Floristic Inventory of Pteridophytes and Lycophytes and Its Indigenous Uses in Cross River State-Nigeria

Abstract

Pteridophytes and lycophytes make up an important component of tropical flora, providing several ecosystem functions, yet it is neglected and understudy compare to the higher plants. The occurrence, distribution and indigenous uses of ferns within the tropical forest of Cross River State were studied with the aim of identifying and documenting the pteridophytic flora in the state. Ten (10 m × 10 m) plots were established for each forest across 9 Local Government Areas of Cross River State selected for the study. The study adopted a non-random preferential sampling method where all fern species encountered in each plot were collected, identified, and documented. Collected ferns were identified using taxonomic flora, literatures and experts in the field of Taxonomy, while conservation status of each identified fern species was assessed from recent IUCN 2023 red list website. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar. Structured questionnaire was used to obtained information on the knowledge and uses of identified species. Geographical coordinates of each sampled plot were obtained using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. The study was carried out from July, 2024 to December, 2024. A total of forty five (45) species belonging to twenty three (23) genera and fifteen (15) families were recorded for the study with Erokut in Akamkpa having the highest number of species (41 species), followed by Okwangwo in Boki with thirty-seven (37) species, while Afrike in Bekwara Akpet Central in Biase and Sankwala in Obanliko had the lowest number with fourteen (14) species each. Accordingly, wet season had more species (37 species) than the dry season (29 species). This difference in species richness between wet and dry season was statistically significant at p=0.05. Overall Shannon diversity index gave a value of 3.62 and evenness value of 0.6407. In general, there were 60% non-epiphytic species, 36% epiphytes while 4% occurred as non-epiphytic and epiphytic species respectively. Conservation status showed that 87% of species were not evaluated while 13% were categorized as least concern. Knowledge on indigenous uses of the species showed only Diplazium esculentum and Platycerium superbum. The study highlighted the rich diversity of ferns and fern allies in Cross River State, with notable variations across locations and seasons, with low level of indigenous utilization suggesting a knowledge gap that needs further ethnobotanical research. Additionally, lack of conservation assessment for most species underscores the need for conservation initiatives to protect these important plant groups.