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Phenological Behaviour of Tree Species in Subtropical Broad Leaved Humid Forests of Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Northeast India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya, India
  • 2Department of Basic Sciences and Social Sciences, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya, India

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 5, Issue (7), Pages 10-15, July,10 (2016)

Abstract

The phenological behaviour in terms of leaf fall, leaf flushing, flowering and fruit development of 30 woody species was studied at monthly intervals in subtropical broadleaved humid forests of Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. Peak leaf fall was observed during the dry months (January–March), whereas peak leaf flushing was recorded in April with the onset of rain. There were two peaks for flowering (April and October), while peak fruiting was observed at the end of rainy season (autumn). Majority of the species that were in fruiting during autumn- and winter-season, undergo a brief period of dormancy and germinate during the ensuing spring- and rainy- season. The patterns of reproductive processes and their linkages with vegetative events reflect the variable survival strategies adapted by these tree species under prevailing environmental conditions. The data generated in the present study would help for in-situ as well as ex-situ conservation of the studied species.

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