Water chemistry and the distribution of Podostemaceae in Ghana

Abstract

The physico-chemical parameters of several rivers in southern Ghana were determined during the dry season.  Other environmental features, e.g. canopy cover, rock substrate type, etc. of each site sampled were also recorded.  Four Podostemaceae species were recorded in 10 of the rivers sampled.  The distribution of the Podostemaceae appeared to relate to availability of rock substrate, open canopy and some level of plant nutrients, e.g. phosphates and nitrates in the water.  Further data must be collected at the sites where Podostemaceae grow in the tropics, particularly in Africa, to enable a better understanding of the contribution of river chemistry and other environmental parameters to the distribution of the Podostemaceae.