Study of Flowering Phenology in an Important Medicinal Plant Costus Pictus D. Don

Abstract

This study deals with the flower phenology of plant Costus pictus D. Don, commonly known as “Insulin plant” that has potential medicinal properties.  It provides information regarding phenology of inflorescence and individual flower. The present studies were carried out in the field and laboratory, department of Botany, RG PG College, Meerut on 50 inflorescence spikes/cones. Phenological studies of 50 inflorescence cones was carried out in the garden of shastrinagar, Meerut. It was reported that initiation of generative shoot started after 30-45 days of sprouting of rhizome. Period of initiation of inflorescence cone to inflorescence senescence lasts for about 75-90 days. Longevity of a single flower was one day (22-24 hrs). Anthesis was reported in the morning. Stigma became receptive after the dehiscence of anthers. At maturity inflorescence started producing loose sterile bracts, which do not flower.  It was observed that the temperature was the main environmental factor to influence flowering. In scorching heat inflorescence stops flowering and become dried. During heavy rainfall the inflorescence get rotten. The present study will help to prepare the calendar of phenoevents, conservation strategies, and reintroduction of medicinally important plants to new environmental conditions.