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 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