Diversity of Family Scytonemataceae (Cyanobacteria) from the Wayanad District, Western Ghats Regions of Kerala, India

The Scytonemataceae is the only traditional cyanobacterial family that exhibits the false branching phenotype and includes ecologically significant species, making it particularly interesting from an ecologic as well as economic perspective. This family is characterized by its taxonomic diversity and widespread distribution. The current study focuses on the diversity of the Scytonemataceae family in the Wayanad district, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The Western Ghats is notable for its exceptionally high level of biological diversity and endemism. Additionally, this area is ecologically sensitive and serves as a site for the systematic elucidation of many species. The research found that Scytonemataceae are commonly found on rock surfaces in the Wayanad district. These species display a color range that varies from pale or olive green to light brownish-black. The species were characterized and identified based on various morphological features, including cell dimensions, color, shape, type of branching, sheath characteristics, and cell contents. A total of 19 species were recorded, with the dominant genus being Scytonema with 15 species. Brasilonema follows with 3 species, and Petalonema contributes to one species, all belonging to the order Nostocales. Notably, among the 19 species identified, 11 are new records for the cyanobacterial flora of the Western Ghats in India.