Abstract Lumnitzera racemosa is a non-viviparous evergreen mangrove tree species. It is a massive bloomer from mid-July to mid-August. The flowers are bisexual, self-compatible, self-pollinating and exhibit a mixed breeding system. The plant is temporally dioecious with marked protandry and a non-receptive stigma on day one of anthesis with a receptive stigma on days two and three. Fruit set is approximately 90% due to self and cross-pollination. The floral characters are related to pollination by generalized flower-visiting insects, notably actinomorphy, white spreading petals, limited but easily accessible nectar, and position of stamens. Pollinators include bees, wasps and butterflies. Fruits are invariably 1-seeded despite the presence of 3–5 ovules. Natural regeneration is low perhaps due to abortion of embryos or the feeding of embryos by small grubs. Fallen mature fruits become fibrous in water and this may aid dispersal in the sea. However, fruit germination and seedling establishment is curtailed due to their salinity-sensitivity.
Key words : floral sexual functions, fruit set, germination, mixed breeding system, seedling
Submitted date: 13 March 2013 Accepted date: 25 April 2014 Published date: 30 August 2014 Pp. 90–99, pls. 7–8.
MELITTOPHILY AND MALACOPHILY IN Ipomoea pes-caprae (CONVOLVULACEAE)
A.J. Solomon Raju*, P. Suvarna Raju & K. Venkata Ramana *Corresponding author. E-mail: ajsraju@yahoo.com
Abstract Ipomoea pes-caprae is a mangrove associate often found along shorelines. It flowers during August–February and is hermaphroditic and an obligate out-crosser due to self-incompatibility. It is both melittophilous and malacophilous. The natural fruit set rate is less than 10% probably due to the wastage of pollen in self-pollination, the ephemeral nature of flowers, predation, and nutrient requirements. Seeds are impermeable to water and germinate readily if they are covered and abraded by sand; those exposed to seawater rot and subsequently perish. The low natural fruit set rate, the mortality of seeds and seedlings due to rotting, burial by sand, space constraint, and shading by established plants appear to be regulating the population size of I. pes-caprae. The plant also propagates vegetatively through the expansion of branches that are broken into fragments by storm waves, transported by water, and then washed onshore into new locations.
Key words : creeper, mangrove associate, post-zygotic self-incompatibility, vegetative propagation
Abstract Wendlandia glabrata is a massive bloomer during February–March. Floral characteristics such as diurnal anthesis, white coloured, odorless, tubular flowers with deep seated sucrose-rich nectar conform to psychophily. Nectar is a source of essential and non-essential amino acids for butterflies, inconsistent foragers due to nectar traces in open flowers. This suggests a breakdown of psychophilous pollination. Honey bees consistently collect only pollen. Flies are also inconsistent nectar foragers. Therefore, W. glabrata with psychophilous pollination syndrome is actually melittophilous, and the flowers exhibit Secondary Pollen Presentation (SPP). The flowers are morphologically hermaphroditic but functionally temporally dioecious which promotes outcrossing. Natural fruit and seed set rates are attributed to pollen robbery by honey bees. Anemochory is effective to dispersal of seeds. In situ seedling establishment rate is low due to habit, seasonal herbaceous vegetation, and space limitation. Therefore, we recommend that seedlings be raised in nurseries and transplanted to rebuild populations of W. glabrata.
Key words : psychophily, secondary pollen presentation, tree species, tropical semi-evergreen
Submitted date: 11 February 2014 Accepted date: 1 May 2014 Published date: 30 August 2014 Pp. 79–82.
RESURRECTING THE TYPE LOCALITY OF Ceropegia odorata (APOCYNACEAE) AFTER 175 YEARS
R. Kr. Singh*, Sameer Patil & J.S. Jalal *Corresponding author. E-mail: rksbsiadsingh@yahoo.co.in
Abstract The type locality of the critically endangered Ceropegia odorata Nimmo ex J. Graham is resurrected after a lapse of about 175 years. A detailed description, distribution, habitat, IUCN threat status, and a nomenclatural note are provided along with a neotype designation. The main threat factors responsible for dwindling of populations of the species are discussed and measures are suggested to arrest the operative causal factors.
Key words : Borivali NP, critically endangered, fragrant flower, Maharashtra, neotype, Salsette Island
Submitted date: 11 December 2013 Accepted date: 17 January 2014 Published date: 30 August 2014 Pp. 76–78, Pl. 3.
Mitracarpus hirtus VAR. sessilis VAR. NOV. (RUBIACEAE) FROM INDIA
Tandyekkal Dhruvan*, A. G. Pandurangan & N. Mohanan *Corresponding author. E-mail: tdhruvan@gmail.com
Abstract A new variety of Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. is described and illustrated. It forms the second new taxon of the genus from the Old World. Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. var. sessilis Dhruvan, Pandur., and Mohanan var. nov. differs from Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. var. hirtus by its sessile, broader, denser flowers in larger glomerules, two larger, oblong or oblong-elliptic, calycine calyx lobes with a mucronate apex, two shorter, linear-lanceolate, hyaline calyx lobes, capsules with S-shaped bent calyx lobes that lack aristate tip, and by grayish-brown seeds.
Key words : Introduced plants, invasive species, new variety, Old World, taxonomy, Western Ghats