New Record of Ophioglossum jaykrishnae S.M.Patil et al. in Menal Forest, Rajasthan, India

During fieldwork in the Menal Forest of Rajasthan, a distinct population of Ophioglossum L. was discovered. Specimens were collected and subjected to thorough laboratory analysis through systematic investigation. The species, characterized by its reddish-brown to pink hue and 2 to 4 lanceolate, erect trophophylls per rhizomorph, has been identified as Ophioglossum jaykrishnae. This marks the first recorded occurrence of O. jaykrishnae in the Menal Forest region of Rajasthan. Initially described as a new species from Gujarat, India, in 2020, it was later documented in Maharashtra in December 2023. This paper provides an in-depth examination of O. jaykrishnae, with a focus on its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, and ecological significance.