Taxonomic Evaluation of Selected Moss Species Using Morphological Traits and Cluster Analysis

Abstract

Bryophytes are non-vascular land plants known for their diverse morphology and ecological adaptability. The objective of the present work is to study the micromorphological characteristics of four moss species, including Philonotis revoluta, Philonotis mollis, Fissidens diversifolius, and Fissidens geminiflorus, collected from different localities of Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. Specimens were studied using stereomicroscopy and light microscopy. The species exhibited marked variation in growth form, leaf arrangement, costa, and cell structure.  Philonotis species exhibited erect, tufted growth with spirally arranged leaves and were associated with moist rock surfaces exposed to running water. In contrast, Fissidens species showed flattened growth with a characteristic distichous leaf arrangement and were found on shaded, moisture-retentive walls. The presence of a vaginant lamina in Fissidens and differences in cell ornamentation, such as papillose and mammillose cells in Philonotis, served as key diagnostic features. These changes demonstrated adaptation to certain microhabitats and underscore the significance of micromorphological characteristics in species identification and taxonomy. The present study provides a platform for further ecological and chemotaxonomic research