Volume 4, Issue 5

Floral Phenology of Delonixregia(Boj. Ex Hook) Raf. (Family: Caesalpiniaceae)

Author

G. Sujan Chandar1*, K. Ella Rao1, M. Bhupathi Rayalu1,2 and J.B. Atluri1

Abstract

The various parameters included in the study are blooming phenology at the population, individual and inflorescence levels, floral dynamics like timing of anthesis, and anther dehiscence, floral architecture, mode of pollen presentation, pollen number per anther, pollen-ovule ratio, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, nectar secretion and quantity. Based on the data relating to these parameters of Delonixregia(Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. described and discussed. The trees of D. regiabloomed after leaf shedding. It flowers during March – September. The period of blooming extended over 128.5 (R = 97 - 158) days. The flowers per raceme were 11-14. They matured intermittently in acropetal succession; the gap was 2-3 days between the maturation of flowers. Flowering life of an inflorescence varied from 16-19 days, with actual flowering occurring on 6-8 days. On any day 1-3 flowers opened, two being more common. Anthesis occurred during 0930-1000 hours. Individual flowers were very striking and prominent with one relatively larger, standard, upright petal marked with white, yellow and red streaks. It acted as a nectar guide and its base concealed the nectar. Its basal part formed a tube-like structure by the incurvation of margins. It functioned for 36 hours. The other four petals were scarlet-red. Flowers were retained for four days. Stigma became receptive at 1430 hours of first day of flower life, while the anthers began to dehisce intermittently during 1530-1830 hours of first day of flower life. Stigma and pollen were functional for 20-24 hours. Pollen remained in clumps.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62226/ijarst20150538

PAGES : 449-458 | 33 VIEWS | 78 DOWNLOADS

Download Full Article