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The present investigation resulted in the documentation of forty nine aquatic macrophytes from eight
wetlands of Haliyal taluk. Dicotyledons were predominant in the study areas, from the diversity
point of view Cyperaceae was the dominant family, followed by Commelinaceae, Lentibularaceae
and Scropulariaceae. Azollabipinnata was the most common taxa in the studied areas. Eight species
documented, have medicinal value. Among the morpho-ecological groups, emergent anchored were
the dominant and the least were submerged rooted group. Shannon diversity index revealed
comparatively high diversity in the riparian wetland of Bomanahalli dam. WMI scores reveals
Yadoga and Murukwad in fairly goodcondition, whereas Sambrani and Ajgaoh are highly polluted
and not suitable for fishing. The qualitative survey data when subjected to CCA revealed larger
water spread area and conductivity as environmental gradient for the occurrence of emergent
anchored and submerged rooted forms respectively. Hence in the present paper, the authors
emphasize the usefulness of WMI and CCA in the interpretations of qualitative survey data, which
may be helpful in wetland conservation and restoration strategies.
Key words: Macrophyte, CCA, WMI, Environmental gradients.