On the reproductive biology of Salacia fruticosa Wall. ex M.A. Lawson - An endemic medicinal plant of the Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Salacia fruticosa Wall. ex M.A. Lawson, an endemic species was studied for the reproductive biology as this species showed reduced fruit set and natural regeneration. The stigma-anther proximity, an extremely low number of pollen grains, a short period of pollen viability, a sparse incidence of pollinators, protandrous and facultative autogamous nature of the flowers and a low percent in fruit set were identified as biological constraints for the species. The incidence of seed pest was added to the poor seed and seedling bank and accelerated rarity process of the species.