The genus Mallotus Lour. is a large and complex paleotropical genus of about 150 species and are mainly distributed in Asia, Africa and Australasia to Fiji. In India it is represented by 17 species, of which Kerala harbours 12 species including two varieties.
Submitted date: 8 May 2013 Accepted date: 31 October 2013 Published date: 25 December 2013 Pp. 138–139, Pl. 3.
Rediscovery of Henckelia macrostachya (Gesneriaceae) from Kerala, India
T. Shaju, M. Rajendraprasad, S.M. Shareef, A.R. Beegam & A.G. Pandurangan *Corresponding author. E-mail:
During the recent floristic exploration to Anaimudi and its surroundings, the highest peak in southern India, one of the authors collected a gesneriad herb from Pettimudi at an altitude of 2000 m in the Idukki District of Kerala State. The taxonomic identity of the specimen has been determined as Henckelia macrostachya (E. Barnes) A. Weber & B. L. Burtt (Didymocarpus macrostachya E. Barnes). Subsequent perusal of the literature and consultation of different herbaria (CAL, K, MH, TBGT), the present collection proved to be a rediscovery of the species after a lapses of 75 years from its original collection. The species was collected at Ottaparai Ridge at an altitude of 5500 feet near Munnar, the foothills of the Anaimudi Range. The species could not be located although the area has been well explored by various authors and therefore was treated recently as possibly extinct. The rediscovery of the species confirmed its existence in the wild and hence assumes significance from conservation point of view. Based on the field observation, morphological assessment, and a nomenclatural review, a detailed description is provided with illustration and photographs to facilitate its identification.
Abstract Malachra capitata is a small seasonal herb. Flowering occurs during September–October. It is hermaphroditic and self-compatible with a mixed breeding system. The conspicuous floral displays, non-tubular nature of the flower, and the small volume of nectar with high sugar concentration attract bees and butterflies with bees serving as the principal pollinator. The fruit set is 21% in open-pollination mode despite the hectic foraging activity of bees and butterflies. The observed fruit set rate is attributed to the high percentage of flower predation by beetles, and by the nature of soil nutrient/environment requirements. The fruit is a schizocarp with five 1-seeded indehiscent mericarps. New plants arise from seed during the rainy season mostly at parental sites and usually form pure stands; the plants complete their life cycle within six or seven months.
Key words : mangrove associate, herb, insects, pollinator, soil binder, landward plant, India
Submitted date: 15 August 2013 Accepted date: 19 November 2013 Published date: 25 December 2013 Pp. 124–130.
PSYCHOPHILOUS AND MELITTOPHILOUS POLLINATION SYNDROME IN Tridax procumbens L. (ASTERACEAE)
P. Varalakshmi & A.J. Solomon Raju* *Corresponding author. E-mail: ajsraju@yahoo.com
Abstract Tridax procumbens exhibits explosive flowering during June–September while sporadic flowering at other times. In the capitula, the florets are of two types, nectarless female ray florets and nectariferous bisexual disc florets. The disc florets are sucrose-dominant with sugar concentrations of 20% and the energy yield is optimal. The nectar contains five essential and ten non-essential amino acids. The capitula attract butterflies, bees, flies and thrips. The butterflies, while collecting nectar, and bees, while collecting nectar and pollen, effect pollination. Thrips use flower buds for breeding and effect pollination while feeding on pollen and nectar. The study suggests that T. procumbens exhibits psychophilous and melittophilous pollination syndrome. The work presented in this paper on plant-butterfly interactions assumes importance in the context of planning for and setting up butterfly parks.
Key words : Medicinal herb, insects, forage, pollinator, entomophily, ligulate, tubular, India
Submitted date: 4 November 2013 Accepted date: 25 November 2013 Published date: 25 December 2013 Pp. 120–123.
A NEW ORCHID OF THE GENUS Bulbophyllum (ORCHIDACEAE) FROM WESTERN GHATS OF SOUTHERN INDIA
S. Karuppusamy* & V. Ravichandran *Corresponding author. E-mail: ksamytaxonomy@gmail.com
Abstract Bulbophyllum aureoflavum, a new orchid from Western Ghats of southern India, is described and illustrated. The new species, Bulbophyllum aureoflavum, is rare and known presently only from the type locality in southern Western Ghats. This species is related to B. elegantulum and B. fischeri, but differs by having a thick rhizome, subglobose pseudopbulb, bendant filiform scape, and a light golden yellowish, glabrous flower.
Key words :Bulbophyllum aureoflavum, new species, pantropical, taxonomy