Biology and bulb production of Eleutherine bulbosa (Iridaceae), a native species from Borneo, Indonesia

Abstract

Eleutherine bulbosa is a known ornamental plant of the Iris family, which originated from Central Borneo, Indonesia. The bulbs of E. bulbosa have long been used as a medicinal source by the local people of Borneo. Despite its known medicinal and other values, studies on the morphology and efficiency in bulb production of this species are limited. The aims of our study are to examine the vegetative and reproductive morphology of E. bulbosa, and to determine the effect of various dosages of NPK fertilizer on flowering and bulb production. The plants were grown in pots using potting mix consists of equal volume of burnt rice hulls, cocopeat, and organic manures (1:1:1). Our study showed that E. bulbosa has a cymose rhipidium inflorescence with 25-50 mm long peduncles, have 3-4 umbel on the secondary axis, each consists of 10-12 florets that opens in turn every day. Florets are 20-30 mm long, 20 mm in diameter, 10-15 mm pedicels, and short-lived. The perianth is white, about 25 mm wide with yellow anthers and stigma. Fruits were not formed during the duration of the study. NPK fertilizer application at the lowest dose of 1 g per pot had promoted earlier shoot emergence and vegetative growth, including plant height, leaf number, leaf size, number of tillers, and bulb production compared to control (no fertilizer). Application of fertilizer at 1 and 2 g per plant significantly promoted earlier flowering, whereas application at 3 g per plant delayed and reduced the proportion of flowering plants. The results of this study can aid in taxonomic identification and efficient cultivation of this plant for uses as potted flowering ornamentals or bulb production for different purposes. Higher cultivation and reduced wild harvesting can result in the conservation of this species.

Response of Ervatamia coronaria to plant growth regulators and chemical fertilization

“…Results in in Figure 2 also indicated that, under the same level of PGRs, raising the fertilization rate resulted in steady and significant increase in flowering parameters compared to control, Accordingly, the highest values were registered by the highest rate (6 g plant -1 ), whereas the lowest values were obtained from control. The obtained increase in flowering parameters as a result of fertilization treatments is quite in line with those obtained by previous reports including Mumtaz et al (2017) on Rosa Gruss-anteplitz; Ashour et al (2018) on Euryops pectinatus; Wiendi et al (2021) on Eleutherine bulbosa.…”

Anti-diabetic properties of traditional herbal concoction containing Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr., Momordica charantia L., and Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.): a bibliometric analysis

“…2). The bulb is oval and consists of many layers like a regular onion with a striking deep reddish color (Wiendi et al 2012). M. charantia, also known as karela, bitter gourd, or bitter melon, is a fruit from Cucurbitaceae family.…”

Review: Potency of Borneo Endemic and Typical Plants as Anti-Cancer Medicines

“…The bulbs have a purplish red color with a bitter taste. The Dayak people (Borneo natives) have been using for generations the bulbs as traditional medicines [14]. Dayak people usually process it by slicing it thinly and drying it, then brewing it with boiled water.…”