Seed ecology of Ecbolium ligustrinum (Vahl) Vollesen, an important medicinal plant of Asiatic tropics
Paper Details
Seed ecology of Ecbolium ligustrinum (Vahl) Vollesen, an important medicinal plant of Asiatic tropics
Abstract
Ecbolium ligustrinum (Vahl) Vollesen [Acanthaceae] is a regionally threatened widely used medicinally important plant. For the sustenance and formulation of conservation strategy, a thorough study regarding different seed ecological aspects of the plant species viz., seed production, seed-ovule ratio, seed-set percentage, seed dispersal and seed structure along with their germination, dormancy, scarification and moisture content have been studied. Morpho-anatomical structures of the seed have also been studied in detail with their specialized dispersive organ jaculator. The exotestally derived seed coat bears short, rigid hairs and some scattered mucilaginous deposits which performs significant role in moisture regulation during their storage. Germination experiments were carried out as per the rule of International Seed Testing Association. For scarification methods Copeland and McDonald’s technique has been employed. The seeds of the species showed a coat-imposed primary dormancy which can be successfully broken through acid scarification using 36(N) and 24(N) H2SO4. Gradual losses of moisture content of the seeds were associated with their loss of viability.
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