POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF TRIUMFETTA RHOMBOIDEA (TILIACEAE)

Authors

  • A. J. Solomon Raju Andhra University
  • D. Sandhya Rani Department of Environmental Sciences Andhra University Visakhapatnam 530 003 India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4462/annbotrm-13285

Keywords:

TRIUMFETTA RHOMBOIDEA, FACULTATIVE AUTOGAMY, ENTOMOPHILY, RAIN-ASSISTED AUTOGAMY

Abstract

In Triumfetta rhomboidea, the floral characteristics such as showy petals, nectar and pollen, short period of anthesis schedule, self-compatibility, brief period of stigma receptivity, medium pollen/ovule ratio and delayed autonomous selfing suggest that it is facultative autogamous with the option kept open for outcrossing. The natural fruit set and seed set rates reflect the functionality of this breeding system.  T. rhomboidea flowers are actinomorphic and conspicuously yellow. Despite the existence of five nectaries at the base of ovary, nectar is secreted in traces only.  The pollen is copiously produced at plant level and it is a source of protein and amino acids. Bees use both nectar and pollen while wasps and butterflies use only nectar; all effect pollination. A nymphalid butterfly, Junonia orithya uses this plant as a larval host plant.  Animals and humans disperse dry, indehiscent fruits effectively during dry season.  Fruits expose seeds only after the decomposition of fruit coat during rainy season and then the seeds germinate and establish new plants.

Author Biographies

A. J. Solomon Raju, Andhra University

Dr. Aluri Jacob Solomon Raju is a Professor of Environmental Sciences in Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India. He was the Head of the Department during 2009-2012. He is currently the Chairman, Board of Studies of the Department. Further, he is a member of Academic Senate of the Andhra University. He was the Visiting Professor of University of Colima, Mexico. He was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Akron, USA for a period of two years. He has published more than 300 research papers, participated and presented scores of research papers at more than 75 national and more than 50 International conferences held in India and abroad.  He visited USA, Canada, UK, Brazil, Paraguay, Italy, Mexico, France, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. In recognition of his superior record of scholarship, he was awarded Distinguished Achievement Award by the University of Akron, USA. He is also the recipient of Best Research Award and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Best Academician Award of Andhra University, Loyola Environmental Award from Loyola College, Chennai and Andhra Pradesh Scientist Award from Andhra Pradesh Council of Science & Technology, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. He successfully completed a number of major research projects on the Eastern Ghats Forests funded by ICAR, UGC, DST, CSIR, DBT and MoEF. He has been awarded UGC-BSR Grant for distinguished achievements in his research field. He has also worked on biodiesel plants such as Pongamia and Jatropha and work on these plants laid foundation for others to initiate work in commercial lines.  He has also published ten books on various subjects published by national and international publishers. Twenty five Ph.Ds and 10 M.Phils were awarded under his guidance. Further, he is currently serving as a resource person for All India Radio, TV Channels, Consultant for issues relating to environment. Further, he is currently operating a DST Project on the reproductive biology keystone plant species. He is an expert-cum-reviewer for scores of scientific journals published by Elsevier, Springer publishers, Indian Publishers, US Publishers and African Publishers. He is the Chief Editor of Advances in Pollen-Spore Research and Journal of Palynology. He is the Expert member of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India in sanctioning the research projects.  

D. Sandhya Rani, Department of Environmental Sciences Andhra University Visakhapatnam 530 003 India

Dr. Sandhya Rani did Ph.D in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.  She is currently doing her post-doctoral research at the same institution.

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Published

2017-04-01

How to Cite

Solomon Raju, A. J., & Sandhya Rani, D. (2017). POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF TRIUMFETTA RHOMBOIDEA (TILIACEAE). Annali Di Botanica, 7, 33–41. https://doi.org/10.4462/annbotrm-13285

Issue

Vol. 7 (2017)

Section

Research Articles

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