Materials and Methods

Yana (14.58372°N and 74. 56476°E) is located in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka state (Figure 1). It is a part of the hill range of central Western Ghats and is known for the unusual rock formations in its vicinity. The diversity of the habitat is evident from the beginning of a narrow valley; with almost uninterrupted evergreen forest majestic, cathedral like rocks (Figure 2). The largest formation is known as Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and another one in close proximity designated as Mohini Shikhara. The rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline limestone. Yana is well known place of pilgrimage, considered the abode of Lord Shiva, in a cave towards the base of the rock. The forests that surround these rocks are rich in perennial water courses like streams and springs. The deep shade and higher humidity are, understandably, major reasons for rich diversity of pteridophytes. An account of these pteridophytes, encountered during our ongoing ecological surveys in the district, is presented here.