The present paper is based on the results of taxonomic research work conducted in Dera Ismail Khan District of
KPK, Pakistan, during 2005 - 2007. The area was extensively surveyed in order to collect floating aquatic weeds. From the
study area 11 floating aquatic weed species belonging to 9 genera and 9 families were collected and identified in the light of
available literature. These plants include Bryophytes: 1 species,
Ricciocarpus natans
(L.) Corda; Pteridophytes: 2 species,
Azolla pinnata
R.Br. and
Marselia quadrifolia
L., and Spermatophytes: 8 species,
Lemna aequinoctialis
Welw.,
L. gibba
L.,
Marselia quadrifoliata L.
Nelumbo nucifera
Gaerth.,
Nymphoides cristata
(Roxb.) O. Ketze.
Nymphoides indica
(L.) Kuntze:,
Pistia stratiotes
L.
Potamogeton nodosus
Poiret and
Spirodela polyrrhiza
(L.) Schleid. Floating weeds on one hand cause
serious problems and on the other hand they are used for various purposes. Data inventory consists of botanical name, family,
major group, habit and habitat, flowering period, availability, distribution in D.I.Khan, Pakistan and world, beneficial and
harmful effects. Key to the floating aquatic species of the area was developed for easy and correct identification and
differentiation.
