seasonal distribution of charophytes in kanyakumari ... - CIBTech

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleSEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHAROPHYTES IN KANYAKUMARIDISTRICT, SOUTHERN TAMIL NADU, INDIA* Pragasa Nithyavathy C. and Regini Balasingh G.S.Dept of Botany and Research Centre, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil*Author for CorrespondenceABSTRACTKanyakumari District is a part of Western Ghats and receives two monsoons, the southwestmonsoon and the northeast monsoon. Eight aquatic stations (S 1 -S 8 ) were selected based oncharophyte species distribution. Water analysis revealed seasonal variations in physicochemicalcharacteristics such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, calcium, nitrate andphosphate. Nine Chara species and fifteen Nitella species were observed. The charophytespecies distribution showed seasonal variation, northeast monsoon season was favourable forrich growth.Key Words: Kanyakumari, Western Ghats, Charophyte, Seasonal Variation, Northeast MonsoonINTRODUCTIONCharophytes include seven genera namely Nitella, Tolypella, Lycnothamnus, Lamprothamnium,Chara, Nitellopsis and Protochara. In Tamil Nadu the number of species of Characeae describedis poor and extensive studies should be undertaken particularly in remote areas of the district.The members survive well in fresh and brackish water condition upto 2/3 the salinity of seawater with a pH limit of 5.2 to 9.8, mild acidic and alkaline condition. Quiet and undisturbedcondition permits the development of vegetative growth. Pollutant water with contamination,luxurious blue green algal growth and aquatic angiosperms like Elodea, Vallisneria, Hydrilla,Ceratophyllum and Uticularia totally disturb the growth of charophytes. The present study dealswith seasonal distribution and diversity of charophytes occurring in selected stations ofKanyakumari district.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe members of charophytes were collected from the four Taluks in eight aquatic stations of thedistrict for a period of one year (January 2009 December 2010). Selected physicochemicalparameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, calcium, nitrate and phosphateconcentrations of the aquatic ecosystem were analysed (APHA, 1985). The members wereidentified using the literatures of Pal et al., (1962), Wood and Imahori (1965) and Subramanium(2002).RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONThe results observed from the different stations are illustrated in Table -1. The mean pH valuesranged from 5.9 (S 3 ) dung non monsoon season to 8.4 (S 5 ) dung southwest monsoon in S 3 and S 5stations, Chara zeylanica was reported as dense mass forming (like ‘mat’ nature) species.Subramminan (2002) has reported that acidic pH favoured the growth of Chara. The totalalkalinity content reached maximum of 269mg/l in S 5 during southwest monsoon season whenChara species flourished well and Sundaralingam (1962) reported that hardness of water35

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch Articleinfluences the growth of charophytes in freshwater ecosystems. Factors such as temperature,light intensity, calcium, higher pH and alkalinity concentration influenced the growth andformation of sex organs in Chara species (Vestergaard and Sand Jensen, 2000; Joye et al., 2002).Smith (1955) has also reported that charophytes respond to salinity, acidity, alkalinity, lightintensity and altitude variation.In the present observation the genus Chara with 9 species and Nitella with 15 species werecollected and their seasonal distribution is shown in Table 2. It was noted that Chara contraria,C.vulgaris and Nitella furcata were cosmopolitan in distribution (Wood and Imahori, 1965;Khan and Sarma, 1984). Goldi (1988) carried out a study on Nitella flagelliformis and N. furcatacollected from two freshwater stations of Kanyakumari District. Nithyavathy et al. haveobserved Chara vulgaris and C.hydropitys in Kanyakumari district as common freshwatermacroalgae. Sukumaran et al. (2010) identified Nitella leptodactyla, N. opaca, N. acuminata var.belangeri, N. dictyosperma, N. furcata, Chara benthami, C. hydropitys and C. vulgaris in thewater bodies of sacred groves of Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks of Kanyakumari District.Nitella opaca, N. dictyosperma, N. furcata and Chara vulgaris, were reported as dominant.Shamel (2011) also found Chara zeylanica and Chara hydropitys in her studies on green algae.In S 3 Chara zeylanica was collected throughout the study period with globule and nucule. Thefavourable pH, moderate level of alkalinity and calcium rich water of the station may be thereason for its abundant growth. Seasonal distribution showed maximum number of Nitella andChara species during northeast monsoon season. Rich nitrogen and calcium elements in S 8 alsofavour Chara benthami, Nitella burmanica, N. oligospira, N. leptodactyla, N. gracilis to producesex organs during northeast and non monsoon seasons. The tropical climate, favorable soil typesand good seasonal conditions of the district may be the reason for the significant seasonaldistribution and diversity of charophytes. The observed Characeae species were taxonomicallydistinct and are illustrated in Figures1-24.Plant descriptionsChara L.Stems corticated or ecorticated ; branches limited usually one at a node; branchlets simple inwhorls at the nodes; antheridia lateral; coronula of oogonium has five cells in single tier;stipulodes present at the base of the branchlets.Chara hydropitys Reich.Plants monoecious, long, 486-580µ thick, long stipulodes in single series, 11 branchlets in awhorl, branchlets 5-7 segmented, lowermost and some of the uppermost segments areecorticated. It was collected from S 1 , S 4 and S 7. It was reported with sex organs during themonths of non-monsoon season. In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Coimbatore,Vandalur, Adayar, Singaperumalkoil and Thirukalikundram (Figure 1).C. flaccida Braun.Plants monoecious, small, stem slender, 390µ thick, corticated, well developed stipulodesforming a single whorl, 8-12 branchlets in a whorl, branchlets incurved and 4-6 segmentedecorticated. It was collected from S 4 . Sex organs were observed during non-monsoon season. InTamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Vandalur, Red hills, Ennore, Guduvancheri andSingaperumalkoil (Figure 2).36

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleC. benthami Braun.Plant monoecious, incrusted, moderately thick, 482µ diameter, well developed stipulodes insingle row, internodes corticated and branchlets 8-12 in a whorl, ecorticated. It was collectedfrom S 4 , S 7 and S 8 .The species produced sex organs during northeast monsoon and non-monsoonseasons. In India, it was previously reported in Culcutta, Dhapdhapi, Agarpara and Bengal(Figure 3).C. fibrosa Ag. Ex. Bruz.Plant monoecious, delicate, 324µ thick, fibrous, pale green in colour, 9-12 thin bristle likebranchlets in each whorl, branchlets 3-4 segmented. It was collected from S 6 . The specimenswere reported with sex organs during the months of non-monsoon season (Figure 4).C. erythrogyna W.Griffith.Plant monoecious, small sized, robust form, beautifully clustered, yellowish green in colour, 9-12 branchlets in a whorl, branchlets 3-4 segmented. It was collected from S 2 . It produced sexorgans during non-monsoon season (Figure 5).C. contraria Kutzing.Plants monoecious, heavily incrusted, stem stout, 750µ thick, corticated stipulodes in doublewhorl, internodes long and 6-10 branchlets in a whorl, partially corticated. It was collected fromS 4 . It was reported with sex organs during the months of non-monsoon season. In India, it waspreviously reported in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (Figure 6).C. vulgaris Linn.Plants monoecious, stem about 500µ thick, very long, corticated stipulodes in double whorl,internodes about 7cm long, 7-9 branchlets in each whorl, branchlets 6-8 segmented and recurved,partially corticated sometimes entirely ecorticated. It was collected from S 4 . Sex organ wereobserved during non-monsoon season. In India, it was previously reported in Bihar, Agra, andPoona. (Figure 7)C. delicatula (Agardh) A. Braun.Plants monoecious, long, 672µ thick, corticated, stipulodes in double whorl, branchlets 8-11 ineach whorl, branchlets 6 segmented, extreme segments are ecorticated. It was collected from S 4and S 5 . Sex organs were reported during the months of northeast and non-monsoon seasons in S 4and only during non-monsoon season in S 5. In India, it was previously observed in (U.P) Banaras(Figure 8).C. zeylanica Willdenow.Plants monoecious, long; stem stout, 700-800µ thick, heavily incrusted, corticated, stipulodes intwo series, internodes 1-3 times the length of the branchlets, 11 spreading branchlets in eachwhorl, branchlets 6-7 segmented, basal segment ecorticated. It was collected from S 3 . In TamilNadu, previously it was observed in Red hills, Guduvancheri, Tiruvellore, Chengalput, Vandalurand Pamban (Figure9).Nitella Agardh (em.Leonh.).Stem ecorticated; branchlets forked, arise in whorls at the nodes; oogonia lateral; coronula ofoogonium has ten cells in two tiers; stipulodes absent.Nitella hyalina (De Cond.) Agardh.Plants about 13cm long, branchlets two types, primary branchlets 2 times furcated, accessorybranchlets simple, antheridium and oogonium at the same node. It was collected from S 1 . It wasreported with sex organs during northeast monsoon season .In Tamil Nadu, it was previously37

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch Articleobserved in Nilgiris hills, Egmore, Sriperumbudur, Vandalur, Chengalput, Red Hills andGuduvancheri (Figure 11).N. opaca Agardh.Male and female plants about 25 cm long, branchlets dimorphic with sterile and fertile whorls,antheridium solitary, oogonium solitary and in pairs. Male plant was collected from S 8 andfemale plant from S 6 . Sex organs were observed during northeast monsoon season (Figure 12).N. acuminata A.Braun.Plant 25cm high, branchlets curving upwards, once furcated, antheridia and oogonia in group atdifferent nodes. It was collected from S 6 . Sex organs were reported during the months of nonmonsoonseason. In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Ootacamond and Nilgiris (Figure13).N. acuminata var.belangeri Braun.Small plant, about 7cm long, fertile branchlets in dense heads, once furcated, antheridium andoogonium at the same junction. It was collected from S 4 and S 8 . Sex organs were observedduring northeast monsoon season and non-monsoon season. In India it was already observed inBombay (Figure 14).N. flagelliformis Braun.Male plants slender, about 26cm long, branchlets 6-7 in a whorl, 4-5 times furcated, sessileantheridium at all furcations. It was collected from S 1 and S 5 . The plants produced sex organsduring non-monsoon season. In India it was already observed in Assam, Bejapur, Saharanpur andBombay (Figure 15).N. gracilis (J.E.Smith) C. Agardh.Male and female plants have 4-6 branchlets in each whorl, male plants stouter, antheridiumreddish, solitary, and female plants thin, 3-4 oogonia together. Both male and female plants werecollected from S 8 . In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Sathyamangalam and Athanurvillages of South Arcot District (Figure16).N. batrachosperma (Reich) Braun.Plants extremely slender, 5-6 branchlets in a whorl, twice furcated; antheridium and oogonium atthe same node. It was collected from S 1 .The plants produced sex organs during non-monsoonseason. In India it was already observed in Uttar Pradesh and Bombay (Figure 16).N. dictyosperma Groves.Plant moderately thick, branchlets 6 in each whorl; antheridium and oogonium together at thesecond furcation. It was collected from S 8 . Sex organs were observed during southwest monsoonseason (Figure 17).N. leptodactyla Grove.Fragile plant, about 15cm long, stem 224µ thick, internodes 2-5 times the length of thebranchlets, 6-7 branchlets in a whorl, 2-4 times furcated, enveloped in mucus. It was collectedfrom S 8 . Sex organs were observed during late southwest monsoon season. In India it waspreviously observed in Gangetic plain (Figure18).N. furcata Agardh.Plant shows highly branching habit, stem thick, 757µ in diameter, 6 branchlets in a whorl,antheridium solitary, oogonium solitary and two together. It was collected from S 2 , S 4, S 6 and S 7 .Sex organs were observed during the months of northeast monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. InTamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Adayar, Vandalur and Egmore (Figure19).38

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleN. oligospira Br.Plant 16cm high, stem 684µ thick, 5-6 branchlets in a whorl 2-3 furcated, oogonium muchsmaller than the antheridium which is central in position. It was collected from S 4 , S 6 , S 7 and S 8 .A. B. C.Figure1: Chara hydropitys Reich. A- habit, B - antheridium at a node, C- oogonium at anode; a-antheridium, o-oogonium, bte-bracteole, brn - branchlet node.A. B.Figure 2: Chara flaccida Braun. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node;a- antheridium, o-oogonium, bte- bracteole, brn – branchlet node.39

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B.Figure 3: Chara benthami Braun. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node; btebracteole.A. B. C.Figure 4: Chara fibrosa Ag.ex.Bruz. A - habit, B - antheridium, C - oogonium at a differentnode.40

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA B.Figure 5: Chara erythrogyna. Griffith, A - habit, B - Ecorticated branchlet showingantheridium and oogonium at a node; bt-bract, bte-bracteole.A. B.Figure 6: Chara contraria Kutzing. A - habit, B -Corticated branchlet antheridium andoogonium at a node; a- antheridium, o-oogonium, abt - anterior pair of bract cells.41

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B.Figure 7: Chara vulgaris Linn. A - habit, B - corticated branchlet showing antheridium andoogonium at a node; a- antheridium, o-oogonium, abt - anterior bracts, pbt - posteriorbracts.A. B.Figure 8: Chara delicatula Braun (Agardh). A - habit, B -Corticated branchlet showingantheridium and oogonium at a node; a- antheridium, o-oogonium, brn - branchlet node,sp- spine cell.42

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B.Figure 9: Chara zeylanica Willdenow. A – habit, B – antheridium and oogonium at a node;a- antheridium, o-oogonium, brn – branchlet node,nc-nodal cells.A. B.Figure 10: Nitella hyalina Agardh. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node.43

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B.C. D.Figure 11: Nitella opaca Agardh. A-Male plant habit, B-antheridium at a node, C-Femaleplant habit, D-oogonia at a node.44

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B. C.Figure 12: Nitella acuminata A.Braun. A - habit, B – antheridia at node, C- oogonia atdifferent nodeA. B.Figure 13: Nitella acuminata var.belangeri Braun. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogoniaat a node45

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B. C.Figure 14: Nitella flagelliformis Braun. A - habit, B – whorl of branchlets, C - antheridiumat nodesA. B.46

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleC. D.Figure 15: Nitella gracilis (J.E.Smith)C. Agardh. A - Female plant habit, B - oogonia at anode, C - male plant habit, D - antheridium at a nodeA. B. C.Figure 16: Nitella batrachosperma (Reich) Braun. A - Habit, B - antheridium at a node,C - oogonium at a node47

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B.Figure17: Nitella dictyosperma Groves. A - Habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a nodeA. B.Figure18: Nitella leptodactyla Groves. A - Habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node48

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B. C.Figure19: Nitella furcata Agarth. A - Habit, B - oogonia at a node, C - antheridium at anode.A. B.Figure 20: Nitella oligospira Braun. A - Habit, B - oogonium and antheridium at a node.49

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B. C.Figure 21: Nitella burmanica Pal. A - Habit, B - oogonia at a node, C - antheridium at anode.A. B.Figure 22: Nitella superba Pal. A – Habit, B – whorl of branchlets showing antheridia50

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleA. B. C.Figure23: Nitella mucronata Miquel. A - Habit, B - oogonium at a node, C - antheridium at a nodeA. B.Figure 24: Nitella pseudotenuissima Kundu. A - Habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a nodeSex organs were observed during non-monsoon season. In S 8 the plants were found to producesex organs during southwest monsoon season. In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed inVandalur (Figure 20).51

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleC. burmanica Pal.Plant about 25cm long, stem stout, 720µ thick, 4-5 branchlets in each whorl, thrice furcated,oogonia in groups, antheridium pushed to one side. It was collected from S 2 , S 5 and S 8 . Sexorgans were observed during non-monsoon season. In S 8 the plants were found to produce sexorgans during southwest monsoon season (Figure21).Table 1: Seasonal distribution (mean +SD) of physicochemical parameters of water in theexperimental stationsParameters Season S 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 S 6 S 7 S 8Temperatureo CpHDO mg/lAlkalinitymg/lCalciummg/lNitratemg/lPhosphatemg/lNMSSWMNEM28.47 +0.8126.5 +1.3824.2 +0.9427 + 1.29NMS 8.1 + 0.09 7.8 + 0.18SWM7.50 +0.22NEM 7.8 + 0.2NMS 4.45 + 0.8SWM 5.2 + 0.49NEM 5.8 + 0.48NMS 74 + 5.18SWM 54 + 4.7828.42 +0.8528 + 2.18 27.5 + 2.926.2 + 1.9 26 + 1.007.6 + 0.277.9 +0.314.82 +1.185.62 +0.705.17 +0.6294.8 +10.7281. 7 +9.125.9 +0.0946.18 +1.1229.5+0.8328.2 +1.1827.2 +1.106.4 + 1.1229.2 +2.130 + 1.7025 + 2.14 29 + 5.426.4 +2.77.8 +2.1428.4 + 4.97.4 + 1.907.8 + 1.16 8.4 + 3.0 7.9 + 0.346.9 + 1.14 7.6 + 1.14 7.9 + 2.0 8.2 + 0.084.1 + 1.24.18 +1.194.9 + 1.12 5.0 + 1.145.4 + 2.17124 +17.5102 +19.5NEM 60 + 6.41 84.5 + 8.7 90 + 13.4NMS 17.8 + 6.9SWM 8.5 + 4.921.6 +10.8219.5 +8.186.74 +2.18138.6 +27.5142.5 +30.4120 +19.85.0 +2.146.4 +3.155.9 +2.97229 +18.4269 +26.9194 +28.44.4 + 1.185.2 + 1.25.8 + 1.30164.7 +19.7184 +26.7174 +23.929.5 +2.1827.8 +4.926.1 +3.97.6 +1.198.0 +2.178.28 +2.84.9 +1.275.2 +1.315.0 +1.18127 +14.9135+19.7115+17.9542 + 14.5 90 + 0.5 65 + 14.9 30 + 15.2 24 + 9.423 + 9.9 44 + 16.5 48 + 19.5 26 + 13.918.2 +8.230.1 +1.7029 + 2.727.4 +2.946.8 +1.987.4 + 2.08.3 +7.944.9 +1.305.4 +1.405.6 +1.6792 + 20.4174 +31.5159 +30.727.4 +11.234.9 +14.9NEM 6.2 + 4.0 13.7 + 6.5 21 + 8.0 39 + 14.9 30 + 18.4 21 + 14.5 11 + 6.71 21 + 18.0NMS0.81 +0.080.98 + 0.2SWM 1.74 + 0.7 1.48 + 0.9NEM1.60 +0.79NMS 0.69 + 0.8SWM 0.84 + .61NEM0.42 +0.711.18 + 0.80.71 +0.810.98 +0.010.42 +0.080.49 +0.040.84 +0.080.19 +0.120.94 + 0.71.17 + 1.11.18 +0.940.78 +0.071.18 +1.172.17 + 1.20.68 +0.040.98 +0.061.14 +0.980.67 +0.041.27 +1.122.74 +1,140.98 +0.060.74 +0.011.45 +0.420.90 +0.091.27 + 1.01.94 +1.180.94 + 0.91.18+1.122.74 + 1.10.74 +0.070.90 +0.041.18 +0.920.7 +0.010.18 +0.010.98 +0.010.98 +0.070.41 +0.021.18 +0.740.6 +0.011.18 +0.012.74 +1.1252

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch ArticleTable: 2 Seasonal distribution of charophytes in experimental stations during 2009-2010Experimental StationsSl.No Name of the Charophytes SeasonS 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 S 6 S 7 S 81.NMS + * + * + *Chara hydropitys ReichSWM + +NEM + + +2.NMS + *Chara flaccida BraunSWM +NEM +3.NMS + * +Chara benthami BraunSWM + +NEM + + *4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.19.20.21.Chara fibrosa Ag. Ex. BruzChara erythrogyna W.Griffith.Chara contraria KutzingChara vulgaris LinnChara delicatula BraunChara zeylanica WilldenowNitella hyalina AgardhNitella opaca AgardhNitella acuminata AgardhNitella acuminata var.belangeriNitella flagelliformis BraunNitella gracilis (J.E.Smith) C. Agardh.Nitella batrachosperma (Reich) BraunNitella dictyosperma GrovesNitella leptodactyla GrovesNitella furcata AgardhNitella oligospira BraunNitella burmanica PalNMS + *SWM +NEM +NMS + *SWMNEM +NMS + *SWM +NEM +NMS + *SWM +NEM +NMS + + *SWM + * +NEM + * + *NMS + *SWM +NEM +NMSSWM +NEM + *NMSSWM +NEM + *NMS + * + *SWMNEM + +NMS +SWMNEM + *NMS + * + *SWM +NEM + +NMS + *SWMNEM +NMS + *SWMNEM +NMS +SWM + *NEMNMS +SWM + *NEMNMS + * + * + * + *SWM + + +NEM + + * + * +NMS + * + * + * +SWM + + + *NEM + + + +NMS + * + * +SWM +NEM + + + *53

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and BalasinghResearch Article22.23.24.Nitella superba PalNitella mucronata MiquelNitella pseudotenuissima Kundu+ = present, + * = with sex organ.NMS + *SWMNEM +NMS + *SWM +NEM +NMS + *SWM +NEM +N. superba Pal.Male plants about 8cm long, branchlets 5-6 in a whorl, 2 times furcated, antheridium solitary atthe ultimate branchlet nodes. It was collected from S 6 . The plant was reported with sex organsduring non-monsoon season. In India it was previously observed in Assam and Bombay (Figure22).N. mucronata (Bro.) Miquel.Highly branching habit, 4-6 branchlets in a whorl, branchlets 2-3 times furcated, antheridium andoogonium solitary at different nodes. It was collected from S 7 . Sex organs were observed duringnon-monsoon season. Previously it was observed in Madras (Figure 23).N. pseudotenuissima Kundu.Stout plant, whorls on the branches much congested and more or less moniliform, branchlets 6 ata node, 1-2 times furcated, antheridium and oogonium at the second furcations. It was collectedfrom S 4 . The plants reproduced during the later period of northeast monsoon season and earlyperiod of non-monsoon season (Figure 24).ConclusionCharophytes are small and sharply defined assemblage of fresh water macro algae. They presenta great elaboration of vegetative and reproductive structures and include seven genera. Two ofthem observed from the study area were Chara and Nitella. Kanyakumari district providesspecial niche for this unique biodiversity. Further investigations in the hill stations, middle plainsand coastal lines may lead to the identification of more genera and species.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTI express my heartfelt gratitude to my guide Dr G.S. Regini Balasingh for the encouragement andhelp rendered in processing the paper. I am indebted to Dr A. Deva Sobhana Raj for creating aninterest in this area of research. I am grateful to Dr D. Subramanian for his guidance and help ingetting the species identified.REFERENCESAPHA (1998). Standard methods for examination of water and waste water 20. American Publichealth Association, Washington, D.C., USA.Goldi S J (1888). Studies on growth and regeneration of Nitella furcata (Agardh) and Nitellaflagelliformis (Braun). M Phil Dessertation submitted to M. K. University.Joye D A, Castella E and Lachavanne J B (2002). Occurrence of Characeae in Switzerlandover the last two centuries (1800-2000). Aquatic Botany 72 369-385.54

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