Diversity of seedless vascular plants of USTM Campus, Baridua, Ri–Bhoi, Meghalaya : A Preliminary Survey

The present study was undertaken to access the diversity of seedless vascular plants of USTM Campus, Baridua, Ri–Bhoi, Meghalaya. A total of 19 seedless vascular plants has been documented from the study. Sixteen seedless vascular plants could be identified up to species level and 3 up to genus level. The specimens were distributed under 3 classes, 11 families, and 16 genera. Polypodiopsida was the most dominant taxa with 7 families and the family Pteridiaceae was the most dominant family with 6 species. Thirteen species were found growing on soil and/or rocks, 3 species were epiphytic, two species were cultivated (ornamental) and Ophioglossum sp. was found growing under shady moist soil condition. To add to the novelty to this study, all the species were screened for their potential biological activities form the standard literatures. Out of the total 19 species, 14 species were reported to have potential biological activities. Most of the species were reported to exhibit anti–inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Species including Acrostichum aureum, Adiantum capillus–veneris and Cheilanthes tenuifolia were found to possesses multiple potential biological activities.