtiaceae
18 Tropical Bracken fern Pteridium arachnoideum (Kaulf.) Maxon T OT NE
Dicksoniaceae
19 Man Fern Balantium antarcticum (Labill.) C. Presl T O NE
Helminthostachyaceae
20 Kamraj Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. T M, O CR
Lygodiaceae
21 Japanese climbing fern Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. T M LC
Marattiaceae
22 Giant Fern Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm. T M, O LC
Nephrolepidaceae
23 Ladder Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) Schott T, L, E M, O CD
24 Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) C. Presl T M, O LC
25 Fishtail Fern Nephrolepis falcata (Cav.) C. Chr. T O, V NE
Polypodiaceae
26 Fishtail Strap-Fern Microsorum punctatum (L.) Copel. E, L M, O, V LC
27 Wart Fern Microsorum scolopendria (Burm. f.) Copel. E, L O, OT NE
28 Wart Fern Phymatosorus scolopendria (Burm. f.) Pic. Serm. E, L O, OT NE
Pteridaceae
29 Tiger fern/Hodo Acrostichum aureum L. T M LC
30 Silver Fern Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link T, L M LC
31 Silver lace Fern Pteris ensiformis Burm. f. T M LC
32 Victoria Fern Pteris ensiformis Victoria T O LC
Salviniaceae
33 Aquarium Water Moss Salvinia adnata Desv. A O, OT LC
34 Floating Fern Salvinia cucullata Roxb. A O, OT LC
35 Floating moss Salvinia natans (L.) All. A O, OT LC
Selaginellaceae
36 Spike moss Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron. T, L M NE
37 Peacock Moss Selaginella uncinata (Desv. ex Poir.) Spring T M NE
Tectariacae
38 Button Fern Tectaria cicutaria (L.) Copel. T M NE
Thelypteridaceae
39 Swamp Shield-Fern Cyclosoru sopulentus (Kaulf.) Nakaike T, A M, V NE
40 Toothed Lattice-vein Fern Thelypteris serrata (Cav.) Alston T V NE
Habitat: A=Aquatic, E=Epiphyte, L=Lithophytes, T=Terrestrial.
Use: M=Medicinal, O=Ornamental, V=Vegetable, OT=Others.
Conservation status (CS): LC= Least Concerned, CD= Conservation dependents, CR= Critically endangered, NE= Not Evaluated.

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Figure 3. Generic and species distribution of the available Pteridophytes in BAUBG under different families

Figure 4. Percentage of Pteridophytes according to their habitat

M = Medicinal, O = Ornamental, V = Vegetable, Ot = Others

Figure 5. Distribution of Pteridophytes according to their uses

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 Pteridophytes diversity in BAUBG

A B C

D E F

G H I

Figure 6. A. Adiantum capillus-veneris L. B. Adiantum philippense L. C. Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm. D. Asparagus
racemosus Willd. E. Asplenium nidus L. F. Cyathea gigantea Wall. Ex. Hook. G. Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. H.
Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. I. Microsorum punctatum (L.) Copel.

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A B C

D E F

G H I

Figure 7. A. Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) B. Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) C. Presl C. Nephrolepis falcata (Cav.) C. Chr. D. Pityrogramma
calomelanos (L.) Link E. Pteris ensiformis Burm. f. F. Salvinia cucullata Roxb G. Salvinia adnata Desv. H. Selaginella moellendorffii
Hieron. I. Selaginella uncinata (Desv. ex Poir.) Spring

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Conclusion Howard, G. and Harley, K. 1997. How do floating aquatic weeds affect
wetland conservation and development? How can these
Forty species of Pteridophytes available at BAUBG were
effects be minimized? Wetlands Ecology and
identified and recorded along with nineteen new Management, 5: 215–225.
species which have not been reported elsewhere in https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008209207736
Bangladesh. Most of the Pteridophytes are widely used Kimura, K. and Noro, Y. 1965. Pharmacognostical studies on Chinese
drug "Gu-sui-bu". I. consideration on "gu-sui-bu" in old
as vegetables and traditional medicine for treating
herbals (Pharmacognostical studies on fern drugs XI). Syoy -
various ailments and some of them have ornamental akugakuZasshi, 19: 25- 31.
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