Taxonomic revision of genus Potamogeton (Potamogetonaceae) in Kashmir Himalaya, India

Ganie A.H.*, Reshi Z.A., Wafai B.A. & A.A. Khuroo

Published on : 31-Dec-2025

DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2025.35.04.07

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Abstract

Potamogeton L. (Potamogetonaceae) is one of the diverse genera of aquatic plants. Owing to its reduced floral morphology and high phenotypic plasticity, the genus has remained taxonomically challenging. This study presents taxonomic revision of Potamogeton in Kashmir Himalaya, based on comprehensive field collections made over the last decade (2010–2020), supplemented with investigations on earlier herbarium collections. During the present study, aquatic habitats across the Kashmir Himalaya were surveyed, and 15 study sites were selected for detailed sampling spanning an elevation gradient of 1595 to 2180 m asl. The study records 12 Potamogeton species in the region, with detailed morphological characterization, identification key, line drawings, and photographs. The three species, namely, P. amblyphyllus C.A. Meyer, P. berchtoldii Fieber, and P. trichoides Cham. & Schltdl. are the first-time reports from this region, while the latter two species are new distribution records for India as well. Overall, the study brings clarity to the taxonomy of Potamogeton - the largest aquatic genus in Kashmir Himalaya, and the findings have practical implications in the sustainable management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems in this Himalayan region, with learnings for neighboring regions.