Floristic Study and Ecological Importance of Selaginella spp. (Little Club Moss) in Chhura Block of Gariaband District, Chhattisgarh, India

Sahdev^1,*, Kuldeep², Shweta Choubey³, Fanendra Kumar⁴, Amit Tandan⁵, Satendra Kumar Induria⁶, Ishwari⁷, Digeshari Sahu⁷

 ^1*Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Government Engineering College Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

²Department Agriculture, College of Agriculture & Reasearch Station, Gariaband, (Constituted by Indira Gandhi krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh).

³Chemistry, Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Government Engineering College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

⁴ISBM, University, Chhura, Gariaband, Chhattisgarh.

⁵Department of Geography, Shri Rawatpura Sarkar University Dhaneli, Raipur (C.G.)

⁶Department of Botany, Government J Yoganandam Chhattisgarh P.G. College Raipur.

⁷Department of Chemistry, Aryabhatta Art’s & Science College, Kopra, (Aff. to Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh).

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to record the wealth and environmental meaning of plants of Selaginella types (small bubble clubs or advanced forms) in the forested areas of Jharjhara waterfalls, Gaidbari and Nagjhar villages, Chhura block, Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, India. These species, especially Selaginella tamariscina and Selaginella moellendorffii, are part of the Selaginellaceae family and are primitive vascular plants with important environments. This study was conducted during the 2024-2025 Monsoon season using square sampling, ethnobotanical testing. It has been reported that plants grow in moist, shaded environments with low acid soils (pH 5.5-6.2) and tend to grow thick bed covers. Ecologically, the genre of Selaginella is used to prevent soil erosion and to maintain soil microorganism storage, which is essential for soil humidity and microorganism survival. Ethnobotanical research shows that plants are working by local residents of traditional medicine to treat fever, urine, and wound disease. Despite its environmental and cultural significance, this species is poorly documented and increasingly faces the threat of habitat degradation. This study highlights the importance of integrating Selaginella types into conservation and continuation programs of environmental functioning research, and pharmacological possibilities to support local biodiversity use of forests.

Keywords: Selaginella, Little Club Moss, Chhura block, biodiversity, Gariaband.

Introduction

Selaginella bryopteris (L.) a member of the Family of Selaginellaceae, is widely recognized as “Sanjeevani,”, and is a rocky plant known for its unprecedented regenerative nature [1.2]. They say it is one of the oldest plants recognized in India, with the mythical ability to revive life. “Sanjeevani” is mentioned in Indian mythology and literature, for example, in the poet Tulsidas, who uses this term to describe the wonderful grass with important healing properties [1.3]. The type of the Selaginellaceae is found in the tropical and subtropical parts of the Earth. In India, the genus Selaginella, also known as small club moss or spike moss is often found in forest areas. Forest areas are damp and have a dense terrestrial cover shape. These plants serve important environmental functions. Prevents soil erosion, maintains water in the soil, and supplies nutrients for various soil organisms and cryptogamic (spore-producing) flora. The Chhura forests in the Gariaband District of Chhattisgarh provide a favorable environment for cultivating the Selaginella genus. Clear training sections, such as the waterfalls and the villages of Jharjhara, Gaidbari and Nagjhar, are characterized by humid forest covering of hilly areas, stream courses, and deciduous trees. In the flora of these regions, primarily banks and river slopes are dominated by herbs, shrubs, and tree communities such as Terminalia and Diospyros species. The special microclimate caused by waterfalls, in addition to thick coverage, provides a high possibility of forests, providing ideal humidity and shadows for the development of Selaginella tamariscina and Selaginella moellendorffii. These plants respect the environment, but are hardly expressed in biodiversity research and conservation strategies. Native tribal communities use the Selaginella type of ethnomedicine to treat fever, urinary disorders, and wound healing. This study aims to write about the diversity of the flora of Selaginella genus, its environmental role, and ethnobotanical meanings. This study, focusing on Chhura block forests, is part of a broader discussion to maintain local biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems.

Materials and Methods

Study Area: This study was conducted in the sample of forest plots around the Jharjhara waterfalls, particularly in the villages of Gaidbari and Nagjhar in the Chhura region of Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, India. These locations (approximately 20.73°N – 20.75°N latitude and 81.95°E – 81.98°E longitude). The territory is dominated by wavy topography with conditions suitable for the growth of Selaginella, closed forest cover, seasonal flows, and microclimate. Forest canopies are mainly composed of Shore Shorearobusta and Terminalia types. Research in the field of plant flora was conducted during 2024-2025 Monsoon, near Jharjhara Waterfall area, as well as in Gaidbari and Nagjhar regions of the Chhura block.

Figure 1: This map show in Study area's in A)Jharjhara Waterfall, B) Gaidabry, C) Nagjhar, Chhura Block, Gariaband District.

(Kour, G., 2022-23 & Google map [23]).

Ethnobotanical Data Collection: Discussions and interviews of half-structured groups were conducted with village residents, traditional healers (Baigas and Ojhas), and forest residents (n = 30), and documented the folk use of the type of Selaginella. Informational consent was obtained from all participants in the interview.

Study Are: The survey was conducted in a clear forest area of Chhura block in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, India. The most important places were the cascades of Jharjhara Waterfalls, Gaidbari, and Nagjhar. These were renowned for their highly organic areas, wet microbes, and intact forests, with environments favoring the growth of Selaginella.  The geographic coordinates of these locations vary from 20.5° to 20.7°C. These regions have a humid subtropical monsoon climate, which is suitable for the presence of cryptogamic flora such as Selaginella.

Materials are used

·       Floristic collection tools (manual bars, plants, plastic bags, herbaceous leaves)

·       GPS device (to mark the exact location)

·       Digital camera (for photo documents)

·       Laptop and observation leave on the ground

·       Classification microscopes and keys for identification

·       Published floras like “Flora of Madhya Pradesh,” “Flora of Chhattisgarh,” and various Selaginella monographs

Methodology
During the Selaginella species, ground testing was conducted during the season after Monsoon (August-November). It is the most notable and most aggressively grown.

Square sampling methods are used to measure frequency and distribution. 1 m x 1 m squares were randomly laid at selected habitat intervals and rewarded Selaginella individuals.

Specimen Collection and Preservation: Representative plant specimens were collected, pressed, dried, and preserved for herbarium deposition. GPS coordinates and habitat details were recorded for each sampling location.

Identification: Collected samples were identified using morphological characteristics and compared with standard floras and existing herbarium specimens.

Environmental assessment: Home type, canopy coverage, soil humidity, related types, and microclimate conditions have been observed. Emphasis was placed on participation in the stabilization of the soil in Selaginella, and humidity and its occurrence were maintained its occurrence as a biological indication of forest health.

Data analysis consisted of determining indicators of relative frequency, species richness, and environmental importance. Habitat and environmental function preferences are expressed qualitatively based on site observations.

Results and Discussion

Floral Composition

Two major types of Selainella reported in field trials conducted in villages of Jharjhara Waterfalls, Gaidbari, and Nagjhar (Blok Chhura).

·       Selaginella tamariscina (also known as the general spike moss or little club moss).

·       Selaginella moellendorffii.

The two species occurred mainly in wet, shady environments, particularly along the creek coast, in the gaps near the waterfall, and in the forests beneath the dense canopy. Selaginella tamariscina was more common in all areas of research, including the thick green carpet covering forests.

Ethnobotanical Observations

Requests with local informants have decided on the following traditional applications:

·       Fresh Selaginella tamariscina leaves are used on the forehead to reduce fever.

·       Decoctions or infusions of Selaginella spp. Aversion or infusion is considered a natural treatment for cooling, especially for urinary tract infections.

·       Plant materials may be used for border restrictions and stream bank lines to prevent soil erosion in monsoon rain.

The botanical composition shows that S. tamariscina is well adapted to moist, shady soils and thrives in most microhabitats, including forest floors and riparian areas. Conversely, the limited distribution of S. moellendorffii suggests an ecological specialization favoring areas with rocky substrates and permanent water flow. This distinction highlights species-specific habitat preferences and ecological niches.

From an ecological perspective, Selaginella species play an important role in soil stabilization and forest ecosystem functioning. Thick vegetation cover reduces soil erosion, especially along riverbanks and slopes during the rainy season. As pioneer species, they help colonize disturbed soils and promote early forest regeneration. Additionally, these plants help retain soil moisture and create favorable conditions for microorganisms and other fungal flora, increasing forest biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.