The Spikelet variations of the genus Echinoch...

The Spikelet variations of the genus Echinochloa P. Beauv (Poaceae, panicoideae, paniceae) in Kerala

Author Name : Muraleedharan Nair Jalajakumari Mithraja, K. R Kavitha, R. V. Sushama Raj

ABSTRACT

The family Poaceae, alternatively Graminae and commonly called as grasses is represented globally by about 780 genera and 12000 species. Grasses are considered as one of largest angiospermic families, it provides a wide adaptation of different habitat. The aim of the paper is to describe with the inflorescence and spikelet to discuss the actual significant relationship of the genus Echinochloa. In Kerala the Genus includes four species such as Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link, Echinochloa crus – galli (L.) P. Beauv. Echinochloa frumentaceae Link, Echinochloa stagnina (Retz.) P. Beauv. The Inflorescence of Echinochloa is composed of short spikes in an alternate arrangement of the main axis, erect contracted panicle. Spikes long, Spikelet ovate, Lower floret male or sometime barren, Upper floret bisexual, and also directions of glume, lemma, palea and the pattern of the floret development, shape of Gynoecium and Stamens development etc. will be studied by stereomicroscope. The present study allowed us to define a morphological characteristic of the Inflorescence and the variations of the four species of Echinochloa in Kerala.