Abstract
Mollugo cerviana, M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla are annual herbs which usually grow in open dry sandy and sandy/loamy soils, and also occur in moist habitats, especially cultivated lands. The flowers possess five tepals, functional stamens and 3-carpelled ovary with several ovules and three stigmas. M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla are pollinated by insects. Haplothrips uses the flowers for breeding and feeding, which affects pollination. These species have specialized floral structural and functional behaviours for self-induced and spontaneous autogamy while keeping the options open for insect pollination after anthesis. They are facultative autogamous, which is reflected in pollen-ovule ratios and natural fruit and seed set rates. Seed dispersal modes include anemochory, ombrohydrochory and hydrochory. The seeds germinate immediately after their dispersal, and soil moisture is important in rupturing the seed coat. These species are best adapted to survive in open dry habitats as they take advantage of any sign of temporary humidity to complete their life cycle quickly.
Highlights
MATERIALS AND METHODSSulakshana & RajuHutchinson (1926) recognized Molluginaceae as distinct from Aizoaceae
In M. nudicaulis, the dichasial or trichasial cymes are common during dry season while polychasial cymes are common during wet season
In M. pentaphylla, polychasial cymes are common during wet season while di- or tri-chasial cymes are common during dry season
Summary
MATERIALS AND METHODSSulakshana & RajuHutchinson (1926) recognized Molluginaceae as distinct from Aizoaceae. M. cerviana is a C4 species, M. nudicaulis C3-C4 species and M. pentaphylla C3 species; the first species is distributed in hot arid regions from pantropics to temperate regions while the other two species are distributed from pantropical and subtropical regions (Christin et al 2010). These three species are valuable in traditional medicine for treating different diseases and ailments (Parvathamma & Shanthamma 2000; Rajamanikandan et al 2011; Sahu et al 2012)
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