FLORAL BIOLOGY, POLLINATION MECHANISM AND BREEDING SYSTEM IN BAUHINIA VARIEGATE LINN.
V. K. SINGHAL *
Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala – 147002, India.
HARNEET KAUR *
Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala – 147002, India.
R. S. DHALIWAL *
Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala – 147002, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Bauhinia variegata which is stable cytologically (2n =28) exhibits variation in floral Colour. Two varieties, var. candida and var. variegata on the basis of flower colour are recorded in Indian taxa. The breeding system and floral characteristics of these floral morphs are investigated presently. Flowers in these varieties appear in February-March when the trees are leafless. Flower opening, anther dehiscence and stigmatic receptivity which are synchronous, occur between 12.00-16.00h in var. variegata and 05.00-09.00h in var. candida. All the anthers in a flower dehisce synchronously. Syrphids, beetles and two bee species (Apis dorsata and A. mellifera) visit the flowers during 8.00-14.00h when pollen availability is maximum. A moth (Syntomis cyssea-cramer) visits var. candida during late evening but does not seem to be the effective pollinator as very little pollen is available during this time. Species lacks agamospermy but autogamy, geitonogamy and xenogamy are existent.
Keywords: Bauhinia variegata, candida, Breeding system, Floral biology