Pollination Ecology of Rhynchosia Heynei Wight and Arn. (Leguminosae), An Endemic Medicinal Herbaceous Shrub Species of Peninsular India

Authors

  • A. J. Solomon Raju Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
  • K. Venkata Ramana Department of Botany, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jist.v22i2.19592

Keywords:

Bisexuality, Bees, Fruiting, Pods, Regeneration

Abstract

 Rhynchosia heynei is an endemic shrub in dry deciduous forests of peninsular India. It is medicinally important and used locally for the treatment of different diseases. Despite its medicinal value and endemic status, no studies were made on the pollination ecology of this shrub to understand the factors leading to its endemic status. In this connection, the standard protocols were followed for the systematic study of the pollination in the Nallamalai forest of Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. The study indicated that the plant produces nectariferous bisexual flowers. The flowers were self-compatible and equipped with explosive pollination mechanism adapted for melittophily. The fruit set occurred through self and cross-pollination. Mature and dry pods dehisce explosively to disperse seeds. Regeneration occurred through perennial root stock and seeds during rainy season but the regeneration rate is poor due to rocky and dry habitat with little moisture and nutrient content.

 Journal of Institute of Science and Technology

Volume 22, Issue 2, January 2018, Page: 32-44

 

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Published

2018-04-09

How to Cite

Raju, A. J. S., & Ramana, K. V. (2018). Pollination Ecology of Rhynchosia Heynei Wight and Arn. (Leguminosae), An Endemic Medicinal Herbaceous Shrub Species of Peninsular India. Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 22(2), 32–44. https://doi.org/10.3126/jist.v22i2.19592

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Research Articles

License

The views and interpretations in this journal are those of the author(s). They are not attributable to the Institute of Science and Technology, T.U. and do not imply the expression of any opinion concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, area of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers of boundaries.

The copyright of the articles is held by the Institute of Science and Technology, T.U.