Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Community composition and reproductive phenology of plants across vertical strata in Sal forests of North Gorakhpur Division, India
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Research Articles | Published: 26 May, 2026
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Keywords: Conservation, Distribution, Flowering, Fruiting, Pollination, Survival
Abstract
Reproductive phenology examines the timing of key reproductive events in plants, including flowering, fruiting, and seed dispersal. These events significantly impact species' success, survival, and distribution within ecosystems. Field visits were made to record qualitative aspects of reproductive phenological traits at monthly intervals from April, 2020 to March, 2023 across different vertical strata. In the Sal dominated forests of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, a rich biodiversity has been documented, with 367 identified species spanning 262 genera and 83 families. Notably, families such as Papilionaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae play crucial roles in these forests. Species distribution is uneven across forest strata, with the understorey being more species-rich than the overstorey. Chi-square (χ2) analysis of species distribution in the Sal forest revealed that many families show significant strata preference (p < 0.05). Families with high χ2 (Asteraceae 19.1, Moraceae 15.6, Euphorbiaceae 11.4) are strongly stratified, moderate χ2 (Solanaceae 5.4, Malvaceae 4.7) show partial preference, while low χ2 (Flacourtiaceae 2, Zingiberaceae 1) are nearly uniform, reflecting distinct ecological stratification. Most species (74%) are perennials, exhibiting distinct reproductive cycles. Flowering occurs predominantly in summer, with inflorescence types including cymes, panicles, and solitary flowers. Small-sized flowers are common, with white and yellow being the most frequently observed colours. These floral traits influence pollination dynamics, affecting plant reproductive success. This study provides valuable insights into plant phenology, helping to understand how reproductive timing shapes community structure and ecosystem functioning. Such knowledge is crucial for conservation and sustainable management of Sal forests, particularly in the face of climate change and habitat disturbances.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, Government PG College, Bina, India