Karyomorphological analysis of Delphinium malabaricum (Huth) Munz: A rare endemic potential ornamental plant from peninsular India

Abstract

Genus Delphinium L. with about 320 species, distributed in North temperate regions of the world is represented by about 24 species in India, mainly found in Himalayan regions. Delphinium malabaricum (Huth) Munz is the only rare endemic species of the genus Delphinium restricted to Northern Western Ghats of peninsular India. It has medium-sized violet-blue-metallic blue spurred flowers of great ornamental value. The present paper describes distribution, morphology, ornamental potential and karyotype of the species. The chromosome number 2n=16 and n=8 is reported for the first time in this species and the karyotype is found to be moderately symmetrical (2b). Its utilization as an ornamental plant after its domestication seems to be better strategy for conservation and utilization of this rare endemic of Northern Western Ghats. © 2007 The Japan Mendel Society.