Bryophyte diversity in the Sacred Groves, with special reference to Vallikkattukavu of Kozhikode district in Western Ghats

The bryophyte diversity in the Vallikkattu kavu of Kozhikode district is enumerated along with the conservation of bryophytes in the sacred grove is discussed. This report represents many interesting finds such as Bryum retusifolium  var. heterophyllum Card. ex Gangulee a new record to Kerala and Ditrichum tortuloides Grout. is a new record for Peninsular India. The endemic species Fissidens kammadensis Manju et al. and the rare species Calymperes palisotti Schwaegr. could be collected from this sacred grove.