Back
 AJPS  Vol.6 No.16 , October 2015
Studies on Vegetative and Reproductive Ecology of Paris polyphylla Smith: A Vulnerable Medicinal Plant
Chitta Ranjan Deb*, Sakutemsu L. Jamir, Nangshimeren Sakutemsu Jamir
Show more
Abstract: Paris polyphylla Smith is an important medicinal plant that is considered vulnerable in many parts of the world. The species exhibits poor adaptability to changed environment and susceptible to climatic conditions for reproductive vigor. During the present study the species was studied in four different natural niches as well as synthetic habitats to check the adaptability to artificial conditions, its morphological and physiological characters and its interaction in its community so that conservation strategies could be worked out. The present study indicates that P. polyphylla exhibits healthy growth as well as reproduction in undisturbed area with canopy covers over 80%. The plant grows in well-drained rich humus soil and grows well with certain key associated species such as Quercus species, Taxus baccata, Aconitum species, Eupatorium adenophorum, Smilax species etc. Many plants were non-flowering and more than 60% were found non-flowering in its habitat during its flowering season in any particular year. There are clear morphological changes as the flowers stages from pre-fertilization to post-fertilization. Arrangement of anthers in two whorls shows a distinct and unique floral display. Light is an important factor during seed setting and less than 50% shade lowers the seed productivity very significantly. Predators such as slugs and snails are found on the plant. Urgent conservation and new innovative ways are necessary to propagate this economically important plant to ensure its continuity.
Keywords: Associated Species, Floral Biology, Niche Characterization, Primary Habitat, Reproductive Biology
Cite this paper: Deb, C. , L. Jamir, S. and Jamir, N. (2015) Studies on Vegetative and Reproductive Ecology of Paris polyphylla Smith: A Vulnerable Medicinal Plant. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 6, 2561-2568. doi: 10.4236/ajps.2015.616258.
References

[1]   Fenner, M. (1998) The Phenology of Growth and Reproduction in Plants. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 1, 78-91.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1078/1433-8319-00053

[2]   Tandon, R., Shivana, K.R. and Mohan Ram, H.Y. (2003) Reproductive Biology of Butea monosperma (Fabaceae). Annals of Botany, 92, 715-723.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcg193

[3]   Zhang, J., Wang, Y., Zhang, J., Ding, Y., Yu, H. and Jin, H. (2011) Evaluation of Mineral Element Contents in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis from Southwest China. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 5, 1792-1796.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJPP11.433

[4]   Yonzone, R., Bhujel, R.B. and Rai, S. (2012) Genetic Resources, Current Ecological Status and Altitude Wise Distribution of Medicinal Plants Diversity of Darjeeling Himalaya of West Bengal, India. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 12, S439-S445.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s2221-1691(12)60203-2

[5]   Madhu, K.C., Phoboo, S. and Jha, P.K. (2010) Ecological Study of Paris polyphylla Sm. Ecoprint, 17, 87-93.

[6]   Li, F., Jiao, P., Yao, S., Sang, H., Qin, S., Zhang, W., Zhang, Y. and Gao, L. (2012) Paris polyphylla Smith Extract Induces Apoptosis and Activates Cancer Suppressor Gene Connexin26 Expression. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 13, 205-209.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2012.13.1.205

[7]   Jamir, N.S., Lanusunep and Pongener, N. (2012) Medico-Herbal Medicine Practiced by the Naga Tribes in the State of Nagaland (India). Indian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Life Sciences, 2, 328-333.

[8]   Reddy, C.S., Dutta, K. and Jha, C.S. (2013) Analysing the Gross and Net Deforestation Rates in India. Current Science, 105, 1492-1500.

[9]   Mao, A.A., Hynniewta, T.M. and Sanjappa, M. (2009) Plant Wealth of Northeast India with Reference to Ethnobotany. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 8, 96-103.

[10]   Langhu, T. and Deb, C.R. (2014) Studies on the Reproductive Biology and Seed Biology of Aconitum nagarum Stapf: A Threatened Medicinal Plant of North East India. Journal of Research in Biology, 4, 1465-1474.

[11]   Dingkang, W., Guifang, S., Lifang, W., Shuhua, Z. and Xiaojiang, C. (2009) A Novel Mechanism Controls Anther Opening and Closing in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Chinese Science Bulletin, 54, 244-248.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11434-008-0507-y

 
 
Top