Observations on Flowering and Fruiting in Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari

Abstract

The present work aims to document the phenological diversity of flowering and fruiting in guggul with reference to climate. Commiphora wightii flowering and fruiting patterns were monitored in Kaylana (Jodhpur, Rajasthan) over a period of 24 months. Observations on flowering and fruiting phenology were carried out monthly, from March 2010 to May 2012. Flowering and fruiting patterns were studied qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Flowering and fruiting occurs throughout the year but maximum observed in April and May, respectively and second time in November. Strong positive correlation between flowering/fruiting and monthly mean daily maximum temperature (Flowering r = 0.762, P˂ 0.01, Fruiting r = 0.714, P˂ 0.01) indicate that flowering and fruiting are enhanced by higher temperatures. Fruiting was negatively correlated with mean monthly relative humidity at 6 O' clock in the morning (r = -0.59, P ˂ 0.05). Regression analysis also revealed positive linear relationship between mean monthly maximum temperature and flowering percentage (R 2 = 0.58118, F 1/10 = 13.87652, P ˂ 0.01). Similarly, a positive but quadratic relationship (R 2 = 0.704, F x/y = 10.71643, P ˂ 0.01) was also observed between flowering and mean monthly minimum temperature.

Asexual Morphological Differences in Male and Female Plants of <i>Commiphora </i><i>w</i><i>ightii</i> (Arn.) Bhandari - An Endangered Medicinal Plant

“…Quantitative measurements on height and crown diameter clearly indicate superiority of female plants over male plants. The number of branches (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) at primary level was almost same in both type of plants but secondary and tertiary branches were significantly higher in females (unpaired student t-test p = 0.041 and p = 0.043, respectively) as compared to males. The branching angle between primary and secondary branches (I order; Figure 3A and Figure 3B) and between tertiary and quaternary branches (III order; Figure 3E and Figure 3F) was also more in females as compared to males (Table 1) Figure 3C and Figure 3D) both type of plants were having knotty and crooked branches.…”

“…C. wightii is also known as 'guggal' or 'guggulu' in hindi and Indian bdellium tree in English ( [2,3]). It is muchbranched perennial shrub/small medium-sized tree, reaching to a height of 3-4 m [4]. It is distributed mainly in the arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Orissa states of India and also in the adjoining areas of Pakistan [5].…”

Seed parameters study in &lt;em&gt;Commiphora wightii&lt;/em&gt; (Arnott)– an important medicinal tree of arid and semi-arid regions of India

“…both mature and immature fruits can be seen together. However, summer (April-May) and winter (November) are two peaks for flowering and fruiting intensity [6]. Flowers are small and red in colour.…”