Floral Morphology and Impact of Flowering of Dendrocalamus longispathus Kurz on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Natural Forests of Mizoram, Northeast, India

Abstract

Sporadic flowering of D. longispathus Kurz clumps located in Mamit District, Mizoram, India was observed to study flowering morphology, phenology and impact of flowering on soil physico-chemical properties during December 2014 to February 2020 from bamboo flowering site and non-flowering site. The species is one of the most common and widely used bamboos in Northeast India and Mizoram in particular. Pollinator type is anemophilous, monoporate pollen grain and protogynous in nature. Ovary is sub-globular, hairy with club shaped stigma. Anthesis of disturbed area shows less completion of flowering. Number of seeds produced by flowering depends on the number and quality of spikelets. Flowering bamboo stand has lower pH and organic carbon as well as Phosphorus, use of phosphatic fertilizers recommended for low P content. Pre-flowering, flowering and post-flowering of bamboos appeared to have caused decreaseor increase of nutrients in the forest ecosystem. During flowering year, anthropogenic activities must be avoided in and around the flowering areas to abtain more floral development, seed production and successful regeneration.