Notothylaceae is a phyletically isolated yet interesting group of bryophytes. The family is largely represented in East and South-east Asia, with principal focus of its origin and differentiation being the Indian subcontinent, where it is represented by the maximum number of species. This monograph presents the results of a morpho-taxonomic revision carried out on eleven species of the genus Notothylas Sull. from India and Nepal. The study encompasses critical, comparative evaluation of morphological and anatomical details of thallus, chloroplasts, gametangia, involucres, and the structure and organisation of capsule wall, spores and elaters supported by 46 plates of camera lucida illustrations and black-and-white photographs, three tables and two maps. Distribution pattern of currently recognised species have also been analysed.
This book attempts to fill a significant void in the taxonomic literature on bryophytes from this part of the world. It is hoped that it will encourage similar studies on other groups as well in future.