Vegetation and Phenodynamics of Wetlands of Central Rajasthan

9 Pages·2002·5.1 MB·

by  S K Vijay

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
3. Sporobolus wallicki Munro ex Trin. in Campus, Salimkhe 8897.
J. Bot. 27: 171. 1889; Hook. f. FI. Brit. Ind. 7:
248. 1896; Bor, Grass. Bur. Cey. Ind. Pak. 634. Acknowledgements
1960. Mathew, Mat. FI. Tamil. Carnatic 401.
1981. Fig. 3. We thank Dr. T.A. Cope, Royal Botanical
Perennial, tufted, 5-15 cm tall, simple or Garden, Kew, U.K. and Dr. J.F. Veldkamp,
sparingly branched. Leaves linear, 5-15 cm long, Rijkesherbarium, Leiden, The Netherlands for
acute. Panicles effuse, ovate-oblong, 4.5-8.5 x identifying the species..
2-3 cm, rachis slender, branches filiform,
mm SALUNKHE
pedicels capillary. Spikelets lanceolate, 1-1.5 June 26, 2000 C.B.
long. Lower glume oblong, nerveless, truncate. Department ofBotany,
Upperglume oblong-elliptic, obscurely 1-nerved, Krishna Mahavidyalaya,
acute. Lemma ovate-lanceolate, 1-nerved, acute. Shivnagar 415 108, Maharashtra, India.
YADAV
Palea ovate-oblong, obscurely nerved, subacute. S.R.
Lodicules minute, stamens 2. Department ofBotany,
Rare in open grasslands on rocky soil. Shivaji University, Kolhapur 416 004,
&
FI. Fr.: July-September. Maharashtra,
Distribution: Kolhapur: Shivaji University India.
VEGETATION AND PHENODYNAMICS OF WETLANDS
49.
OF CENTRAL RAJASTHAN
(Withfour text-figures)
Studies of low-lying areas, including extremely important. Patches of relatively well-
temporary ponds and pools, were initiated in delineated areas of vegetation arise from the
India by Biswas and Calder(1937), Misra(1946), visible distribution ofpopulations. These patches
Ratnam and Joshi (1952), Mall (1961), Vyas keep changing with time (Bohmer and Richter
(1964), Zutshi (1975), Bhardwaja (1980), Gopal 1997). Some unique wetland plants like Marsilea
(1986a, b), Bhardwaja and Gena (1987), Sharma spp., Polygonum spp., Ammania baccifera
,
K.C. and R. Sharma (1992), Sharma R. and K.C. Bacopa monnieri Cyperus spp., Scirpus spp.,
,
Sharma (1992), and Anon. (1994). The gently grow in all zones of wetlands. Zones in
sloping marginal area here exhibits a lush-green vegetational mats occur in patches from the
carpet of wetland plant species. The shallow margins towards the centre. In cracks and
middle area remains covered with water during crevices, Glinus lotoides and Polygonum
the rainy season, getting exposed gradually to plebeium grow profusely. It is well known that
the slushy bottom stage and supporting wetland plants show fluctuating phenology or
hygrophilous vegetation during winter. This phenodynamics, which is totally dependent on
study reveals that wetlands bear transitional the availability of water. Centripetal movement
species interspersed with true aquatics, mesic and centrifugal movement of both water and
terrestrials, hygro-halophytes, ephemerals, vegetation is an interesting phenomenon of
ephemeroids (grasses), poikilohydrics and dried wetlands, and arborescent habit is rare due to
bed plants (Vijay 1999, 2000). In these fluctuating water levels with slushy beds
fluctuating ecosystems, patch dynamics is containing no vegetation. In some small ditches
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 99(3), DEC 2002 573
-
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
with slushy beds, dried bed species like Glinus Materia! and Methods: Vegetation
lotoidss, Heliotropium spp., and Polygonum analysis was done during 1997-2000. Field
plebeium occur. These wetland species growing identifications were done with the help ofextant
in temporary ponds show “Terrestrialization”: Floras (Sharma 1958, Duthie 1903-20, Bhandari
-> Aquatic Marsh Terrestrial (mesic) -> 1978, Cook 1996). Diphenyl ring was
Xeric (Kangas 1990). emphasized forphenological studies as indicated
Phenology (Kumar et al. 1980, Reich and below:
Borchert 1982, Vijay 1997, 2000, Singh et al.
Feb Mar Jun Jul
1998) of wetland plants comprising seed
germination (Sg), vegetative growth (Vg),
flowering (FI), fruiting (Fr), seed maturation
(Sm) and death (D) pattern were observed and Dec Nov Oct Sep
recorded. Phenodynamics of some taxa are
described. Observations: In all, 102 species
Study Sites: The central Aravalli region belonging to 33 families, comprising grasses,
of Ajmer was the study area. The Aravallis run sedges, non leguminous, leguminous plants and
about 692 km, northeast (near Delhi) to southeast lower plants, were recorded in the study area.
of Gujarat (Palampur). The central Aravalli As the water recedes, the marshy vegetation
covers the entire Ajmer region (26° 25'-26° 35' shows an interesting zonal distribution.
m
N, 74° 37-74° 42' E; 481.89 above msl). The Fig. 2 reveals that the aquatic phase starts
three study sites are Anasagar, Boodha-Pushkar in July, wetland stage extends from November
and Lohagal wetland (Fig. 1). to February. The dry phase, beginning at the end
74° 74° December
November
m’rmyrn
26c iwmrn)
rm;rrmr January
rrm-m')
October ?rrm
r/rmry’
wr
• * \y rmrrtrr.
----- - v vtwv\ February
ivijjPHrrfyri'
rrrnrrty
r/rm rrLw*
September
<pftyyyyyf)
.Pattern /..Jyfiyyyy-yfj March
uyn
April
»**»»•«•••*
<" •*4
August May
d M
»:*#•••**#
June
26°
Legends: Aquatic Phase;
Y Y Y Wetland Lush-green Phase;
• • • • - Dry Phase
Fig. 1: Map ofthe study area Fig. 2: Showing Centripetal Movement Leading to
Terrestrialization
574 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 99(3), DEC. 2002
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Table 1: SpeciescompositionofAjmer, centralRajasthanwetland
Sr. No. NameofPlant Family Flowering Locality
Season
(A)Non-leguminous Forbs
1. Aervasanguinolenia(Linn.) Blume, Bijdr Amaranthaceae Nov.-Dec. Lohagal
2. Aeschynomene indica Linn. Fabaceae Sep.-Nov. Anasagar
3. AlternantkeraparonychioidesA. St. Hillaire Amaranthaceae Nov.-Mar. Common
4. Alternantherasessilis(Linn.) DC. Amaranthaceae Jul.-Oct. Common
Feb.-Apr.
5. AmmaniabacciferaLinn. Lythraceae Sep.-Mar. Common
6. Bacopamonnieri(Linn.)Wettstein Scrophulariaceae Nov.-Apr. Anasagar
7. BergiaammanioidesRoxb. Elatinaceae Oct.-Jan. Lohagal
8. Bergiapolyantha Sonder Elatinaceae Dec.-Mar. Lohagal
9. Blumealacera(Burm.f.)DC. Compositae Sep.-Nov. Common
10 CaesuliaaxillarisRoxb. Asteraceae Nov.-Jan. Anasagar
.
11. Chenopodiummurale Linn. Chenopodiaceae Oct.-Feb. Anasagar
12. Chrozophorarottelari(Guis)A. Jussex Spreng. Euphorbiaceae Sep.-Dec. Happyvalley
13. ColdeniaprocumbensLinn. Boraginaceae Jan.-Jun. Kayad Pond
14. Cotulahemisphaerica(Roxb.) Wall. Asteraceae Sep.-Jan. Anasagar
&
ex. Benth. Hook.
15. Cressacretica Linn. Convolvulaceae Jan.-Jun. Anasagar
16. Cyanotisaxillaris(Linn.) Sweet. Commelinaceae Sep.-Oct. Lohagal
17. Dentellarepens(Linn.) Frost. Rubiaceae Dec.-Feb. Anasagar
18. DigeraarvensisLinn. Amaranthaceae Aug.-Jan. Anasagar
19. Dopatriumjunceum (Roxb.) Scrophulariaceae Sep.-Dec. Common
F. HamiltonexBentham
20. Ecliptaprostrata (Linn.)Linn. Asteraceae Jul.-Jan. Common
&
21. GisekiapharnaeoidesLinn. Molluginaceae Sep.-Jan. Anasagar BoodhaPushkar
22. GlinuslotoidesLinn. Molluginaceae Feb.-Jun. Common
23. Gnaphalium indicum Linn. Asteraceae Feb.-Jun. KayadPond
24. Gnaphalium luteo-album Linn. Asteraceae Nov.-Mar. Common
25. Gnaphaliumpolycaulon Pers. Asteraceae Sep.-Mar. Foysagar
26. Gnaphaliumpulvinatum Delile. Asteraceae Mar.-May Ghughra
27. Grangeamaderaspatana(Linn.) Poir. Asteraceae Dec.-Mar. Anasagar
28. Heliotropium curassavicum Linn. Boraginaceae Sep.-Jan. Ghughra
29. Heliotrcpium indicum Linn. Boraginaceae Sep.-Jan. Anasagar
30. Heliotropiumstrigosum Willd. Boraginaceae Oct.-Dec. Anasagar
31. Heliotropiumsupinum Linn. Boraginaceae Jan.-Dec. Anasagar
32. Heliotropium ovalifo/ium Forsk. Boraginaceae Mar.-Jun. Ghughra
33. Hoppeadichotoma Willd. Haloragaceae Oct.-Dec. Lohagal
34. Hygrophilaschulli(F. Hamilton) Acanthaceae Sep.-Dec. Ghughra
M.R. etS.M. Almeida
35. IpomeaaquaticaForsk. Convolvulaceae Oct.-Jan. Ajmercity
36. Ipomeafistulosa Martiusex. Choisy Convolvulaceae Oct.-Jan. Ajmercity
37. JuncusbufoniusLinn. Juncaceae Sep.-Feb. Common
38. JusticiaquinquangularisJ.G. Acanthaceae Dec.-Feb. Common
KonigexRoxburgh
39. Launaeaprocumbens (Roxb) Asteraceae Mar.-Apr. Common
Ramayya& Rajgopal
40. Limnophilaheterophylla(Roxb.)Bentham Scrophulariaceae Oct.-Apr. Ghughra
41. MalvaparvifloraLinn. Malvaceae Oct.-Feb. Lohagal
42. Menthasp. (?) Labiatae Nov.-Mar. BoodhaPushkar
43. Monochoriavaginalis(N.L. Burman)Kunth Pontederiaceae Dec.-Mar. Anasagar
44. NicotianaplumbaginifoliaViv. Solanaceae Nov.-Mar. HappyValley
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 99(3), DEC. 2002 575
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Table 1: Speciescomposition ofAjmer, centralRajasthanwetland (contd.)
Sr. No.NameofPlant Family Flowering Locality
Season
45. Oldenlandiadiffusa(Willdenow) Roxb. Rubiaceae Sep.-Dee. Lohagal
46. Oxaliscorniculata Linn. Oxalidaceae Dec.-Feb. Anasagar
47. Peplidiummaritimum (Linn, f.)Aschers. Scrophulariaceae Dec.-Mar. Anasagar
48. Phylanodiflora(Linn.)Greene Verbenaceae Oct.-Mar. Common
49. Polygonumglabrum Willd. Polygonaceae Jul.-Oct. BoodhaPushkar
50. Polygonumplebeium Willd. Polygonaceae Oct.-Nov. Common
51. PortulacameridianaLinn. Portulacaceae Sep.-Jan. Anasagar
52. PortulacaoleraceaLinn. Portulacaceae Sep.-Jan. Lohagal
53. Portulacaquadrifida Linn. Pcilulacaceae Sep.-Jan. Anasagar
54. PotentiliasupinaLinn. Rosaceae Jan.-Apr. Common
55. PulicariafoliosaA.P deCondolle Asteraceae Sep.-Nov. Anasagar
56. RanunculusscleratusLinn. Ranunculaceae Oct.-Dec. Anasagar
57. Rumexdentatus Linn. Polygonaceae Sep.-Dec. Anasagar
58. Spergulafallax(Lowe.) Krause Caryophyllaceae Nov.-Mar. Anasagar
&
Lohagal
59. Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. Asteraceae Jan.-Apr. Anasagar
60. Suaedafruticosa(Linn.)Forsk. Chenopodiaceae Mar.-Jun. Anasagar
61. TamarixdioicaRoxb. Tamaricaceae Dec.-Jan. Anasagar
62. Trianthemacrystallina Roxb. Aizoaceae Oct.-Feb. Anasagar
63. Trianthemaportulacastrum Linn. Aizoaceae Oct.-Feb. BoodhaPushkar
64. Typhadomingensis Persoon Typhaceae Oct.-Feb. Anasagar
65. Typhaelephantiana Roxb. Typhaceae Oct.-Feb. Common
66. Verbascumchinense (Linn.) Santapau Scrophulariaceae Jan.-Apr. Common
67. Xanthiumstrumarium Linn. Asteraceae Sep.-Feb. Common
(B) Leguminous Forbs
1. Sesbania bispinosa(Jacq.) W.F. Wight Fabaceae Sep.-Nov. Anasagar
2. TrigonellaoccultaRaffenau-Delile. Papilionaceae Feb.-Mar. Common
(C) Grasses
1. Arundo donaxLinn. Poaceae Sep.-Dee. Pal Beechla
2. Brachiariaramosa (Linn.) Stapf Poaceae Aug.-Oct. Common
3. Cenchrusbiflorus Roxb. Poaceae Aug.-Oct. Common
4. Chlorisvirgata Sw. Poaceae Aug.-Oct. Common
5. Cynodondactylon (Linn.) Pers. Poaceae Jan.-Dee. Common
6. Dicanthiumannulatum (Forsskal) Stapf Poaceae Sep.-Feb. Common
7. Digitariaciliaris(Rotzius) Koeler Poaceae Nov.-Dee Common
8. DigitariasetigeraRoth, exRoemeret. Schulf. Poaceae Sep.-Dec. Common
9. Echinochloacolonum (Linn.)Link. Poaceae Sep.-Feb. Common
10. Eragrostrispilosa (Linn.) Palisotde Beauvois Poaceae Jan.-Dec. Common
11. FimbristylistomentosaVahl Poaceae Nov.-Jan. Common
12. Paspalidiumgeminatum (Forsk.) Stapf Poaceae Jan.-Oct. BoodhaPushkar
&
Anasagar
13. Perotis indica(Linn.) O. Ktze. Poaceae Jan.-Dec. Common
14. Phragmitisvallatoria(Linn.) Veldkomp. Poaceae Aug.-Jan. Ajmercity
15. PoapalustrisLinn. Poaceae Nov.-Dec. Common
16. Saccharum bengalense Retz. Poaceae Jan.-Dee. Anasagar
17. Setariaverticillata(Linn.) P. Beauv. Poaceae Aug.-Oct Common
18. Polypogonmonspeliensis(Linn.) Desf. Poaceae Dec.-Feb. Anasagar
576 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 99(3), DEC. 2002
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Table 1: SpeciescompositionofAjmer, central Rajasthanwetland(contd.)
Sr.No. NameofPlant Family Flowering Locality
Season
(D) Sedges
1. CyperuscompressusLinn. Cyperaceae July-Oct. Common
2. CyperusdiformisLinn. Cyperaceae Oct.-Nov. Common
3. CyperusrotundusLinn. Cyperaceae Oct.-Mar. Common
4. CyperussetaceusRetzius Cyperaceae Nov.-Mar. Common
5. Cyperustriceps(Rottb.)Endlicher Cyperaceae Sep.-Mar. Common
6. CyperusalopecuroidesRottb. Cyperaceae Oct.-Mar. Anasagar
7. CyperusinvolucratusRottb. Cyperaceae Sep.-Nov. Common
8. CyperusatkinsoniiC.B. Clarke Cyperaceae Oct.-Mar. Common
9. CyperusbulbosusVahl. Cyperaceae Oct.-Mar. BoodhaPushkar
10. Eleocharisacutangula(Roxb.)Schultes Cyperaceae Sep.-Feb. Common
11. ScirpuslateriflorusGmel. Cyperaceae Aug.-Dee. Anasagar
(E)ArchegoniatesCryptogams
Equisetumramosissimum Desfontaines Equisetaceae Nasirabad Valley
1.
2. Marsileaaegyptiaca Willdenow Marsileaceae Lohagal
3. MarsileaminutaLinn. Marsileaceae Anasagar
4. Ricciacrystallina(?) Ricciaceae Anasagar
of February, continues till June. The maximum inhabiting the wetlands were recorded during the
vegetation occurs in medium water conditions study period (1997-99), (Figs 4A-D).
when terrestrialization is initiated and sequence From Fig. 4 (A-D) it is evident that
of vegetation is affected. The gentle sloping phenology fluctuates with the availability of
marginal zone exhibits a carpet of wetland water, humidity andtemperature. Striking pheno-
species, with ‘terrestrialization’ occurring at the variations/pheno-rhythms were observed for the
middle zone, which is covered with water during period under study, which emphasizes variations
the rainy season, gradually getting exposed in in phenophases corresponding to climatic
winter, supporting lush-green marshy vegetation. variations in the terrestrialization process. It may
During the dry months the water level recedes be mentioned that 1997 was a period of excess
further and at its minimum the ponds and puddles rainfall at Ajmer, as indicated in the
support characteristic vegetation consisting of ombrotherms for 1997-99 (Fig. 3).
Glinus lotoides Alternanthera sessilis. A. Heliotropium curassavicum - a soft soil
,
Polygonum plebeium Paspalidium geminatum plant, with germination of seed generally in
, ,
Ammania baccifera Eclipta prostrata November and December. But in 1997, no
, ,
Gnaphalium pulvinatum Bacopa monnieri germination occurred due to excessive flooding.
, ,
Phyla nodiflora Grangea madraspatana In April and May 1998, germination occurred,
, ,
Polypogon monspeliensis, Portulaca spp., and but flowering, fruiting and seed maturation was
Cynodon dactylon. Some hygro-halophytes, such not completed because of heavy rainfall in July
as Heliotropium supinum Suaedafruticosa and (Fig. 4A)
,
Cressa cretica (Table 1), also appear on the B. Glinus lotoides - A dry bed or cracked
exposed soil. soil plant of the wetlands. It showed seed
Phenodynamics: Phenological observa- germination only in June 1998. In 1997-98 and
tions of Heliotropium curassavicum, Glinus up to February 1999, Glinus lotoides was totally
lotoides Cressa cretica and Ammania baccifera absent from these sites (Fig. 4B)
,
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 99(3), DEC. 2002 577
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
<u
33* Rainfall
+>
03
tm in
<u
e.
E mm
£
Rainfall
in
mm
jo
3
r*»
2.
3
3
3
Fig. 3: Ombrothermic diagrams showing wet and dry phase during the study period
578 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 99(3), DEC. 2002
m
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
(A) Heliotropium curassavicum (B) Glinus lotoides
1. In normalcondition 1. In normal condition
oo
3. In 1998 s-vv,^
(C) Cressa cretica (D) Ammania baccifera
1. In normalcondition 1. In normal condition
H
FlVg Fr oo
oSg Vg ^SgVg z>
o2. In 1997 o
3. In 1998 Vo
m 7,*Se F_l£prr
4. In 1999
ssXs 2yg D ^ r
So Fr"l Flfr'
Abbreviations: Sg-Seed germination; Vg-Vegetative growth; FI-Flowering; Fr-Fruiting;
Sm-Seed maturation; D-Death; • - Water Flooding
Fig. 4: A-D Phenodynamics ofsome Wetland plants
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 99(3), DEC. 2002 579
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
C. Cressa cretica - Under normal degradation of wetlands calls for intensive
conditions, phenology starts from November, but ameliorative measures. Striking pheno-variations
in 1997 germination did not occurthe whole year and pheno-rhythms were observed, indicatingthe
due to flooding and continued till March 1998. impact of microclimatic factors.
In April 1998, seed germination and vegetative Cultivation, human activities and land
growth started, but flowering and fruiting did encroachment for building purposes poses
not occur due to flooding till December 1998. various threats to wetland vegetation. Ponds,
Seed germination began only in January 1999 puddles and water reservoirs supporting these
(Fig. 4C) wetland plants are gradually being eliminated
D. Ammania baccifera - Characterized by in the study area, due to cultivation at Boodha
various colours during growth with seed Pushkar, urbanisation, waste disposal and water
germination in August. In 1997, however, no pollution due to professional washing at
seed germination occurred in August and this Anasagar, and growth of Prosopis chilensis at
continued till April of the next year, i.e. 1998. Lohagal site. This calls for a concerted effort to
Germination took place in May 1998, and save wetland vegetation in and around cities like
reflooding in July 1998 permitted the plant to Ajmer. We hope that this study will succeed in
reappear in November 1998 (Fig. 4D). drawing attention to this need.
Discussion: Wetlands are highly
productive ecosystems with prolific biodiversity. October 1,2001 S.K. VIJAY
They are significant in terms of water T.N. BHARDWAJA
purification, microclimatic regulation, locking Department ofBotany
and storing nutrients, recharging of water table M.D.S. University, Ajmer 305 001,
and as habitats for wildlife. The extant Rajasthan, India.
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Not
(Dalbergiasissoo Roxb.).IndianJ. Ecology26(1): seen in original.
50. TYPHONIUMHORSFIELDII (MIQ.) STEENIS, FAMILY ARACEAE,
A NEW REPORT FOR INDIA
With one text-figure
( )
While revising the Indian Araceae, it was Heterostalis pedata Schott in Ann. Mus. Bot.
CAL
found that a specimen at which had been Lugduno-Batavum 1: 278. 1864, non Typhonium
collected in Mizoram by B. Godfrey and labelled pedatum Schott 1857. Typhoniumpedatum sensu
as Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott var. Engl, in A. DC., Monogr. Phan. 2: 613. 1879,
curvatum (Roxb.) Engl, had been later non Schott 1857.
determined as Typhonium horsfieldii (Miq.) Cormous herb; corm c. 0.9 x 0.8 cm,
Steenis by Nicolson, a well-known aroidologist. subglobose. Cataphylls 3-3.5 cm long. Leaves
A perusal ofliterature reveals that this species is pedatisect; petioles 10-40 cm long, sheathing;
confined to Java in Indonesia. As the specimen leaflets 7-9, sessile, lanceolate, acuminate;
in question is from Mizoram, the species becomes middle leaflet 5.5-7.5 x 0.6-1 cm; lateral leaflets
an addition to the flora of India. A detailed gradually becoming smaller, 1.2-5.5 cm long.
description and an illustration (Fig. 1) are Peduncle 4-20 cm long; spathe 8-10 cm long;
provided to facilitate identification. tube 2-3 cm long, oblong, convolute; limb 6-7 x
Typhonium horsfieldii (Miq.) Steenis in 2-2.5 cm, oblong-lanceolate, cuspidate. Spadix
Bull. Jard. Bot., Buitenzorg Ser. 3,17: 403. 1948; 5.8-10 cm long. Pistillate-flowered portion
&
Backer Bakh. f., FI. Java 3: 123. 1968. 0.2-1 x 0.4-0.6 cm. Neuter-flowered portion
mm
Sauromatum horsfieldii Miq., FI. Ind.-Bat. 3: 2-2.2 cm long followed by stipe c. 7 long.
196. 1856; Engl, in A. DC., Monogr. Phan. 2: Staminate-flowered portion 0.7-1 x c. 0.3 cm,
571. 1879. Type: Java(U). Typhoniumfallax'N.E. terminating in a stipitate appendix. Pistillate
Br. in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 18: 260. 1880; Engl., flowers c. 1 x 0.5-0.8 mm, dense; ovary ovoid,
Pflanzenr. (IV. 23 F) 73: 121, f. 17 F - N. 1920. 2-ovuled; stigma capitate, coronate. Neuters
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,