Reproductive Phenology and Germination Behavior of Some Important Tree Species of Northeast India

Abstract

The reproductive phenology and germination behavior of 15 important tree species (Acer laevigatum, Adinandra griffithii, Citrus latipes, Elaeocarpus prunifolius, Engelhardtia spicata, Ilex embelioides, Ilex khasiana, Ilex venulosa, Illicium griffithii, Magnolia lanuginosa, Magnolia punduana, Photinia cuspidata, Photinia integrifolia, Quercus glauca and Schima khasiana) were monitored at monthly intervals for two calendar years in subtropical broad-leaved humid forests of Northeast India. These species are either endemic or threatened to the region. The investigated species showed peak flowering during the spring- while fruiting peak was observed in the autumn-season. Of the fruit types, drupes and follicles were produced by many of these species. Majority of the species adopted zoochoric mode of dispersal. The germination phenology revealed that most of the species (Acer laevigatum, Elaeocarpus prunifolius, Illicium griffithii, Magnolia lanuginosa, Magnolia punduana and Quercus glauca) undergo a period of dormancy during winter season (December–February) and germination collides with the onset of rain indicating that moisture aids in germination. The prevailing environmental condition coupled with human disturbance seems to be of potential importance in influencing the recruitment of the selected species. Such studies would help in formulating effective strategies for conservation of these species.