Ecological and Conservation Studies of Abutilon Ranadei Woodr. Et Stapf

2004·5.1 MB·

by  P Tetali

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004 344-352
ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILON RANADEI WOODR. ET STAPF'
P. Tetali2 3, SujataTetajli2'4, P.V. Joshi5, Sanjay Kulkarni2-\ P. Lakshminarasimhan6-7and P.V. Prasanna6'8
'Accepted December 2002
'Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research, ‘Lawkim’ Ltd. Campus, Shindewadi, Shirwal 412 801, Satara district,
Maharashtra, India
'Email: [email protected]
JEmail [email protected]
'Department ofZoology, University of Pune, Pune 411 007, Maharashtra, India.
"Botanical Survey ofIndia, CNHS, Indian Botanical Garden, Howrah 711 103, West Bengal, India.
'Email: narasimhan@rbgkeworguk
1
sEmail callherb@vsnl net
Abutilonranadei Woodr. et Stapfisone ofthe criticallyendangered plant speciesofthe Western Ghats in India. It is
endemic and restricted to four districts ofMaharashtra State. Ecological and conservation studies revealed that the
speciesismorerestrictedtomoistdeciduousforestsintheWesternGhats.Theplantsuffersfromanumberofpestsand
diseases, and poor fruit set. Itcan easily be propagated by vegetativepropagation throughthe airlayeringtechnique.
Keywords:Abutilonranadei conservation,ecology,WesternGhats,threatened,criticallyendangered.
,
INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY
ThegenusAbutilonMill, belongstoFamilyMalvaceae The study was conducted between June 1997 and
and is represented by about 150 species. India is home to 12 March 2002. The study area comprised mainly of three
species, 2 subspecies and 5 varieties (Paul 1993; Woodrow localities-Toma,ShilimandAmboli.Theauthorsmaderegular
1897). Ofthese,twospeciesand fourvarietiesareendemicto fieldtripsindifferentseasonstodifferentlocalitiesandstudied
India. The genus is distributed mostly in the tropical or various ecological aspects ofwild populations. Information
subtropicalpartsoftheworld. Manyspeciesarecommercially on the phenology, association, pollinators, and seed setting
importantas they are highly ornamental. were collected duringfield surveys. Simultaneously, aspects
Abutilon ranadei Woodr. et Stapfwas first collected related to conservation, such as propagation techniques,
byN.B. Ranade,ex-keeperoftheherbariumattheCollegeof cultivation practices, pests and diseases were also studied
Science, Pune. Woodrow and Stapf(1894) described it as a for wild and cultivated plants/ populations.
new species and named it after Ranade. It is an endemic, Habitatspecificity: Accordingto Blatter,thespecies is
known so far only from four districts ofMaharashtra State. foundonly in Konkan. However, allthereported localitiesof
AccordingtoCooke(1901), it isarareplant. Dueto itsnarrow the species, includingthetype locality, are fromthesouthern
rangeofdistribution and extreme rarity, the species hasbeen Western Ghats in madhya(=central) Maharashtra (Almeida
declared as endangered (Nayar and Sastry 1987; Venkanna andAlmeida 1989).
and Das Das 2000) or even presumed extinct (Ahmedullah Geography: The species is distributed between 19°-
and Nayar 1986). However, it was recollected from its type 16.4° N and 72° 6'-74° E; that is, between Shilim on the
locality aftera lapse ofalmost 95 years (Mistry andAlmeida northwestofPunetoAmba GhatnearKolhapur, coveringan
1989;Almeida 1996; WalterandGillett 1997). Sincethen,the areaofc. 500 sq. km(Fig. 1).Theareaofoccupation isbelow
species has been collected from six new locations in Pune, 12 sq. km.
Kolhapurand Sataradistricts(Table 1). Geology & soils: Structurally, the natural locations of
Abutilon ranadei is one of the most critically the species are a part ofthe Deccan trap, and the geological
endangered plants ofIndia (Mishra and Singh 2001), on the formationsareofbasalticorigin,with anabundanceofsilica,
vergeofextinction. Itssurvival in itsnatural habitatisfurther aluminaand ironoxides. Thesoilsarebrownishtoreddish in
complicated by habitat fragmentation and habitat loss, ft is a colour, poorinnutrientsandslightlyacidic(pH 5.5-6.5).
priority species for research and conservation. The present Vegetation,altitude& rainfall: Thespeciesisfoundat
studywastaken up with a viewto understandthe autecology the edges ofmoist deciduous forests, on gentle hill slopes
and conservation related aspects ofthe species with special between 600-1,000 m above msl. All these regions receive
reference to wild and cultivated plant populations. high rainfall from the southwest monsoon. Annual rainfall
344 J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004
ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILONRANADEI
Table 1 Abutilon ranadeiWoodr et Stapf - Ecology and Distribution
Locality District Forest type & Association Number Reference
of individuals
Amba Ghat Kolhapur Mixed deciduous Few Woodrow (1894)
—Moist deciduous 7 *Mistry &Almeida (1989)
— —19 *Diwakar & Moorthy (2001)
Radhanagari Yadav & Sardesai (2002)
Vasota Fort Satara Moist deciduous 50 Bachulkar & Yadav (1997)
Carvia callosa (Nees) Bremek.
Amboli Sindhudurg Moist deciduous 7 **Tetali (1998)
Carvia callosa (Nees) Bremek.
Barleria spp.
Shilim Pune Moist deciduous 250 Punekar etal (2001)
(Mulshi) Carvia callosa (Nees) Bremek.
Terminalia elliptica Willd.
Kydia calycma Roxb
Xantolis tomentosa (Roxb.) Raf.
Sterculia guttata Roxb. ex Dc. 280 Lakshminarasimhan, Diwakar&
Prasanna (2001)
Toma Pune Moist deciduous 175 *Punekaretal. (2000)
(Velhe) Carvia callosa (Nees) Bremek. 40 "Tetali &Thopte (2000)
Ziziphus rugosa Lam. 140 'Lakshminarasimhan, Diwakar&
Woodfordia fruticosa (L Kurz. Prasanna (2001)
)
Atalantia racemosa Wight
Rajgad Pune Moist deciduous 45 *DatarMandar& C R Jadhav(2002)
(Velhe) Carvia callosa (Nees) Bremek.
Vernoma divergens (Roxb.) Edgew
Rhinacanthus nasuta (L.) Kurz
Pentanema cerunum (Dalz.) Ling
Vigna khandalensis (Sant.)
Raghavan & Wadhwa
* Personal communication, unpublished data, yearof observation is given in parenthesis.
** Senior authors field survey observations, noted from field note book
rangesbetween4,000mmto7,000 mm. calyx. Staminal column 20-35 mm long, glabrous, reddish,
Population size: The natural distribution is highly filamentswhite,withreddishbase,3-5 mmlong. Upperpartof
fragmentedandtheplantisnotfoundinabundanceanywhere. thefilamentsparselycoveredwith dumbbellshapedglandular
Population size (mature individuals) at different localities hairs. Anther kidney-shaped, initially green, turns dark rose
ranged between 7-280. Some ofthese localities are adjacent atmaturityandbrownishvioletatdehiscence.Carpels5. Styles
to private land. The natural habitat suffers a variety of as manyascarpels, upto 7 mm long, sparselyhairy(Fig. 2).
depredations due to human interference. Floral biology: Floweringbegins inthesecondweekof
Association: A. ranadei populations were discovered NovemberandcontinuestilltheendofMarch. Flowersaxillary,
in moistdeciduous forests. In almostall localities, theygrew solitary, pedicels up to 8 cm long,jointed in the upper half.
amongthicketsofCarvia callosa Bremek. Openingofflowersbeginsintheafternoon. Maximum flowers
&
Description Ecology: Undershrub, or large shrub, openbetween 12-15 hours(68%). Individualflowershave3-5
up to 2.5 m tall. Plant parts densely and minutely stellately daysforpollination. The processoffloral development, from
hairy. Leavesovatetoround-ovate, apexacuteto acuminate, opening offlower to pollination, takes place in four stages
base cordate, margin crenate to dentate. (Fig.3).
Flowering:A. ranadeiisafastgrowingplant.Flowering Paint brush stage (Stage 1)\ During this stage, floral
normallycommencesinplantsabout7-9monthsold. Flowers partsareenclosed inaswollencalyxtube,which isgreen and
bisexual.Calyxcampanulate. Lobes2-2.7 cm long,connate in glandular.Afewbeardedwhitefilamentswith immaturewhite
themiddle,stellate-hairyand glandular. Corollacampanulate anthersprotrude conspicuously amongthe yellowtips ofthe
with pale purple prominent veins on orange-yellow petals, petals. Petals are almost equal or slightly longer than the
tips prominently yellow. Petals 1 to 2 times longer than the calyx tube. The flower bud appears like the head of a
J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004 345
ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILONRANADEI
paintbrush. filaments increase in length from 0.3 cm to0.5 cm. They are
Trumpet stage (Stage 2): At this stage, a number of positioned perpendicularly, and hairs on the filaments are
modifications offloral parts occur, to attract pollinators. It more conspicuous.
beginswiththeenlargementofpetalsandstaminaltube. Petals Thewhiteanthersturnreddish-brownorbrickcoloured.
grow longer and wide at the base (length: from 2.5 cm to 3- Dehiscence occurs during daytime with increasing
6 cm; wide: upto2.5 cm). Twothirds ofthe proximal endof temperatures. Anthesis does nottake place on the same day,
petals turns light purple, while the distal end turns orange but in phases for about two days. Pollen yellow, spherical,
yellow. Whitish veins are more prominent. The spacing size55-57 pdiameter,singlecolpate,echinate,aperture5-8 p
between two petals widens. From the almost contorted and wide (According to Nair 1962, average size 76 p; range
overlapping stage, the distance between petals increases to 74-77 p). Exine 4.2 p thick. Basal cushion ofspinules not
about 2.5 cm towards the distal end. This facilitates a wide formed(Fig.4). Styles 5,distinct,0.5 cmatthetimeofanther
open corolla mouth. The yellow region ofthe petals slowly dehiscence. Stigma capitate.
turns backwards and the corolla resembles a trumpet. Pollination stage (Stage 3): During this stage, the
Simultaneously, the staminal column with anthers also glandular hairs on the calyx tube emit a strong odour, like
increases in length (from 2 to 4.5 cm long). The column curry leaves. The secretion ofnectar follows this. Nectaries
becomes shining, turns dark purple or reddish-brown. The are located atthe base ofthe petals. The staminaltubetwists
slightly during or after anther dehiscence. Style length
increases on the second day from 0.5 cm to almost 1.5 cm.
Stylesturn backward into an inverted ‘C’ shape. Odourfrom
thecalyxtube, colourofthecorollaandnectarattracts insect
visitorsbelongstothefamilies. Theinsectvisitorsweremostly
nectarivorous.
The floral biology and the timing ofanthesis indicate
thatthe species prefers cross-pollination. Floweringmaynot
necessarilyresultin fruitformation.
Observations to identify pollinators were made
consecutively for three years. Night observations had to be
abandoned due to practical difficulties (especially
inaccessibility) in working in natural habitat. Observations
were carried out from dawn to dusk. The floral nectar fallen
THANE
MUMBAI
Shilirrv
PUNE
.Rajgao-V,
Torana
,
Koyana
Amba SOUTH MAHARASHTRA
Ghat KOLHAPUR#J
Ambolf Above600m Fig 1:Abutilonranadei
<600m Woodr. etStapf,
I I
Radhanagari Localities
a. Distributionmap,
Maharashtra,
60km b Localitymap,
southMaharashtra
346 J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004
ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILONRANADEI
Fig. 2:Abutilonranadei\Noodr. efStapf, 1 Habit, 2. Flower, 3.Anther,4. Fruit, 5. Seed
on leaves and other vegetative parts was seen to attract flies observed two insect species visiting flowers. Among the
and other insects. Despite thorough observations, no insect visitors, Honeybees (Apis mellifera), the occasional
pollinator was seen during the first two years ofour study. visitors, may not contribute in pollination. They were seen
This, and other factors such as trumpet shaped flowers, feeding only on pollen. Bees generally ignore or cannot
odoriferous calyx, colours of the corolla, and secretion of recognize the flowers ofA. ranadei. A frequent visitor was
nectaratthebaseofpetalsindicatethatmothsorothernectar- Anthophorus zoncita (Family Anthophoridae, Order
drinkinginsectsmightbethetruepollinators.Noconclusions, Hymenoptera), afastflyinginsectandmostlyanectarfeeder.
however,couldbemade,duetolackofevidence.Otherfactors, The size ofthe insect and stamina! column length indicates
such as small population size and the resultant scarcity of that itmaynotbeatruepollinator, butan optional pollinator.
forage plants (pollen) or nectar may have contributed to the A detailed record ofthe behaviour ofAnthophorus zoncita
,
absenceofpollinators. Curiously, inthethirdyear, attheend flower visiting pattern and food preference were recorded
of the flowering season we noticed insects visiting the (for two days only). The results showed a positive relation
flowers.Adetailed record ofthe insects, theirflowervisiting between number of visits and average time spent on each
behaviour and food preferences were recorded. The peak flower from morning to noon. Numberofvisits and average
period of flowering was only for two days. The insects timespentcollectingnectardroppedfrom 2a.m.to2p.m. In
1
stopped visiting the plants, as the number of flowers per the laterpartoftheday,thenumberofvisitsgraduallyreduced
plant drastically decreased. During the entire study we and the average time spent for collecting nectar greatly
J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004 347
ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILONRANADEI
Fig.3:AbutilonranadeiWoodr. etStapf,Floralbiology:A&B. Paintbrushstage,C&D.Trumpetstage,
E.Pollinationstage,F.Contortedcorollastage
increased (Fig. 5). On the third day, the number of insects Contorted corolla stage (Stage-4): In this stage, the
visiting flowers declined sharply. We observed a positive corolla becomes twisted, mostly on the fourth or fifth day.
correlation between insects visiting flowers and pod The corolla shrinks slowly before it falls off. The corolla of
formation. Further studies are also required to identify the the pollinated flowers contorts around the staminal column
pollinators, and minimum numberofmature plants required and blocks the entry of insects or other visitors.
toattractpollinators. It is notclearwhetherit is the pollen or Field observations showed that 60-90% ofthe flowers
the nectar or both, that mainly attract pollinators. fall off without any sign of fruit formation. The calyx tube
Floweringmaynotnecessarilyresultinfruitformation. turnsyellowandbecomesdetachedfromthepedicelafterthe
Gregarious flowering was never noticed. On any given day corollatubeisshed.Theflowersofferpollenaswellasnectar
during the flowering season, about 2-12 open flowers are in large quantities. Anther dehiscence does not take place
observed on each plant. The total numberofflowers set in a instantly. Anthers ofsome flowers dehisce in more than one
season by healthy and mature individuals range between 20- phase, preferably in two phases. Location of nectar and
340. flowering time tentatively indicates that flowers may be
348 J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004
ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILONRANADEI
Fig.4:AbutilonranadeiWoodr. efStapf,ScanningElectronMicroscopephotographsofantherandpollen:
A.Singleanther,B.Monothecousanther,C.Echinatepollen,D. Pore
pollinated by nectar feeding insects, probably moths. Seedlingsprefershade(under90% shadenets). Detailsofthe
Seedset: Only4-20%flowersdevelopintomaturefruit. seed characteristics are presented in Table 2.
Fruit a schizocarp, seeds 2-3 per mericarp, brownish-black, b) Vegetative: Poor fruit set and high percentage of
kidney-shaped. Fruit formation begins in December and non-viable seeds led to the trial of various vegetative
continues till the end of April. Number of fruits per plant propagationtechniquesatourresearchfarm.Airlayeringwas
rangefromalmostnilto27. found to be the most successful method of vegetative
Seed germination: Depending upon the location, propagation. In this method, a girdle was made on a branch
percentageofgerminationvariedfrom 2%-35%(Table2). notlessthan5mmthick,atabout20-30cmfromthetip.About
Propagation:A. ranadeican be propagatedby seed as
well as vegetative propagation.
Table 2: Seed characteristics of Abutilon ranadei
a) Seed: Germination tests were conducted under
nursery conditions. Seeds were sown in net pots and plastic Character Range Mean
trays. The percentage ofaborted seed in this method is very Number of seeds/ pod 3-15 5.4
highastheseedsaregenerallyshriveled,smallandnonviable. Seed weight 0.014-0.020 mg 0.016mg
Theseedsgerminateveryslowly,takingaminimumof20and Seed length 0.384 - 0.520 cm 0.45 cm
Seed diameter 0.353 - 0.464 cm 0.434 cm
a maximum of 30 days to germinate. Net pots are ideal for
sowing. Germination takes up to three months in net pots. • Number of pods studied - 20; Numberof seeds studied: 100.
J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004 349
ECOLOGICALAND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILONRANADEI
AM 11 N1o2on P1M 2 10 11 No12on P1M 2
Numberofvisitsperhour
Averagetimespentfornectarperhour
Fig 5: FlowervisitingbehaviourofAnthophorouszonata
3-5 cmstripofbarkwascarefullyremoved(circularcut)without Leafanalysis for various elements was carried out to
damaging the other parts. The phloem and cambium was understandtheproblemofflowerfallafterwithering. Thetest
completely removed by scrapingwith a blade to preventthe values ofthe tissue samples showed high concentrations of
healingprocess.Thescrapedpartwaswashedwith Indole-3- Nitrogen and Potash, and deficiency ofPhosphorus. Among
butyricacid(IBA4,000 ppm)for5minutes,theareacovered themicronutrients,SodiumandIronwerepresentinsignificant
with moist sphagnum moss and tied with a polythene sheet amounts.Thedetailsofthe leafanalysisaregiven inTable3.
to keep the moss in place. Initiation ofrooting was visible Spacing: 1 mx 1 m.
after two weeks. Rooting takes place within 21 days. The Watering: The plant requires good, regularwatering.
layerswerereadyfortransplantwithin 45-50 days. However, it cannot withstand water logging.
Cultural practices: The plant prefers slightly acidic Light: A. ranadei is a light loving plant. It performs
soil and responds well to organic manure. Good growth is betterunderpartiallyshadedconditions(Theseedlingsprefer
obtained in the following mentioned substratum. 90%shade, whilematureplantsdowell under40%shade).
Soilmedia: Redlateriticsoil-2.5parts;Vermicompost
- part;Sterameal[7(N)-lQ(P)-5(K)]-0.5part Pests & Diseases:
1
Forbettergrowth,anadditional 100gmvermicompost 1. Tetranychuscittnabarinus(TropicalRedSpiderMite)
+ 100gmsterameal perplant isrequiredeverythreemonths. Family:Tetranychidae
Description-.Anovalshapedmite.Tiny,redorgreenish
Table 3: Leaf analysis (Macro & Micro nutrients) results with four pairs of legs (Fig. 6a). Polyphagous, common,
of Abutilon ranadei
seriouspestofgreenhouse plantsand othercultivated crops.
Parameter Test value Feeding habits'. External feeder. All stages ofinsects
Nitrogen (N) - 3.25% feed on the lowerside ofthe leafsurface.
Phosphorus (P) - 0 60% Damage-. Scarification, leafsilvering and appearance
Potassium(K) - 2.06% ofyellow patches.
Calcium(Ca) - 5%
Magnesium(Mg) - 0 93% Control:Biological:Phy’toseilusriegeli(predaceousmite).
Sulphur (S) - 0.26% Chemical: 1)FoliarsprayofDimethoate(0.5 ml/litre),
Iron (Fe) - 590ppm 2) Carbaryl (2 ml/litre) + Neemarin (3 ml/litre), 3) Sulphur
Manganese (Mn) - 40ppm (3gm/litre),4)Kelthane(2ml/litre).
Zinc (Zn) - 116ppm
Copper (Cu) - 22ppm
Molybdenum(Mo) - <1 ppm 2. Ferrisiavirgata(Ckll.)(Striped Mealybug)
Boron (B) - 51 ppm Family: Pseudococcidae
Sodium(Na) - 1984ppm Description'. An elliptic shaped mealy bugwith a pair
350 J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004
ECOLOGICALAND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUT1LONRANADEI
Control: Biological: 1) Bacillus thuringiensis,
2) Trichogramma(parasitoideggs2000-3000per 100sq. m)
Mechanical: Ultravioletlighttraps.
Chemical:Carbaryl(2ml/litre)
4.Unidentified(Aphids)
Order: Homoptera,Family:Aphididae
Description:Asmall soft-bodied, sluggish insect, with
piercingand suckingmouth parts (Fig. 6d).
Feedinghabits: Usually attackstenderparts. Feeds on
the lower surface ofthe leaves.
Damage: Leaf curling, infection with sooty mould,
presence ofants.
Control: Biological: 1) Ladybird (Coccinellidae),
2) Crysoperta carnae (adults 400 per 100 sq. m),
3) Hymenopterous parasites.
Chemical: 1) Soap water, 2) A number of systemic
insecticides(Permethrin, Pirimicarb).
5. Chrysomphalusaonidum(L.)
(FloridaRedscaleorPurplescale)
Family: Diaspididae
Description:Adultfemaleispurplishandcircular,with
a reddish-brown boss or nipple in the centre.
Feeding habits: Feeds on leaves, young shoots and
Fig 6 PestsofAhutilonranadeiWoodr etStapf, twigs.
a. TropicalRedSpiderMite(Tetranychuscinnabarinus), Damage: Salivaistoxic, causingnecrosis.
3.
b. StripedMealyBug(Ferrisiavirgata), Control: Biological control: Chilochorus nigritus
c. CabbageSemi-looper(Trichoplusiani), Chemical: 1) Carbaryl (3%), 2) Parathion (0.5%),
d Aphids(FamilyHomoptera)
3)Malathionwithwhiteoil
of conspicuous longitudinal submedian dark stripes, 6.UnidentifiedLeafminer
pronounced longtail and long glassy wax threads (Fig. 6b). (Microlepidoptera)
Feeding habits'. The most serious polyphagous pest. Description: Minor pest. Tunnel leaf mine with no
Sucking type, feeds on tender parts and leaves. central lineoffaecal pellets.
Damage'. Wilting, infestationbysootymoulds,growth Feeding habits: Attacks during rainy season.
retardation. Damage: Leaf tunnels. Destroys the photosynthetic
Control'. Biological:Cryptoleumusmonterouzuni(6per structure.
100sq.m) Control:Chemical: 1)Triozophos(Hostathion3ml/litre),
Chemical: 1)Malathion(1 ml/litre)+Fishoilresinsoap, 2)Phosphamidon(1 ml/litre)+ Fishresinoilsoap(1 ml/litre)
Azinphos-methyl(2ml/litre).
1. UnidentifiedSnail
Trichoplusiani(Hb.)(CabbageSemi-looper) Phylum Mollusca
Family:Noctuidae Description:Nil.
Description: Green with a thin, white lateral line, and Feeding habits: Nocturnal feeders. Feed on young
two white lines alongthe middle ofthe back. There are two leaves, flower buds.
pairsofprolegs(Fig. 6c). Damage: Minordamage. Young leavesare affected.
Feeding habits: Larva feeds on young leaves. Active Control: Mechanical: Handpick. Cabbageand Papaya
at lowtemperatures,makes irregularholes inthe leaf. -yellow leaves fortrapping.
Damage: Irregularholesinthe leaflamina. Chemical: 1)2-4%saltwater,2)Limetreatment
J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 101 (3), Sep-Dec 2004 351
.
ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION STUDIES OF ABUTILONRANADEI
DISCUSSION fall. Percentageofseedgerminationisalsopoor,only2-35%.
The species also suffers from avariety ofpests. About
All over the world, endemic plants are in double 7 pest species were recorded during the study, the most
jeopardy. On the one hand, they are restricted to small serious among them beingthe mealy bug.
pockets, being habitat specific. On the other, their habitat is The habitat ofthe species needs to be protected with
beinglostatanalarmingrate,pushingthemtowardsextinction. thehelpoflocalcommunities. Furtherstudiesarerequiredto
A. ranadeiis acritically endangered plant. Urgentmeasures identifythepollinatorsandtodeterminetheminimumnumber
arerequiredtoconservethisplantin itsnaturalhabitat,mainly ofplants needed to attract pollinators
comprising the edges ofmoist deciduous forests ofWestern Abutilon ranadei is an ornamental plant and could be
Ghats. ItisoftenfoundgrowingamongCarviacallosa(Karvi) cultivated. Experimental trials are on at the Naoroji Godrej
thickets, which are prone to a variety ofdisturbances: being Centre forPlant Research to introducethis beautiful plantto
periodically cleared bythe local communities forfuel wood, horticultureand in artificial habitats.
and to stake tomato plants.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Highlevelofflowerfall(60-90%)withoutfruitformation
isacommonprobleminallthestudied locations. Leafanalysis
ofthe macro and micronutrients indicated the deficiency of The authorsthank Mr. V.M.Crishna, Director, Naoroji
phosphorus. However, extra support of phosphorus in Godrej Centre forPlantResearch forencouragementandthe
cultivatedconditionsdidnot improvethecondition offlower Director, Botanical SurveyofIndiaforsupport.
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