Floral biology of Baccaurea courtallensis – an endemic tree species from peninsular India

Abstract

Baccaurea courtallensis, a member of the Phyllanthaceae family is a tree species endemic to peninsular India. Despite the fact that this plant is naturally propagated through seeds, there is no information on its reproductive biology. To understand the reproductive biology of this species, its floral biology is very important. Hence, this study was conducted to comprehend the detailed aspects of its flowering and fruiting characters. Blooms occur during February–May; fruits develop and mature from June to September. Flowers are unisexual, and dioecious. The present study reports on the rare occurrence of monoecious flowers in many inflorescences of a few trees. Crimson red fruits are arranged in a racemose type of inflorescence and hang in symmetric clusters. Inflorescence clusters are observed all along the trunk from base upwards. Wind and insect pollinations were observed in this species during field visits: honey bees and black ants were observed as the major floral visitors. Pollen grains showed 96.24% fertility in the acetocarmine glycerin test and 80% viability in the fluro-chromatic reaction test. Pollen germination was 63.1% in Brewbaker and Kwack’s medium containing 10% sucrose. The detailed aspects of flower and fruit morphology and anatomy respectively are reported for the first time.