THE FAMILY PODOSTEMACEAE

CIIAPTEK IV 

THE FAMILY PODOSTEMACEAE 

The plants of Podostemaceae are submerged, rheophytic, perennial herbs 

attached to rocks and boulders in fresh water streams, rivers and water falls of the 

tropical and subtropical regions. The thallus is attached to the substratum by means 

of haptera which secrete a cementing substance. 

As pointed out by Willis (1902 a), the thallus has various forms, such as thread- 

like, ribbon-like, cup-like, and disk-like. It is attached to rocks at its base, at all 

points, at certain points or at the centre only. The thallus is usually photosynthetic 

and its colour varies. The thallus exhibits a high degree of polymorphism within the 

species. This is due to the absence of an inner skeletal system of conducting tissue 

like other angiosperms, and duc to the meristematic potentiality of the marginal cells 

(Sculthorpe, 1967). The thallus has a great capacity for rejuvenescence (Hammond, 

1937). 

The family Podostemaceae is divided into two subfamilies, viz. Podostemoideae 

and Tristichoidcae as done by Englcr (1930), Cook (1990), and Rutishauscr & Ilubcr 

(1991). There are clear differences between the members of these subfamilies in the 

floral characters. 

Thallus may be flat and creeping over the rocks and attached to it by the lower 

surface (Dalzellia) or thread-like and creeping over the rocks and attached to it by 

rhizoids, feet and haptera with free floating thallus (Indotrislicha). Usually the 

vegetative shoots are confined to the dorsal side of the thallus. 

Prepared by BeeHive Digital Concepts for Mahatma Gandhi University

In the flat creeping thalli of Dalzellia, the leaves are in rosettes on the short 

vegetative shoots. Besides these leaves, small simple leaves arranged in rows are 

also present during the vegetative phase of growth. But in Indotristicha and other 

members, the vegetative shoots are well branched, bearing special photosynthetic 

units called ramuli. Simple scale leaves are also present on the vegetative thallus. 

Unlike Podostemoideae, the vegetative shoots of Tristichoideae remain vegetative. 

As soon as the water level falls, flower buds emerge out. In Tristichoideae, spathe is 

absent. 

I'hc buds arc encloscd in a leafy cupule before anthcsis. The flowers are 

bisexual, terminal, solitary, actinomorphic and monochlamydeous with 3-5 perianth 

lobes (tcpals). The lower two-thirds of the perianth are united. As the ovary matures, 

it emerges out of the perianth. 

Stamens many to one and non-adelphous. The tepals are absent. Anthers 

bilobed, lobes equal; dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as monads. Pollination 

Ovary superior, tricarpellate, syncarpous and isolobous. Ovules many, 

anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Septa membraneous. Stigma as 

many as carpels and pubescent. Style very much reduced. 

Fruit is a capsule, stalked, usually 9-ribbed with equal valves. Seeds many 

and exalbuminous. The testa of the seed will become mucilaginous when it comes in 

contact with water. The germination is similar to that in ~odostemoideae. 

The following plants were collected from Kerala during the period of the 

investigation: 

1. Dalzellia zevlanica (Gardn.) Wight 

2. [ndotristicha ~mosisima (Wight) van Royen 


Thallus creeping or non-creeping; bearing marginal, submarginal or dorsal 

vegetative shoots. Leaves usually large, stipulate or exstipulate, simple or compound. 

The leaf bases are sheathing and they act as bracts in floriferous shoots. As the 

water level falls, most or some of the vegetative shoots will change to floriferous 

shoots. The upper portion of the leaves are deciduous. The bracts are as many as the 

leaves; they are alternate, distichous and either fleshy or scaly. 

Flowers bisexual, terminal or axillary, solitary or clustered, zygomorphic, 

achlamydeous and enclosed in a spathe before anthesis. The spathe splits along one 

side or at its tip and the flower emerges out. The spathe is membraneous and papillate 

or non-papillate. 

Stamens many to one, usually adelphous, sometimes free. Tepals as many as 

the stamens or absent. They are narrow and membraneous. Anthers bilobed, lobes 

subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Ovary superior, bicarpellate, 

syncarpous, iso- or anisolobous. Septa membraneous. Ovules many, anatropous and 

arranged on a swollen axile placenta. In Farrneria, the number of ovules varies from 

2-14. Stigma as many as carpels and they are subequal. In Zevlanidium maheswarii 

Mathew @ Satheesh, the stigma is multilobed. Style very much reduced. 

The fruit is a capsule, stalked or sessile, ribbed or smooth, dehiscent or 

indehiscent with equal or unequal valves. Seeds exalbuminous, with a mucilaginous 

testa. They germinate at the beginning of the rainy season. Soon after the production of a 

few leaves, the primary axis gives rise to a thallus (Willis, 1902 a & b; Subramanyam, 1962). 


The following plants were collected from Kerala during the period of the 

investigalion: 

1. Farmeria indica (Willis) Arekal & Nag. 

2. E. metzgerioides (Trimen) Willis 

3. Griffithella hookeriana (Tul.) Warm. 

4. Hvdrobrvousis sessilis (Willis) Engl. 

5. I'odostemum munnarense (Nag. Arekal) Mathew Satheesh 

6. P. subulatum Gardn. 

7. Polv~leurum stvlosum (Wight) Hall 

8. Willisia selaninoides (Bedd.) Warm. 

9. Zevlanidium lichenoides (Kurz) Engl. 

10. Z. maheshwarii Mathew et Satheesh 

I I. Z. olivaceum (Gardn.) Engl. 

KEY TO'TIIE GENERA 

la Flowers actinomorphic, carpels 3, spathe 0, cupule present 

......... 

2a Plant body thread-like, long, slender, branched, free-floating 

and attached to rocks by the basal haptera and feet of the 

creeping thallus ........................................... 1. Indotristicha 

2b Plant body dorsiventrally flat, short, branched creeping over 

the rocks and attached to it by the lower surface ................ 

.......................................................................... 2. Dalzellia 

1 b Flowers zygomorphic, carpels 2, spathe present, cupule 0 ............ 

Prepared by BeeHive Digital Concepts for Mahatma Gandhi University 

3a Capsule isolobous ....................................... 3. Polvuleurum 

3b Capsule anisolobous ............................................................


4a Capsule ribbed ............................................................ 

5a Fruit 2-14 seeded .............................. 4. Farmeria 

5b Fruit many seeded ................................................ 

6a Leaves caducous .....,...... ....... 5. Zevlanidium 

6b Leaves persistent ........................................ 

7a Leaves arranged in two rows ............... 

................................. 6. Podostemum 

7b Leaves arranged in four rows ..... 7. Willisia 

4b Capsule smooth ........................................................... 

8a Flowers sessile ........................ 8. Hvdrobrvo~sis 

8b Flowers pedicellale ..................... 9. Griffithella

2 5 

IV 1. DALZELLJA ZEYLANICA (Gardn.) Wight 

Dalzellia zeylanica (Gardn.) Wight, Ic. PI. Ind. 5 : 34, 1852; Cook at in Water 

Plants of the World, 456, 1974; Nagendran & Arekal, Bull. Bot. Surv. India, 23 

(3-4): 229, 1981; Janardhanan, Short Comm. Bull. Bot. Surv. India, 24 (1-4) : 

206- 207, 1982; Cook, Aquatic Plant Book, 191, 1990. 

Terniola zevlanica (Gardn.) Tul., Archieves Mus. hist. nat. Paris 6 : 190-192, 

t. 13, f 3,1852; Hooker, F.B.I., 5 : 62, 1886; van Royen, Acta Bot. Neerl. 8 

475, 1959; Subramanyam, Aquat. Angiosp. 45, 1962; Mukkada, New 

Phytol, 68 : 1145-1 158, 1969. 

Lawia zevlanica Tul., Ann. Sc. nat. ser. 3,11 : 112,1849; Trimen in A Hand Book of 

the FI. of Ceylon, 3 : 416, 1895; Willis is Ann. R. bot. Gard. Peradeniya l(3) : 

213, 1902; Engler in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 18a : 34, f 26, 1930; 

Gamblc in FI. Pres. Madras, 2 : 1195, 1925. 

Tristicha zeylanica Gardn. in Calc. Journ. Nat. Hist. 7 : 177, 1847. 

Dalzellia Iiask, a monotypic genus is a rheophytic herb with frondose thallus 

(Figs. 1A & 9). Thallus flat, dorsiventral; irregularly lobed and closely attached to 

[ ..! ?! rocks by root hairs and haptera (Fig. 1C). The branches of the thallus radiate from I 

II 0 P 

the centre giving the plants a rosette-like appearance with a diameter of 0.3 -1.0 m. 

Thallus exhibits a deep crimson or green colour in the vegetative condition (Plate. I). 

Lcaves (Fig. 2B) 2.6-3.0 mm long, dimorphic and occur on the dorsal side, 

either in rosettes (Figs. 1 B & 2A) or in longitudinal rows and along the margin. The 

leaves in the rosette are narrow, long and linear but those in rows are broader, shorter 

and lanceolate. 


Flowers (Fig. 2C) terminal, solitary, 0.6-1.0 cm long (before anthesis) along 

lhc growing points and on the dorsal side or the thallus on pedicels emerging from 

terminal leafy cupules (Fig. 2D). The floral shoot is very short. Pedicel 0.4-0.8 cm 

long, elongating up to 2 cm after anthesis. The flowering occurs arter the rainy 

season when the water level falls. Spathe is absent. 

The perianth (Fig. 2 E & F) is 1.8-2.2 mm long, rnembraneous and trimerous. 

It encloses the stamens and gynoecium in the early stages. However, in the later 

stages, the stamcn and the upper part of the ovary and the stigma lobes protrude out. 

About two thirds of the lower part of the tepals are united to form a perianth tube. 

Stamens 3 ( Fig. 2C), 2-4 mm long before anthesis, free, alternate with tepals. 

They emerge out of the perianth tube one after the other. The stamens are dorsifixed 

and introrse. Anthers bilobed and the lobes are equal in size. Pollen occur as monads. 

Pollination entamophilous. 

Ovary superior, obovoid, 1.8-2.2 mm long, tricarpellary, syncarpous (Fig. 2G), 

3-lobcd and 3-charnbcrcd. Ovulcs many, anatropus and arranged on a swollen axile 

placenta. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, 1.0-1.5 mm long and hairy. 

Capsule 9-ribbed and many-seeded. Dehiscence septifragal, valves incurved 

after dehisccnce. The cortex of the ovary and the pedicel decay off after fertilization. 

Fruit stalk upto 2 cm long. 

1954). 

Distribution ( world ) : India and Sri Lanka (Willis, 1902; Engler 1930; van Royen 

In India, Dalzellia zeylanica is a species distributed in the Western Ghats in 

the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. 

In Kerala, it is a widely distributed species usually seen in the upstreams. For 

dctails scc Table 1 


2 7 

Table 1 Details regarding the collection of 

DALZELLlA ZEYLANICA (Gardn.) Wt. from Kerala 

Locality and 

District 

Padukka, 

Malappuram Dt. 

Nedumkayam, 


Kanjirakkadavu, 


Nilambur, 


Teekoy, 

Kottayam Dt. 

-do- 

Charpa water 

fall, Trichur Dt 

-do- 

Chikklai, 

Trichur Dt. 

-do- 

Athirappalli, 

Trichur Dt. 

River 

Punnpuzha 

Chaliyar 

-do- 

-do- 

Meenachilar 

-do- 

Chalakkudipwha 


-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Field No. 

and Date 

35583 

25-02-1970 

PM 25779 

PM 24771 

PM 32370 

PM 32383 

PM 32389 

UCC No. 001 6 

UCC No. 001 9 

28-1 2- 1990 

UCC No. 0099 

UCC No. 0035 

06-01-1991 

UCC No. 00701 

UCC No. 0071 

01-06-1991 

UCC No. 0037 

06-0 1 -1 99 1 

UCC No. 0065 

01-06-1991 

UCC No. 0065 

01-06-1991 

Collected by 

J.L. Ellis 

Philip Mathew 

Philip Mathew 

Philip Mathew 

C. J. Mathew 

V. K. Satheesh & 

C. J. Mathew 

C. J. Mattiew 

V. K. Satheesh 

C. J. Mathew 


V. K. Satheesh - 

Table 1 contd ....

Locality and 

District 

Athirappalli, 

Trichur Dt. 

Adivaram, 

Calicut Dt. 

-do- 

Thomrnenkuthu, 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

Mukkadavu, 

Pathanamthitta Dt. 

Valara, 

Idukki Dt. 

Koratty, 

Kottaya~n Dt. 

-do- 

Kanamala, 


-do- 

-do- 

River 

Chalakkudipuzha 

Chaliyar 

-do- 

Moovattupuzha 

-do- 

-do- 

Kalladay ar 

Periyar 

Manirnalayar 

-do- 

Pamba 

Pa~nba 

Pamba (Azhutha) 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0087 

UCC No. 0089 

16-1 1-1991 

UCC No. 0058 

28-05-1991 

UCC NO. 01 25 

23-12-1991 

UCC No. 0060 

30-05-1991 

UCC No. 0110 

05-12-1991 

UCC No. 0188 

16-0 1-1 993 

lJCC No. 01 16 

12-12-1991 

UCC No. 0142 

11-10-1992 

UCC No. 0142 

04-02-1992 

UCC No. 0222 

31-12-1993 

UCC No. 0148 

04-02- 1992 

UCC No. 0212 

07-02-1 993 

IJCC No. 0149 

04-02-1 992 

Collected by 








C. J. Mathew 


V. K. Sathcesh 




V. K. Salheesh 

Table 1 contd .....

Locality and 

District 

Kanamala, 


Kathi ketappanchal, 

Trichur Dt. 

Pallankode, 

Kasaragod Dt. 

Victoria estate, 

Nelliampathi, 

Palghat Dt. 

Thurai, 


Perunthenaruvi, 

Pathanarnthitta Dt. 

River 

Pamba (Azhutha) 


Chandragiri 


(Karapara river) 

Achencoilar 

Pamba 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0214 

UCC No. 0216 

07-02-1993 

UCC No. 0161 

18-11-1992 

UCC No. 0167 

23-12-1992 

UCC No. 0176 

30-12-1992 

UCC No. 0202 

05-02-1993 

UCC No. 0207 

05-02-1 993 

Collected by 






V. K. Satheesh

FlGUHE 1 

Dalzellia zeylanica (Gardn.) Wight 

A. A portion of the thallus (th) showing longitudinal rows of leaves (1) on the upper 

side. 

U. A portion of the thallus (th) showing dimorphic leaves: rosette of leaves (rl). 

C. Lower side of the thallus showing haptera (h) 



FIGURE 2 

Dalzellia zevlanica (Cardn.) Wight 

A. A portion of the thallus (th) showing flower bud (fb); flower (fl) and 

roscltc of leaves (rl). 

B. A single leaf from the rosette (note the narrow elongated cells in the 

middle of the leaf). 

C. A flower with cupule (cu); pedicel (ped); perianth (per); anther (a); filament 

(f) and stigma (st). 

D. A leafy cupule bearing leaves (I). 

E. Perianth (per), 

F. Perianth spread out 

G. C. S. of ovary showing ovule (ov); placenta (pl) and septum (s). 



PLATE 1 

1)alzellia zeylanica (Gardn.) Wight 

Note the pattern of growth and colour of the thallus 


PLATE 1 


IV 2. INDO'I'UISI'ICIIA RARIOSISSIMA (Wight) van Uuycn 

lndotristicha ramosissima (Wight) van Royen in Acta Bot. Neerl., 8 : 474, 

1959; Subramanyam, Aquatic Angiosperms, 45, 1962; Chopra & Mukkada, 

Phytomorphology, 16 : 182-188, 1966; Nagendran & Arekal, Bull. Bot. Surv. 

India, 23 (3-4) : 229, 1981; Cook el. al., Water Plants of the World, 461, 1974; 

Cook, Aquatic Plant Book, 179 & 181, 1990; Rutishauser & Huber, Plant Syst. 

Evo~. 178 (3-4) : 195-223, 1991. 

Dalzellia ramosissima Wight in Ic. PI. Ind., 5 : 35, 1852; Engler in Engler & 

Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam, 18 a : 33 ff, 16 A, 24, 1930. 

Terniola ramosissima (Wight) Wedd. in DC. Prodr. 17: 47, 1873; Hooker, F.B.I., 

5: 63, 1886. 

Tristicha ramosissima (Wight) Willis in Ann. R. Bot. Gard., Peradeniya, l(3) 

: 208, 1902 and 1 (4) : 293-306, ff. 5-9, 1902; Gamble, FI. Pres. Madras, 

2: 1194, 1925. 

Rheophytic herbs attached to rocks (Fig. 3A & B). The vegetative shoots 20- 

60 cm long (Plates 2 & 3) and arc attached to rocks at their base by a multilobed 

haplera. The creeping roots ( Fig. 3C) have lateral hold fasts called feet. The feet 

which occur in pairs (Fig. 3C) are helpful in the attachment of the plants to the rock. 

The creeping roots are dorsiventral and frequently branchcd. Thcy havc sl~ghtly 

flattened ventral surface with root hairs (Fig. 3C). The root halrs also help in the 

firm attachment of the plants to the rocks. The roots and hold fasts are chlorophyllous 

and, therefore, green in colour or chocolate-coloured due to the presence of 

anthocyanin pigments in the epidermal cells. 


The vegetative shoot has a maln axis with many branches. The branches are of 

cil 

t 

,-.- (*< 

two kinds:- 1) ~ p ' e branches hav the structure yf the main axls and exhib~t an 

unlimited pattern of growth (Fig 3D); 2) W-coW-uFdelicate branches having 

only a limited growth (Fig. 3E). 

Both the branches of limited and unlimited growth possess scales (Figs. 3D&E). 

The branches of limited growth possess many photosynthetic scales which are arranged 

helically and this photosynthetic unit is called ramulus (Fig 3E). The lateral shoot 

buds arise from the axils of the ramuli. 

The scales are 0.5-1.5 mm long, flat, triangular to linear appendages of the 

shoots and ramuli (Figs 3D&E). The scales on the main shoot and those on the ramuli 

towards the base are triangular and lanceolate. (Figs. 3D&E) whereas the upper scales 

of the ramuli are linear with an apical notch (Fig. 3F). 

The floral shoots are very short, having a determinate growth with a terminal 

pediccllate flower. The flower is subtendcd by numerous photosynthetic scales and 

1-3 ramuli (Fig. 4B). The upper scale leaves and one or three ramuli are united at 

the base to form a leafy cupule (Fig. 4A). 

The flowers are 0.8-1.2 cm long before anthesis. They are trimerous (Fig. 4B). 

,"l j 

tepals 3, thin, membraneous and the lower two thirds portion of the tepals 5 ~4 united 

to form a perianth tube (Figs. 4C & D). Stamens 3, 2.5-4 mm long before anthesis, 

alternating with the tepals. Anthers bilobed, isolobous, introrse, dorsifixed and 

dehisce by longitudinal slits. Pollen held as monads and pollination is entamophilous. 

Ovary superior, elliptical, 2-3 mm long, tricarpellary, syncarpous, 3-lobed, 3- 

chambered with many anatropous ovules arranged on a swollen axile placenta (Fig. 

4 ) Septa membraneous. Style very much reduced. Stigma 3-lobed, hairy and 1-1.5 

mm long (Fig. 4E). 


Fruit is a septicidal dry dehiscent capsule with many seeds and three valves. 

Each valve is 3-ribbed. Fruit stalk up to 2.7 cm long. 

Distribution (World): India and Srilanka 

Distribution: In India the plant is distributed in the states of Kerala, Tamil 

rh 

Nadu, Karnalakn. Goa and Ml~araslitra 

In Kerala it is a widely distributed species in the downstreams. For the details 

of distribution in Kerala see Table2 . 


39 


INDO'TRISTICHA HAMOSISSIMA (Wt.) van Royen from Kerala 

Locality and 

District 

Thommenkuthu, 

lduklu Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Thodupuzha 

Idukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

Chikklai, 

Trichur Dt. 

Kannankuzhi, 

Trichur Dt. 

40- 

-do- 

River 

Kaliyar, a 

tributary of 

Moovattupuzha 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Moovattupuzha 

-do- 

-do- 


-do- 

-do- 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0004 

UCC No. 0005 

08-12-1.990 

UCC No. 0063 

30-05-1991 

UCC No. 0 106 

UCC NO. 0107 

05-12-1991 

UCC No. 0187 

16-01-1993 

UCC No. 0026 

28-12-1990 

UCC No. 0049 

27-01-1991 

UCC No. 0064 

30-05-1991 

lJCC No. 00 l I 

20-12-1991 

UCC No. 0039 

UCC No. 004 1 

06-01-1991 

UCC No. 0072 

UCC NO. 0073 

01-06-1991 

UCC No. 009 1 

16-1 1-1991 

Collected by 

Dr. G. V. Thampi 




Dr. C. J. Mathew 







Table 2 contd .....

Locality and 

1)istrict 

Athirappalli, 

Trichur Dt. 

Palai, 

Kottayam Dt. 

-do- 

Teekoy, 

Kottayarn Dt. 

-do- 

Thurai, 

Pathanamthitta 


Pathanamthitta 

-do- 

Kanamala, 

Kottayam Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

Koratty, 

Kottayam Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

Kiver 

-do- 

Meenachilar 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Achencoilar 

Pamba 

-do- 

-do- 

(Azhutha) 

Pamba 

-do- 

(Azhutha) 

Manimalayar 

-do- 

-do- 


Field No. 

ar~d Datc 

80 C R Nagendran 

11-12-1973 

UCC No. 002 1 

UCC No. 0022 

UCC No. 0023 

UCC No. 0024 

UCC No. 0025 

28-12-1990 

UCC No. 0 102 

UCC No. 0 103 

UCC No. 0093 

05-12-1991 

UCC No. 01 80 

03-0 1 - 1993 

UCC No. 0203 

05-02-1 993 

UCC No. 0124 

14-12-1991 

IJCC No. 0210 

05-02-1 993 

UCC No. 0150 

04-02- 1992 

UCC No. 0213 

02-02- 1 992 

UCc No. 02 18 

02-02- 1992 

UCC No. 0 146 

04-02-1 992 

UCC No. 02 1 1 

05-02-1 993 

UCC No. 0220 

31-12-1993 

Collcctod by 

Dr. C. R. Nab-ndran 














V K. Satheesh 


Table 2 contd .....

Locality and 

District 

Mukkadavu, 


-do- 

Kakkadavu, 

Kasaragod Dt. 

Pulingom, 

Cannore Dt. 

-do- 

Kuttoor, 

Cannore Dt. 

Adivararn, 

Calicut Dt. 

Kallar, 

Trivandrum Dt. 

-do- 

River 

Kalladayar 

-do- 

Kariangode 

-do- 

(Otankollichal) 

Kariangode 

Kuttoorpuzha 

Chaliyar 

Vatnanapuram 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0045 

UCC No. 0046 

UCC No. 0047 

UCC No. 0048 

27-01-1991 

UCCNo. 0118 

33-12-1991 

UCC No. 0 163 

23-12-1992 

UCC No. 0 170 

24-12-1992 

UCC No. 01 72 

24-12-1992 

UCC No. 0173 

24-12-1992 

UCC No. 0126 

23-12-1991 

UCC No. 0 145 

23-01-1992 

UCC No. 01 57 

29-02- 1992 

Collected by 








V. K. Sathccsh 

V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 3 

Indotristicha ramorissima (Wt.) van Royen 

A. Plant attached to stone (sto) with creeping thallus (ct); haptera (h); branch of 

unlimited gowth(bug) and ramulus (I). (growing in river with full of sand) 

B. A goup of plants growing in a river with full of stones (sto) 

C. Creeping thallus (ct); feet (0. 

D. A branch of unlimited growth possessing scales (sc) and ramuli (r). 

E. A ramulus: scales (sc). 

F. A scale with an apical notch (an). 



FIGURE 4 

Indotristieha ramosissima (Wt.) van Royen 

A. A leafy cupule spread out: scale (sc); ramulus (r) 

B. A floriferous shoot with cupule (cu); anther (a); filament (0; stigma (st) and 

pedicel (ped). Note the ramuli associated with the cupule. 

C. A pcrianlh 

D. A perianth spread out. 

E. Gynoecium: ovary (0); stigma (st). 

E C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovule (ov) and septum (s). 



PLATE 2 

lndotristicha ramosissima (Wt.) van Royen 

Note the length of the thallus (collected from 

a sandy river - Kannankuzhi, near Athirappalli 



PLATE 2

PLATE 3 

lndotristicha ramosissima (Wt.) van Royen 

The dry thalli with fruits above water level and the vegitative 

thalli under water (location : Koratty, near Erumeli). 


PLATE 3 


Farmeria Willis in: Notes to Trimen's Flora of Ceylon, V: 386, 1900; Ann. R. Bot. 

Gard., Peradeniya 1 (3): 246, & 1 (4): 396, 1902. 

Podostemonis Trimen in Fl. Ceyl., 111: 419, 1895. 

Maferria C. Cusset in Bull, Mus. natl. Hist. nat. Paris, 4" ser. 14, sect. B, Adansonia, 

no 1 : 34, 1992. 

Submerged, thalloid, herbaceous, rheophytes attached to rocks at intervals by 

haptera. The thallus may be completely creeping or with a free distal portion. The 

vegetative shoots are marginal and alternate. Each shoot bears 4-6 leaves per shoot. 

Leaves are distichous, delicate and subulate with deciduous tips. The leafbases are 

sheathing. A leaf-like appendage may be present on the back of the base of the inner 

leaf. Epiphytic algae were found growing on the distal part of the leaves. Most of 

the vegetative shoots change to floriferous shoots. The sheathing bases of the leaves 

act as protective bracts in floriferous shoots. 

The flowers are apogamous or cleistogamous and pedicellate or sessile. Flowers 

are protcctcd by ~ncmbrancous spathes. Stamen single, anthers bilobed, introrse, 

dorsifixed or basifixed. Tepals two, one on either side of the filament. Ovary superior, 

bicarpellary and syncarpous. Ovules 2-14, anatropous, arranged on an axile placenta. 

Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, papillate and subequal. Stigma is straight 

while it is in the bud condition. Fruit is a dry dehiscent or indehiscent capsule. 

, 

Capsule smooth or ribhed. 


Key to the species: 

1 a. Flowers apogamous, capsule ribbed, dehiscent, seeds 4-14 .......................... 

................................................................................ I. Farmeria ~J!&Q 

1 b. Flowers cleistogamous, capsule smooth, indehiscent, seeds 2 ................... 

. . 

.................................................................... 2. Farmeria metzgerto~des 

Distribution: India and Sri Lanka. 


IV 3a. FARMERlA INDICA Willis 

Farmeria indiea Willls in: Ann. R. Bot. Gard. Peradeniya, 1 (3): 248, 1902 & 1 (4): 

403, 1902; Engler in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 18 a: 68, 1930; 

Gamble, FI. Pres Madras, 2: 1199, 1925; Arekal & Nagendran in Proc. Indian 

Acad. Sci. 80 H: 226-228. 1974. 

Maferria indica (Willis) C. Cusset in: Dull. Mus. nail. Ilist. nat. Paris, 4' ser. 

14, sect. 8, Adansonia, no 1: 34, 1992. 

Submerged, thalloid, herbaceous rheophytes attached to rocks at intervals (Fig. 

5A) by haptera (Fig. 5B). Thallus 5-12 cm long, flat, dorsiventral and much branched. 

Usually it is found creeping on the submerged rocks or rarely on twigs (Plate 4). 

Sometimes, the distal portions of the thallus are free-floating. 

Vegetative shoots are very short, marginal with two rows of delicate, subulate 

Icavcs. I.cavcs usually 1-1.5 cm long with sheathing bases. 'I'he dclicate portion of 

the leaf is deciduous (Fig. 5C). The fleshy sheathing bases of the leaves act as 

protcctive bracts in floral shoots (Fig. 5C). In some cases, a long leaf-like appendage 

is found on the back of some of the inner bracts (Fig. 5D). Epiphytic algae such as 

Mougeotia and Characium were found growing on the upper side of some leaves. 

Flowering begins when plants become exposed to the air. It occurs in January 

and continues till February. The flowers are terminal, solitary 3-3.5 mm long (Fig. 

5G) , pediccllate, each protected by a membraneous spathe which opens at its tip 

(Fig. 5E). Spathe c. 2 mm long; multilobed and slightly curved at its tip (Fig. 51;). 

Pedicel 1-1.5 mm long, stamen single, 1.5-2 mm long (Fig. 51-I), elongating up to 3 mm 

after anthcsis. Tepals 2, c. 0.75 mm long, one on either side of the filament. The 

middle portion of the filament is broader than the tip and the base (Fig. 5H). Anthers 

bilobed, basifixed, introrse and dehisce longitudinally. Pollen occur as dyads. 


Ovary superior. 1.7-2.0 mm long, 1 mm broad, elliptical (Fig. 5G), bicarpellary 

syncarpous and anisolobous. Ovules 4-14, anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile 

placenta (Fig. 51). Septa membraneous. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, 

lobes straight in the bud, subequal, c. 1 mm long, subulate and papillate (Fig. 5J). 

Stigma elongates up to 3 mm after anthesis. Fruit is a dry dehiscent capsule, two- 

valved, valves subequal and each valve is three-ribbed. Fruit stalk is up to 1.5 mm 

long. 

Distribution: India (Kerala and Tamil Nadu). For details of distribution in 

Kerala. see Table 3. 


Locality and 

District 

Kallar, near Ponmudi, 

Trivandrum Dt. 

'ooyamkutti, ldukki Dt. 


FARMERIA 1NDlCA (Willis) Arekal &Nag. from Kerala 

River 

Vamanapura~npuzha 

Yeriyar 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0143 

23-01-1992 

UCC No. 0155 

29-02-1992 

UCC No. 0229 

02-03-1994 

Collected by 


V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 5 

Farmeria indica (Willis) Arekal & Nag. 

A. Habit showing the attachment of thallus (th) to the stone (sto). 

B. Basal portion of the thallus (th) showing haptera (h) and leaves (I). 

C. A floriferous shoot with flower bud (fb) and bracts (br). 

D. A bract (br) with an appendage (ap) 

E. A floriferous shoot with an opened flower showing bracts (br); spathe 

(sp); stigma (st); anther (a); and filament (t). 

F. A spathe after opening. 

G. A flower showing tcpal (t); ovary (0); filament (f); 

stigma (st) and anther (a) 

H. A stamen showing tepal (t); filament (f) and anther (a). 

I. C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovule (ov); and septum (s). 

J. Papillate stigma 



PLATE 4 

Farmeria indica (Willis) Arekal & Nag. 

Note the thallus attached to the stone and a twig 



5 9 

IV 3b. FARMERIA METZGERIOIDES (Trimen) Willis 

Farmeria metzgerioides (Trimen) Willis in: Ann. R. Bot. Gard. Peradeniya, 1 (3): 247, 

1902 & 1 (4): 397, 1902; Engler in: Engler & Prantl, Nat. Planzenfam. 18 a: 67, 

1920; Nagendran & Arekal, J. Mysore Univ., Sect. B. 27: 1976-77; Raveendran 

& Mathew, J. Econ. Tax. Bot. 14 (3): 1990; C. Cusset, Bull. Mus. natl., Hist. 

nat., Paris, 4" ser., 14, sect. B, Adansonia no 1: 19, 1992. 

Podostemon metzgerioides Trimen in: A Hand Book of the FI. Ceylon 419, 

1895. 

Submerged, thalloid, herbaceous, rheophytes, attached to the rocks at intervals 

by haptera and rhizoids (Fig. 6A & B). The thallus 1.8-2.3 cm long, flat, dorsiventral 

and branchcd, usually found creeping on the waterworn boulders. Vegetative shoots 

are very short, marginal and alternate. Leaves distichous, delicate and subulate. 

Iscaves 4-6 per shoot w~th sheathing bases which change to bracts in floriferous shoots. 

The upper portion of the leaf is deciduous. Epiphytic algae grow on the upper side 

of the distal parts of the leaves. 

Flowers attain maturity at the beginning of December. The flowers are 

cleistogamous and enclosed in a membraneous spathe (Fig. 6C). They are terminal 

1.5-2 mm long, solitary and sessile. Stamen single, 1.2-1.5 mm long (Fig. 6D). 

Anthers dorsifixed, bilobed lobes subequal, introrse and dehisce longitudinally. 

Pollen occur as dyads. Tepals two, c. 0.75 mm long, one on either side of the filament. 

Pollination takes place by autogamy. 

Ovary superior, 0.75-0.9 mm long, 0.5 mm broad, elliptical (Fig. 6E), 

bicarpellary, syncarpous and anisolobous. Ovules 2, anatropous attached to the 

swollcn upper portion of the axile placcnta. Septa membraneous. Style very much 


educed. Stigma bilobcd, c. 0.75 mm long, subequal and papillate. As thc waler 

level falls, thc plant will get exposed to the air and the spathe decays off. The seeds 

are dispersed during the dry season. 

Distribution: India and Sri Lanka. The details of distribution in Kerala are 

given in Table 4. 


Locality and 

District 

Bhccmanadi, 

Kasaragod Dt. 

Rayarom, Cannore Dt. 

Karuvanchal, 

Cannore Dt. 

Chikklai, Trichur Dt. 

-do- 

6 1 

Table 4 Details regarding collection of 

IiARMERlA METZGEIIIOIUES (l'rimen) Willis liom Kerala 

River 

- - - 

- - - 

--- 


-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

Raveendran 

4343 1 

Raveendran 

43447 

Kaveendran 

43448 

UCC No. 0012 

20-1 2-1990 

UCC No. 0068 

01-06-1991 

Collected by 

'T. P. Raveendran 

T. P. Raveendran 

'T. P. Raveendran 

C. J. Mathew 

V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 6 

Farmeria metzgerioides (l'rimen) Willis 

A. Young thallus with root hairs (rh) 

B. A portion of thallus (th) with leaves (I) and haptera (h). 

C. A floriferous shoot with bracts (br) and flower bud (fb) enclosed in 

spathe. 

D. A stamen showing filament (0 and anther (a) 

E. A gynoecium showing ovary (0) and stigma (st). 



64 

1V 4. GRIFFlTIIEl,I,A 1100KERIANA (Tul.) Warm. 

Criffithella hookeriana (Tul.) Warm., Danske Viid. Selsk. Skr. ser. 6, 11: 13, 1901; 

Willis, Ann. R. Bot. Gard. Peradeniya, l(3): 233, 1902 & l(4): 364, 1902; 

Cooke, FI. Pres. Bomabay 2: 521, 1906; Engler In: Engler & Prantl, Nat. 

Pflanzenhm., 18 a: 61, 1930; Vartak & Bhadbhade, J. Univ. Poona, Sci., 44: 

186, 1973; Vidyashankari & Mohan Itam, Aqual. Uot. 28: 161-169, 1987. 

Cladonus hookeriana (Tul.) Cusset, Flora du Cambodge, Laos, Vietnam, 14: 

72, 1973; Nag. & Arekal, Bull. Bot. Surv. India, 23: 231, 1981; Cusset, 

Bull. Mus. natl. Hist. nat. Paris, 4" ser., 14, sect. B, Adansonia, no 1: 24-25, 

1992. 

Podostemon hookerianus (Tul.) Wedd. In: DC., Prodr. 17: 74, 1873; Hooker, 

F.B.I., 5: 65, 1886. 

Mnionsis hookeriana Tul. Ann. Sci. Nat. Scr. 3(2): 105, 1849. 

GFRIFFITIIELLA IIOOKERIANA (Tul.) Warming 

Submerged, rheophytic herbs with thalloid plant body. Thallus branched, 

ribbon-like (Fig. 7A) or cup-like (Fig. 7B). Branched ribbon like thalli are creeping 

over the rocks and attached to them by haptera on the lower surface. In the cup-like 

forms, the thallus is attached to rocks only at a single point on the lower surface in 

the centre (Fig. 7C). The vegetative shoots are very short and seen along the margin. 

Each shoot bears 6 leaves which are 5-6 mm long, distichous and alternate with 

sheathing bases and delicate subulate tips. The sheathing bases ofthe leaves change 

to bracts in thc ilorifcrous shoots. Most of thc vcgctativc shoots changc to llorifcrous 

shoots. The bud is enclosed by a membraneous, 4-5 mm long spathe which splits 

into several lobes and is funnel shaped (1:ig. 7D) after splitting. 


Flowcrs terminal, solitary, 4-5 mm long and pedicellate (Fig. 7E). Pcdicel2.5- 

3 mm long. Stamens 2, rnonadclphous, 1.5-2 mm long with an andropodium. Anthers 

bilobcd, lobes subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals two, 

narrow, membrancous 1-1.2 mm long, one on either side of the andropodium. 

Ovary globose, c. I x 1 mm in size, smooth, superior, bicarpellary, syncarpous 

and anisolobous. Ovules anatropous. many, arranged on a swollen axile placenta 

(Fig. 7F). Septa membraneous. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes 

subequal c. 0.5 mm long. Fruit is a smooth, dry dehiscent capsule (Fig. 7G). Capsule 

two-valved with dehiscence ribs. Valves subequal and the larger valve is persistent. 

Fruit stalk 4-4.5 mm long. Seeds many. 

Distribution : India. For details of distribution in Kerala, see Table 5. 


Locality and 

District 

Nilambur, 


Patham kayam, 

Calicut Dt. 

Kakkadavu, 

Cannore Dt. 

Pallankode, 

Kasaragod Dt. 


GRIFFITHELLA HOOKERIANA (Tul.) Warm. from Kerala 

River 

Chaliyar 

Chaliyar 

Kariangoepuzha 

Chandragiripuzha 


Field No. 

and Date 

PM 33902 

PM 33903 

PM 34358 

UCC No. 0 13 1 

24-12-1991 

UCC No. 0164 

22-12-1992 

UCC No. 0165 

23-1 2-1 992 

Collected by 

Philip Mathew 



V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 7 

Griffithella hookeriana (Tul.) Warming 

A. A portion of ribbon-like thallus (th). 

B. Cup form of thallus (th) - upper view 

C. Cup form of thallus (th) - lower view showing hapteron (h) 

1). A floriferous shoot showing bracts (br); spathe (sp); ovary (0); tepal 

(t); stigma (st): andropodium (and); filament (f) and anther (a). 

E. A flower showing pedicel (ped); ovary (0); stigma (st) and anther (a). 

I< C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovule (ov) and septum (s). 

G. A Pruil (Tr) with fruit stalk (frst) 



IV 5. IIYDRO1)RYOPSIS SESSlLIS (Willis) Engl. 

Hvdrobrvonsis sessilis (Willis) Engl. Subramanyam & Sreemadhavan, Bull. Bot. 

Surv. India, 11 (1-2): 161-168, 1969; Cook in: Water Plants of the World, 

459, 1974; Arckal & Nagcndran, Bot. Notiser 128: 332-338, 1975; Nagcndran, 

Subramnyam & Arekal, J. Mysore Univ., sect. 0, 27: 180-183, 1976-77; 

Nagendran & Arekal, Bull. Bot. Surv. India, 23 (3&4): 232, 1981; Cook, Aquatic 

Plant Book, 181, 1990; Cusset, Bull. Mus. natl. Hist. nat. Paris, 4, ser 14, sect. 

B, Adansonia, no 1: 20, 1992. 

Hvdrobrvonsis sessile (Willis) Engler in: Engler & Prantl. Nat. Pflanzenfam. 

18 a: 60, 1930; Subramanyam, Aquatic Angiosperms, 47, 1962. 

Hvdrobryum sessile Willis in Ann. R. Bot. Gard. Peradeniya, 1 (3): 239, 1902 

& 1 (4): 379, 1902; Gamble, FI. Pres. Madras, 2: 1198, 1925. 

I1YL)ROBRYOPSIS SESSILIS (Willis) Engl. 

Green herbaccous rheophytes growing on submerged rocks. Thallus 2-3 cm 

long, branched, ribbon-like (Fig. 8A), attached to the rocks by the haptera on the 

lower surface (Fig. 80). Vegetative shoots very short, marginal and in the axils of 

the branches of the thallus. Most orthe vegetative shoots change to floriferous shoots. 

Leaves 4-6, distichous, alternate and 4-5 mm long. The leaf bases are sheathing and 

change to bracts in floriferous shoots (Fig. 8C). The tips of the leaves are delicate, 

subulate and caducous. Bracts 4-6, distichous, alternate, helmet-shaped and keeled. 

The upper bracts arc successivcly larger than the lower ones. A small portion of the 

leaf is persistent on the bract (Fig. 8C). Spathe c. 2 mm long, membraneous, splits 

along the upper side and is boat-shaped (Fig. 88). 


Flowers terminal, solitary, sessile and 2-2.2 mm long before anthesis (Fig. 8D). 

Stamens 2, monadelphous with an andropodium (Fig. SF) which is c 1.8 mm long 

bcforc anthesis. The andropodium elongatcs up to 2.5 mm after anthesis. Tepals 2, 

striated, longer than the ovary and one on either side of the andropodium (Fig. 8D). 

Ovary superior, globose, c. 0.8 x 0.8 mm in size, smooth, bicarpellary, 

syncarpous, anisolobous and slightly curved upwards near the tip. Ovules many, 

arranged on a swollen axile placenta (Fig. 8G). Septa membraneous. Style very 

much reduced. Stigma bifid, each lobe c. 0.8 mm long. Fruit is a smooth, dry, 

dehiscent (Fig. 8H). Capsule 2-valved with dehiscence ribs. Valves subequal, the 

larger valve is persistent while thc smaller one is dcciduous (Fig. 81). Secds many. 

Fruit stalk up to 1 mm long. 

Distribution : India. For details of distribution in Kerala, see Table 6 


Locality and 

District 

Damsite, Silent Valley 

Palghat Dl. 

Kanjirakkadavu 


Kurumkayatn, 

Calicut Dt. 

Rajagiri, 

Cannore Dt. 

'lable 6 Details regarding collection of 

IIYI)IIOIIIIYOl'SIS SBSSII.IS (Willia) 12ngl. boo1 Kcrala 

River 

Bharathappuzha 

Chal~yar 

Chaliyar 

Kariangodepuzha 


Field No. 

and Date 

CRS-SV 11 197 

PM 25668 

PM 32384 

UCC No. 0131 

24-12-1991 

UCC No. 0166 

23- 12- 1992 

Collected by 

C. R. Suresh 

Philip Mathew 


V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 8 

Hydrobryopsis sessilis (Willis) Engler 

A. A portion of thallus (th) with vegetative shoot (vs) and floriferous 

shoots (fs). 

B. Lower view of a portion of thallus showing haptera (h). 

C. A floriferous shoot showing bracts (br) and ovary (0). 

D. A flower with tepal (t); ovary (0); stigma (st); andropodium (and); 

filament (0 and anther (a). 

E. A spathe spread out. 

F. An androecium showing andropodium (and); filament (f) and anther (a). 

G. C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovule (ov) and septum (s) 

H. A fruit (fr). Note a very short fruit stalk. 

I. Fruit valves after dehiscence. Note the persistent larger fruit valve 

(Ifv) and deciduous smaller fruit valve (sfv). 



IV 6. PODOSTEMlJM Michx. 

Herbaceous rheophytes with branched ribbon-like thalli attached at the base 

and other points. They may be completely creeping or partially free floating. 

Vcgctativc shoots are marginal, alternatc and most of thcm change lo floriferous 

shoots. Each shoot usually bears 5-6 or rarely 7-8 leaves which are arranged in an 

alternate fashion. The leaves are persistent with sheathing bases and delicate subulate 

tips. lntrapetiolar stipules arc present, usually suppressed in lower leaves. The upper 

leaves are successively shorter than the lower ones. 

'The sheathing bases of the leaves become fleshy bracts in flowers. The leaf 

base may be bithecous inorder to protct the buds on either side. Bracts usually 5-6 or 

7-8, alternate and distichous; the lower pair small, upper pairs successively larger. 

Spathe membraneous, splits at the tip into 3-6 lobes and is funnel-shaped; rarely 

unlobed with a single split along the upper side and is boat-shaped. 

Flowers terminal or axillary, solitary, zygomorphic and pedicellate. Stamens 

usually 2, rarely 3 or 4, monadelphous, the additional stamens in the fork of the 

andropodium. Andorecium shorter than the gynoecium before anthesis. Anthers 2- 

lobed, lobes subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. 

'repals 2, narrow, membraneous, one on either side ofthe andropodium. Ovary 

elliptical, superior, bicarpellary, syncarpous, smooth and anisolobous. Ovules many, 

anatropus, arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Septa membraneous. Style very 

much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes subequal, rarely trifid. each lobe further forked 

or unforked Fruit elliptical, anisolobous and 2-valved, valves subequal, smaller valve 

3-ribbed, bigger valve 3- or 5- ribbed excluding the dehiscence ribs. Seeds many. 



la. l'hallus partially creeping; flower I per shoot, terminal ......................... 

................................ . ......................................... 1. P. munnarense. 

1 b. Thallus completely creeping; flowers 2-8 per shoot, axillary ................... 

.................................... .... .......................................... 2 P. subulatum. 


IV 6a. PODOSTEMUM MUNNARENSE (Nagendran & Arekal) 

Mathew & Satheesh comh. nov. * 

Podostemurn nlunnarense (Nagendran & Arekal) Mathew et Satheesh * 

Polvpleururn munnarense Nagendran & Arekal, Rot. Notiser, 132: 49-50, 

1979. 

Herbaceous rheophytes with branched ribbon-like thallus attached at the base 

and other points near the base with free floating upper parts; c. 25 cm long, 0.1-0.4 

cm wide (Fig. 9A). Vegetative shoots very short, distichous, marginal, alternate and 

most of them change to floriferous shoots. leaves 5-6 (Figs. 9B-C 81 E-G), rarely 7 

or 8, up to 6.0 cm long, alternate, distichous and persistent with sheathing bases and 

delicate subulate tips. lntrapetiolar stipules present (Fig. 9H), usually suppressed in 

lower leaves. The upper leaves are successively shorter than the lower (Fig. 91). The 

sheathing bases of the leaves become fleshy bracts in flowers. Bracts 5-6, alternate 

and distichous: the lower pair small, uppcr two pairs successively larger. Spathe c. 

0.4 cm long, rarely upto 1.2 cm long, membraneous, splits at the tip into 3-5 lobes 

and is funnel shaped (fig. 9J); rarely unlobed with a single split along the upper side 

and is boat shaped (Fig. 9K). 

Flowers terminal, solitary (Fig. 9L), 1.0-1.4 cm long, zygomorphic and 

pedicellatc; I'edicel 0.6-1.0 cm long with a deciduous cortex. Stamens usually 2, 

rarely 3, monadelphous, the third one at the fork of the andropodium (Fig. 9M), upto 

0.35 cm long before anthesis (elongates upto 0.5 cm after anthesis), shorter than the 

gynoecium. Anthers 2-lobed, lobes subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as 

dyads. Tepals 2, narrow, membraneous, 1 .O-1.5 mm long, one on either side of the 

andropodium. The tepals are usually halr thc length of the ovary. Ovary elliptical, 

2.0-3.0 mm long, 1.5-1.7 mm broad, superior, bicarpellary, syncarpous, smooth and 

* Under publication 


anisolobous. Ovules many, anatropus, arrangcd on a swollen nxile placen(a (Fig. 

9N). Septa membraneous. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes subequal, 

rarely trifid, each lobe further forked or unforked. Fruit elliptical, anisolobous and 

2-valved, valves subequal, smaller valve 3-ribbed, bigger valve 3-5 ribbed excluding 

the dehiscence ribs. Seeds many. Fruit stalk upto 1.5 cm long. 

Ijirtribution : Kcrala, India. For dclails of distribution in Kerala, see Table 7 


Locality and 

District 

Munnar. 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

'Iable 7 Details regarding collection of 

I'ODOS'1'15MIlM MIINNAKENSIC (Nagendran & Arekal) 

Mathew & Satheesh comb. nov." from Kerala. 

River 

Periyar 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

49 

26- 12-1972 

UCC No. 000 l 

---- 

UCC No. 0029 

lJCC No. 0030 

05-01-1991 

UCC No. 003 1 

05-01-1991 

UCC No. 0050 

17-02-1 991 

UCC No. 0055 

UCC No. 0057 

23-05-1991 

UCC No. 0074 

UCC No. 0077 

12-10-1991 

Collected by 

C. R. Nagendran 

Ramani P. Joseph 

P. I. Varghese 

P. 1. Varghese 

G. V. Thampi 


V. K. Salhccsh 

Table 7 to be continued .................

Locality and 

District 

Munnar, 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

River 

Periyar 

-do- 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Datc 

UCC No. 0134 

10-01-1992 

UCC No. 0 152 

27-02-1 992 

UCC No. 0 192 

UCC No. 01 95 

23-01-1993 

UCC No. 0223 

02-0 1- 1994 

Collected by 


P. 1. Varghese 


V K. Satheesh

FIGIJRE 9 

Podostemum munnarense (Nagendran 81 Arekal) 

Mathew & Satheesh comb. nov. 

A. A portion of thallus (th) with floriferous shoots (fs) and vegetative 

shoots (vs). 

6-C & E-G. Leavcs with sheathing bases separated from a floriferous 

shoot. Note the variation in the length of leaves and size of 

the sheathing bases (bracts). 

/ 

I). A flower bud cnclosed in the spathe. 

H. A leaf with sheathing base and a stipule (sl) 

1. A floriferous shoot with leaves (I): bracts (br) and flower bud (fo) 

J. A spathe (sp) after opening 

K. A flower showing boat-shaped spathe (sp); pedicel (ped); ovary (0) 

and stigma (st). 

L. A normal flower with spathe (sp); pediccl (ped); tepal (I); ovary (0); 

andropodium (and); filament (f); anther (a) and stigma (st). 

M. A portion of an abnormal androccium. Note thc additional stamen 

(asta) in the Cork ofthe andropodium. 

N. C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovi~lc (ov) and septum (s). 



82 

IV 6b. PODOSTEMUM SUBULATUM Gardn. 

Podostemum subulatum Gardner, Calc. Journ. Nat. Hist ,7: 184, 1847; Tul., Ann. 

Sci. Nat. ser 3, It: 193, 1849; Arch. Mus. Paris 6: 135, 1852; Hooker, F. B. I., 

5: 65; 1886; Trimen, FI. Ceylon 3: 41 8, 1895; Willis, Ann. R. Rot. Gard., 

Peradeniya l(3): 229, 1902 & l(4): 328, 1902; Gamble, FI. Pres. Madras, 2: 

1196, 1925, Subrainnayam Ayuat. Angiosperms, 50, 1962; Vartak & Bhadbhadc, 

J. Univ. Poona, Sci. 44: 190, 1973; Nair & Bhargavan, J. Econ. & Tax. Dot. 

6(3): 709-710, 1985 as (( Podostemon subulatum D. 

Zeylanidium subulatum (Gardn.) C. Cusset, Bull. Mus.natl. Hist. nat., Paris, 

4' ser., 14, sect. B, Adansonia, nO1: 32, 1992. 

Submerged, creeping, dorsiventral, herbaceous rheophytes attached to rocks 

by thcir lower side. 'Thallus narrow, ribbon-like, 2-3 min broad, up to 10 cm long 

and dichotomously branched (Figs. IOA & 12A). Vcgclativc shoots 2-8 mm long and 

occur along the margin of ilic thallus at the branching rcgions. 'l'hey change to 

florireorus shoots. Leaves (Figs. 12C & D) 2.5-6 cm long, alternate, distichous, 

delicate and subulate. The lcaves are persistent (Plate 5). The sheathing bases of the 

leaves act as the bracts in floriferous shoots. Some of the leaf bases are bithecous 

(Figs. 1 IA & 12D) and they protect the buds on either side. 'fhc leaves towards the 

flower buds are successively shorter (Fig. 12C). Spathe 3-6 mm long, membraneous, 

splits at its tip into 5-6 lobes and is funnel-shaped after splitting (Figs. 12E & F). 

Each ilorifcrous shoot (Figs. 10A, I IA &12B) bears 2-8, axillary flowers, each 

flower 4-7 mm long before anthesis (Figs. 12G - I), zygomrphic and pedicellate; 

Pedicel 1.5-5 mm long with a deciduous cortex Stamens 2 (Figs. 125 & K). rarely 3 

or 4, the cxtra stamens occur in the fork of the andropod~um (Flg. 12L), 4.5 mm long 

berorc anthcsis, monadelphous and slightly shorter than the gynoeclum (Fig. 12G). 


Anthers 2-lobed, anlsolobous, dorsifixed and introrse (Figs. 123 & K). The 

andropodium elongates up to 6 mm aftcr anthesis. Pollen occur as dyads. Tepals 2, 

narrow, membraneous, 2-3.5 mm long, one on either side of the andropodium and 

slightly shorter than the ovary (Figs. 12G & H). Sometimes, the tepals are longer 

than the ovary (Fig. 121). 

Ovary elliptical, c. 1.2 x 2 mm in size, superior, bicarpellary, syncarpous and 

anisolobous. The ovary is slightly co~nprcsscd in the material collected from 

Melappara. Ovules many, anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta (Figs. 

12M & N). Septa membraneous. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes 

subequal, 1-1.5 mm long. Stigma elongates up to 3 mm after anthesis. Fruit elliptical, 

anisolobous and 2-valved; valves unequal, each valve 3-ribbed, excluding the 

dchiscence ribs. Seeds many. Fruit stalk 2-20 mm long. Following 

Distribution: Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Mahrashtra. For details of ditribution 

in Kerala. see Table 8. 


Locality and 

District 

Kakkadumpoyil, 


Kanjirakkadavu, 


Paramb~kulam, 

Palghat Dl. 

Kururnkayam, 

Calicut Dt. 

Melappara, 

ldukki Lit. 

Mamalakkandam 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 


PODOS1'ISMUM SUBULATUM Gardn. from Kerala 

Iiiver 

Chaliyar 

-do- 

Karappara river 

Chaliyar 

Periyar 

-do- 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

PM 34590 

PM 32357 

691 1 A (MH) 

21-12-1980 

UCC No. 0133 

24-12-1991 

UCC No. 01 82 

12-01-1991 

UCC No. 0 190 

Collected by 

Philip Mathew 

Philip Mathew 

N. C. Nair 



07-01-1993 K. C. Madhu 

UCC No. 0228 

02-01-1994 V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 10 

Pudoatemum subulatum Cardn. 

A. A portion of the thallus (th) with floriferous shoots. 

(Collected from Kurumkayam, near Anakkampoyil) 



FIGURE 11 

Podostemum subulatum Gardn. 

A. A floriferous shoot. Note the bithecous bract (bbr). 

(Collected from Mamalakkandam) 



FIGURE 12 

Podosten~um subulatum Gardn. 

A. A portion of thallus (th). Note thc epiphytic algae (ea) on the leaves (I). 

(Collected from Melappara) 

R. A portion of thallus (lh) with floriferous shoot showing bithecous bract 

(bbr); bract (br); spathe (sp); andropodium (and); filament (f); anther 

(a); stigma (st). 

C. A iloriferous shoot with persistent leaves (I) and flower bud (fo) 

D. A bithecous leaf. Note the biconcave basal portion of the leaf - 

bithecous bract. 

E. A spathe 

Ji. A spathe sprcad out 

G. A flower enclosed in the spathe (sp) showing ovary (0); stigma (st); 

andropodium (and); anther (a) and tepal (1). 

1-1 & I. Flower berore anthesis 

J. Androeciunl -the side facing gynoecium K. the side away from 

gynoecium showing andropodium (and); filament (f) and anther (a). 

L. An androccium with 4 stamcns 

M. C. S. ovary of the plant collected from Melappara. 

N. C. S. of ovary of thc plant collected from Kururnkayam showing 

placenta (pl); ovule (ov) and septa (s). 



PLATE 5 

Podostemum subulatum Gardn. 

Photograph of shoots (vegetative and reproductive) 

Note the persistent leaves 


. __-- 

PLATE 5 


1V 7. POLYPLEllRUM STYLOSUM (WIGIIT) J. B. HALL 

Polv~leurum stylosum (Wight) J. B. Hall, Kew Bull. 26(1): 131, 1971. 

Dicraeia stvlosa Wight, a Dicraea r, Icon. PI. Or. 5: 33, 1952; Wedd. in DC., 

Prodr. 17: 70, 1873; Willis, Ann. R. Bot. Gard. Peradeniya l(3): 225,1902; 

Submerged, rheophytic herbs with thalloid plant body (Fig. 13A) attached to 

boulders in the fresh water streams. They are attached at the base and other points by 

haptera. The haptera are of two types, one with a flat attaching region (Figs. 14D) 

and the other a prop-root like structure emerging from the lower side of the thallus 

just below the secondary shoots (Figs 17D). The hapteron is two- to many-branched 

and helps to avoid brcakagc ofthe thallus in swiftly fowing water. In the carly phase 

in growth, the thallus is found completely creeping over the rocks in all the collections of 

Polwleurum stvlosum. In some collections, the thallus is found creeping and completely 

attached by the lower surface even in the reproductive phase (Figs. 14C & D, !5C) 

Thallus 1s ribbon-like and branched. It is 3-52 cm, long and 0.4-2.3 cm broad. 

In some varieties, the tip of the thallus is profusely branched (Figs.16 A & 17 C). 

Vcgetativc shoots arc vcry short, marginal or submarginal or dorsal, alternate and 

distichous. Most of them change to floriferous shoots. Leaves 4-6, alternate, 

distichous, delicatc and subulate with persistent sheathing bases which change to 

bracts in floriferous shoots (F~gs. 18A & B). The lip of the leaf is deciduous. In some 


collcctions, a portion of the leaf other than the base is persistent (Figs. 18D). Bracts 4-6, 

alternate and distichous like the leaves (Figs 18C & D). In some cases the bracts are keeled. 

The flower is protected by a membraneous spathe which splits at its tip into 

two main lobes. One or both lobes may be again divided (Figs. 18E & F). In some 

collections, the tip of the spathe splits irregularly into 4-5 lobes (Fig. 18 G). Rarely, 

thc spathc does not split, but becomes dctached a1 its base and is carried off by the 

elongating pedicel (Fig. 18tl). In the mature flower, the spathe is funnel-shaped, 

slightly curved at its base and erect above. It is 3-7 mm long. 

Flowers terminal, solitary, zygomorphic and pedicellate (Figs. 18C & D). The 

pedicel is 2-16 mm long with a deciduous cortex. The elongation of the pedicel after 

fertilization is a common feature. Stamens 2, monadelphous with an andropodium 

(Fig. 181). The androecium is 2.5-3.5 mm long before anthesis and elongates upto 

7.5 mm after the dehiscence of the anthers. Anthers 2-lobed, lobes subequal, 

dorsifixed and'introrsc. Pollen occur as dyads. Tepals 2, narrow, membraneous, one 

on either side of the andropodium (Fig. 181) and 1.5-3 mm long. They may be as 

long as the ovary or shortcr than the ovary. 

Ovary superior, elliptical, bicarpellary, syncarpous, isolobous, 1.5-3 mm long 

and 0.8-1.3 mm broad. It is 6 or 8-faced (Figs. 18J & K); sometimes 6-ribbed (Fig. 

18L). Ovules many, anatropous and arranged on a swollcn axile placenta (18J-L). 

Sty vcry much rcduccd. Stigma bifid, 0.5-1.2 tnm long, lobcs subcqual and margin 

entire. Fruits 2-valved, valves equal, each valve 3-ribbed, excluding the dehiscence 

ribs. The ribs are narrow. Fruit stalk 0.8-4.5 cm long. Seeds many. 

The following ecotypes of Polyolcurutn stylosutn were found in my collections: 

1. Collected from Teekoy, Kottayam District. 

Mature thallus (Fig. 13A and Plates 6 & 7) green to pink-coloured, 15-52 cm 


long, 5-1 1 mm broad, branched, free floating from an attached base. Vegetative shoots 

vcry short, marginal and submarginal in position; chat~gc lo floriferous shoots. I.eavcs 

usually 4, c. 2 cm long, alternate, distichous, delicate and subulate. The leaves have 

sheathing bases which change to bracts in flor~ferous shoots; the upper portion of 

the leaf is dcciduous. Bracts 4, fleshy, helmet-shaped and keeled on its back. The 

upper bracts are larger than the lower ones. Spathe 5-6 mm long, splits at its tip into 

2 main lobes. 'The smaller lobe is further subdivided into 3-5 lobes. The spathe is 

funncl-shaped after opening. 

Flowers terminal, solitary, zygomorphic, and pedicellate; pcdicel 5-14 mm long, 

with a dcciduous cortex. Stamens 2, 3-6.5 mm long, monadelphous with an 

andropodium. Anthers bilobed, lobes subequal, introrse and dorsifixed. Pollen held 

as dyads. Tepals 2,2-2.5 cnm long, one on either side of the andropodium. Ovary 

superior, elliptical, bicarpellate, syncarpous, 1.75-2.5 mm long, 0.8-1 mm broad across 

the middle region, isolobous with 6 faces. Ovules many, anatropous, arranged on a 

swollen axile placenta. Septa membraneous. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, 

lobes subequal, 0.8-1 mm long; one or both lobes may be forked. Fruit elliptical, 

1.75-3 mm long, 2-valved, valves cqual, each valve 3-ribbcd, excluding thc dchisccncc 

ribs. Seeds many. Fruit stalk upto 4.5 cm long. 

2. Collected from upper 'I'hommenkuthu, ldukki District. 

Chocolate to pink-coloured, hcrbaceous rchophyte with thin, flat, 

dichotomously or trigonously branched thallus (Figs. 14A & B and Plate 8) attached 

by hase, upto 30 cm long. 4-8 lnln broad. Vcgctativc shoots arc vcry shorl and 

submarginal in position. Most of them towards thc lower portion of the thallus will 

change to floriferous shoots. Lcaves 4-6, distichous, dclicatc, subulate and dcciduous, 

c. 6 mm long, leaf base sheathing, change to bract in the floriferous shoots. Bracts 

4-6, helmet-shaped and kcclcd. Spathe tncmbraneous, 0.5-0.6 cni long, splits at its 

tip into 4-5 lobes; funnel-shaped after opcning. 


Flowers 8-10 mm long, solitary, terminal and pedicellate; pedicel 3-10 mm 

long. Usually the flowers are situated at the basal 113 to 112 portion of the thallus. 

Stamens 2, 2.5-3 mm long, monadelphous with an andropodium. Anthers bilobed, 

lobes subequal; dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 2, narrow, 

membraneous, 2-2.5 mm long, one on either side of the andropodium. Ovary 

elliptical, superior, bicarpellate, syncarpous, 2.7-3 mm long and c. 1 mm broad across 

the middle region, isolobous and 6-faced. Ovules many, anatropous, arranged on a 

swollen axile placenta. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes subequal, upto 

1 mm long with an entire margin. Fruits elliptical, isolobous, many-seeded, bivalved, 

each valve 3-ribbed, excluding the dehiscence ribs. The valves are equal in size. 

Fruit stalk upto 1.5 cm long. 

It appears to bc I'olvpleurum stylosum var laciniata of Willis (1902 a) 

3. Collected from Maneepuram, Calicut District. 

Thallus (Fig. 15D) green, leaf-like, 3-7 cm long, 5-1- mm wide, free floating 

from an attached base, rarely attached at other points by the additional haptera. 

Vegetative shoots very short, marginal or submarginal, change to floriferous shoots. 

Leaves usually 4, 0.5-3 cm long, distichous, alternate, delicate and subulate with 

sheathing bases, change to bracts in the floriferous shoots. Bracts fleshy, helmet- 

shaped and keeled. Spathe opens at its tip by splitting into 4-5 lobes, funnel-shaped 

al'lcr opcning and 4-5 rnm long. 

Floriferous shoots are irregularly scattered along the margin of the thallus. 

Flowers terminal, solitary, 8-10 mm long, pedicellate; pedicel 6-7 cm long. Stamens 

2, monadelphous, 3-4 mm long with an andropodium. Anthers bilobed, lobes 

subequal; dorsifixed and introrse. Tepals 2, 1.5-1.9 mm long, one on either side of 

the andropodium. Ovary superior, 1.75-2.5 mm long 0.8-1 mm broad across the middle 

region, elliptical, bicarpellate, syncarpous, 6-faced and isolobous. Ovules many, 


anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Septa membraneous. Style very 

rnuch reduccd and stigma 1.25-2 mm long with an entire margin. Fruit 2-3 mm long, 

many-seeded, 2-valved, each valve 3-ribbed, excluding the dchiscence ribs and the 

valves are equal. Fruit stalk upto 2.8 cm long. 

It appears to be the Polypleurum stylosum var. bourdillonii of Willis (1902 a). 

4. Collected from Nelliampathi, Palghat Dt. 

Herbaceous rheophyte with thalloid plant body. Thallus (Fig. 15A) branched, 

c. 3 cm long and 6 min wide. It is attached to rocks submerged in the river by the 

basal haptcra. Thallus thick and leathery. Vegetative shoots very short, marginal 

and alternate; most of them change to floral shoots. Bracts 4, alternate and distichous. 

Spathe 5 - 6 mm long, splits at its tip into 4-5 lobes and is funnel-shaped. 

Flowers solitary, terminal, pedicellate, 6-8 mm long, bisexual and 

zygomorphic; pediccl 3-6 m ~n long. Stamens 2,2.5-3.5 mm long and monadelphous 

with an andropodium. Stamens shorter than the gynoecium. Anthers bilobed, lobes 

subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 2, 2-2.5 mm long, 

narrow, membraneous, as long as the ovary; and one on either side of the andropodium. 

Ovary slightly compressed in the bud; superior, 2-2.5 mm long 1-1.4 mm broad across 

the middle region, bicarpellate, syncarpous, isolobous with many anatropous ovules 

arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Septa are membraneous. Style very much 

reduced. Stigma bifid, 1 - 1.2 mm long and subequal. Fruit is a dry dehiscent capsule, 

2-2.5 lnin long, 2-valved, valves equal, each valve 3-ribbed. Fruit stalk upto 1 crn 

long. Seeds many. 

5. Collected from Kallar, near Munnar, ldukki 1)istrict. 

Chocolate-colourcd rheophytic herbs attached to rocks in the rivers. Thallus 


anched (Fig. 15B), 5-10 cm long and c. 1 cm broad (Plate 9). The th~ck, short, 

stout, leathery thallus will be erect when the water level falls. Vegetative shoots 

submarginal, most of them change to floriferous shoots. Leaves 4, distichous, c. 5 

mm long, alternate, delicate, subulate, and deciduous. The sheathing leaf bases change 

to bracts in the floriferous shoots. Bracts 4, alternate, distichous, helmet-shaped and 

keeled. Spathe 5-7 mm long, membraneous, funnel shaped, splits at its tip into 

4-5 lobes. In some flowers, the spathe does not split, but becomes detached at its 

base and is carried off by the elongating pedicel. 

Flowers terminal, solitary, marginal, 9-10 mm long and pedicellate. Pedicel 6- 

7.5 mm long. Stamens 2, monadelphous, 3.5-4 mm long, shorter than the gynoecium. 

Anthers bilobed, lobes subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen occur as dyads. 

Tepals 2, narrow, membraneous and as long as the ovary, one on either side of the 

andropodium. Ovary elliptical, superior, bicarpellate, syncarpous, 2.5-3 mm long, I 

mm broad across the middle region, 8-faced and isolobous. Ovules many, anatropous, 

arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Septa very thin and membraneous. Style very 

much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes subequal and forked or unforked. Fruit is a dry 

dehiscent capsule, 2-valvcd, each valve 3-ribbed, excluding the dehiscence ribs; valves 

equal in size. Fruit stalk upto 1.4 cm long. Seeds many. 

It is similar to that of the var. fucoides of the species Polvpleurum stvlosum of 

Willis (1902 a). 

6. Collected from Pulingom, Cannore District. 

Submerged rheophytic hcrbs attached at their base and at several points near 

the tip. Plant body thalloid, well-branched (Plate 10) and partially free floating. 

Thallus c. 13 cm long and upto 1.3 cm wide (Fig. 17C). Haptera towards the tips are 

3-4 mm long, prop root-like, with 2-3 branches. They are seen on the lower side of 

the tips of the branches and below thc floral shoots. Vegetative shoots are very short, 

marginal and alternate. The vegetative shoots towards the tip of the thallus change 


to lloriferous shoots. Leavcs 4, c. 1.4 cm long alternate, distichous and delicate with 

sheathing bases which change to bracts in floriferous shoots. Spathe 4-5 mm long, 

funnel-shaped, splits at its tip into 6-7 lobes. 

Flowers solitary, terminal, pedicellate, bisexual and zygomorphic. The flowers 

are crowded near the tip. Pedicel c. 5 mm long. Stamens 2, monadelphous, 4-5 mm 

long, with an andropodium; shortcr than the gynoccium. Anthers bilobed, lobes 

subcqual, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. The elongation of the pedicel 

and filaments after fertilization is common. Tepals 2, narrow, membraneous, c. 2 

mm long, one on either side of the andropodium. Ovary superior, elliptical, c. 3 mm 

long and 1 mm broad across the middle region, bicarpellate, syncarpous and 8-faced. 

The ovary is isolobous. l'hc two faces of the ovary opposite to the anthers are 

furrowed. Ovules many, anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Style 

very much reduced. Stigma 2-lobed, lobes subequal and tongue-like. Fruit is a dry 

dehisccnt capsule, c. 3 mm long, 2-valved, each valve 3-ribbed, excluding the 

dehiscence ribs. Fruit stalk upto 1.3 cm. long. Seeds many. 

7. Collected from lower Thommenkuthu, ldukki District. 

Thallus flat, pink-coloured (Plate 11 ), profusely branched (Fig. 16A and Plates 

12, 13 & 14), attached at its basc and other points, usually 4-9 cm long, rarely up to 

17 cm long, 0.4-2 cm wide. Vegetative shoots are very short, marginal as well as 

dorsal in position; most of them change to floriferous shoots which are crowded 

towards llic lips orlhc branches. l.cavcs usually 4, 5-12 niln long, distichous, subulntc, 

delicate and the tips are deciduous. The sheathing bases of the leaves change to 

bracts in Lhc floriferous shoots. I3rncts 4, l'lcshy w~th a pcrsistent portion ofthc leaf. 

Spathe funnel-shaped, slightly curved, 6-8 mm long, membraneous, splits at its tip 

into two main lobes which may be further subdivided into smaller lobes. In some 

flowers, the spathe does not split but becomes dctached at its base and is carried off 

by the clongaling pcdiccl 

Plowers 6-10 mm long, terminal, solitary and pedicellate; pedicel 3-8 mm long. 


Stamens 2, monadelphous, 2.5-5 mm long with an andropodium. Anthers bilobed, 

lobes subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 2, c. 2 mm 

long, one on either side of the andropodium. Ovary elliptical, superior, bicarpellate, 

syncarpous, 2 mm long and 1 mm broad across the middle region, isolobous, 6-faced 

with very narrow po~nted rib-like projections in between the adjacent stamens. Ovules 

many, anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Style very much reduced, 

stigma bifid, lobcs subcqual and 1-1.2 mln long. 

Fruit elliptical, c. 2.3 mm long, many-secded; 2-valved, valves equal, each 

valve 3-ribbed, excluding the dehiscence ribs. Fruit stalk upto 2.5 cm long. 

Warm. 

It is similar to that of the species Polvpleurum wallichii (K. Br. ex. Griff.) 

8. Collected from Mukkadavu, Pathanamthitta Dt. 

Submerged rheophytic herbs with branched ribbon like thalli, c. 9 cm long and 

c. 8 mm broad, attached to rocks by the lower surrace (Figs. 17A & B). Vegetative 

shoots arc very short, alternate on the upper surface along the margin of the thallus; 

they change to floriferous shoots. Leaves 3-5, delicate, subulate, upto 1.2 cm long, 

alternate and distichous with deciduous tips. Leaf base sheathing and changes to 

bract in floriferous shoot. Bract 3-5, helmet-shaped and keeled, spathe 3-6 mm 

long, splits at its tip into 4-5 lobes and is funnel-shaped after splitting. 

Flowers terminal, 6-9 mm long, solitary, zygolnorphic and pcdiccllatc; pcdiccl 

3-7 mm long. Starncns 2, 4-6 mm long and monadelphous with a fleshy flat 

andropodium. Anthers hilobed, lobes subequal, dorsifixcd and introrse. Pollen hcld 

as dyads. 'repals 2, 1.75-2 mm long, one on eithcr side of the andropodium. Ovary 

elliptical, superior, bicarpellate, syncarpous, 1.75-2 mm long, and 1-1.2 mm broad 

across the middle region, isolobous and 6-ribbed. Septa membraneous. Style very 


much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes subequal and 1-1.2 mm long. Fruit elliptical, c 2 

inln long, many-sceded, bivalved and valves equal in size; each valve 3-ribbed, 

excluding the dehiscence ribs. Fruit stalk upto 1.5 cm long. 

9. Collected from Perunthenaruvi, Pathanamthitta District. 

Thallus ( Fig. 15 C) branched, upto 7 cm, long 7.5 mm 

the surface of the rock and firmly attached to it by hapte 

surfacc of the thallus. Vegctative shoots arc very short, margi 

4, ilelicatc, subulate, 4-6 mm long, alternate, distichous wit 

upper part of the leaf is deciduous and the sheathing base changes to a bract which is 

helmet-shaped and kccled at its back. Bracts 4, spathe 5-6 mm long, splits at its tip 

into 4-5 lobcs and is funnel shaped 

Plowers terminal, 5-7 mm long, solitary, zygomorphic and pedicellate; pedicel 

usually 2-4 mm long, rarely less than 2 mm long. Stamens 2, 3-4 mln long, 

monadelphous with an andropodium. Anthers bilobed, lobes subequal, dorsifixed 

and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. 'I'epals 2, narrow membraneous and one on either 

side of the andropodium. The tepals are as long as or slightly longer than the ovary. 

Ovary elliptical, superior, bicarpellate, syncarpous, 1.5-2 mm long and 0.8-1 mm 

broad across the middle region, isolobous and 6-faced. Ovules many, anatropous, 

arranged on a swollen axile placenta; septa membraneous. Style very much reduced; 

stigma bifid, and lobes subequal. Fruit elliptical, c. 2 mm long and 1 mm broad 

across the middle region, many-seeded; valves equal, each valve 3-ribbed. Fruit stalk 

upto 8 mm long. 

This ecolype resembles the species Polypleurum minor (wedd.) Nag. el ul in 

its characters. 

10. Collected from Icrattayar, ldukki District. 


Submerged licrbaccous rhcopliytc with branched thallus (Figs. 14C 8r I)) 

growing over the rocks as rosctte, like Cyathodium. It is creeping over the rocks and 

is attached to it at the lower surface of the thallus by haptera. Uaptera are situated 

on the thallus below the region of the vascular strands. Thallus is about 3-6 cm long, 

c. 8 mrn broad and inany-branched. Vegetative shoots have not been seen in the 

collection. 1710ral sl~oots are alternate and marginal. [Jracts 4, alternate and distichous. 

Spatlle 4-5 nim long, splits at its tip into two main lobes and each lobe may be again 

divided. It is funnel-shaped after opening 

r:lowcrs 6-8 ltiin long, solitary, terminal, pcdiccllatc, bisexual and xygomorphic, 

pcd~cel 3-5 rnln long. Staincns 2, monadelplious, c. 3 rnln long with an andropodiurn. 

It is almost as long as the ovary. Anthers bilobed, lobes subequal, dorsifixed and 

introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 2, narrow membraneous, one on either side of 

the andropodium. They are c. 1.7 mm long. Ovary superior, elliptical, c. 2 mm long, 

c. 1.3 mm broad across the middle region, bicarpcllate, syncarpous, isolobous and 8- 

faced. Ovules many, anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Style very 

much rcduced. Stigma 0.5-0.8 mm long, bifid and lobes are subequal. Fruit c. 2 mm 

long, 2-valved, each valve 3-ribbed, excluding thc dehiscencc ribs. The valves are 

equal in size. Fruit stalk upto 9 mm long. Seeds many. 

A coinparitive study of the above 10 ccotypes is given in 7'able 9 

I)istribution : India, Sri Lat~ka and Al'rica. 'l'hc details of distribution of this 

species in Kerala arc given in Table 10. 


Place and 

Collrellon No. Thallur 

'reckoy, 

Kolln)um 111. 

LlCC Nc,. 0OCJ4 

l'hommcnkathu. 

(upper) 

ldukki 111. 

IJCC No. 0109 

Mrnnccpurun~. 

Callcall 111 

llCC No. 0127 

Nclllarnpolhi. 

Pslghat T)I 

llCC No. 0177 

Kullar. 

Ncnr Mun~nor. 

Idukki 111. 

IICC No. 0138 

Table 9 A Comparative study of the d~fferent ecotypes of 

POLYPLEURUM STYLOSUM (Wt.) Hall collected from Kerala 

Cficcn to pink- 

coloarcd. 15-51 cm 

long. 5-1 I mm brmd. 

ulloshsd at baro 

and free Omring 

Chosslolc lo nlivc grscu 

ioloamd. up to 311 cm 

long. 4-8 ntm bmmd. 

nltnchcd by thc haw. 

dicholumou~ly ot 

aiprlion 

of lhc 

lhallu~ 

X-I0 nnn 

lo~g. 

irrcgalarl) 

dial&huced 

dong 

thc magin 

olthc 

tl~allus 

AR mm 

long. 

along tho 

margin 

oflh~. 

3-8 mm 

lung 

l l ~ ~ t 1 1 ~ ~ ~ 

0-111 mm 

long. 

scnltered 

irrcgalurly 

ulung 

lhc margin 

ofthe 

lhullur 


8-7 mm 

long 

3-6 man 

long 

6-7 mmn 

lung 

Stamen 

3-61 mm 

lcmp 

2.5-3 mm 

long 

3-4 mnb 

bn8 

25.35 mm 

long 

3.54 nlm 

long 

Tepal 

2-23 mm 

l h ? " ~ ~ 

2-2.5 mm 

bng 

I 5-1.9 mm 

long 

2-2.5 mm 

long 

2.53 mm 

long 

Ovary 

1.75-25mm 

Ihnp. 

0.RI mm 

brwd 

o~rcltr 

lhe middlu. 

(,-locod 

2.7-3 mm 

long. 

09.1 1 mm 

brmd 

"cross 

the 

middle. 

6-lad 

Sllgma 

ni6d. 

11 8-1 mnq 

iwg 

lobs rub 

cqanl. one 

or kvlh 

thc lclhr 

mny hc 

Ibrlcd 

lli6d. 

o 5-08 mn 

long. 

Ink* 

st~htq~1~1. 

unfirkcd 

"" 

1 7-2.5 mm llilid. 

lhn$ 

1.25-2 mm 

OR,l mm long. 

thc 

unlbrkcd 

Table 9 Continued ..... 

Frull 

Stmlk 

lip~o 

3 sm 

lung 

Up lo 

1.5 cm 

long 

IIp lo 

28 cm 

long 

acnss* 21ud,l. 

middlo. 

6-iocsd 

2-2.5 mm 

Ionr. 

1-1 J mm 

hrnnd 

IILn)vv 

I~o~~I~Ic. 

~,-li,ccd. 

clm$ptcsscd 

m bud 

2.5-3 ma 

loll? 

c. I mm 

hruod 

0cms.i 

tho 

middle. 

bthscd 

llidd. 

1-1.2 mm 

long. 

lok~ 

r80hrq~~~I. 

ttotl~r~kcd 

llilid. 

1-1 2 mnt 

long. 

lobs 

suhcquul. 

ft,rkcd nr 

llnlbrkcd 

Ilp k, 

I cm 

long 

Ilp III 

1 4 cnn 

long

Plce and 

Collectinn No. Thalluri 

hlingom. 

Cannnro Dl. 

llCC No. 0171 

lhommenkulhv 

Ilolrsr) 

Idakki I)!. 

ltCC Na, 11104 

l:.rattayar. 

Nc:u KIIIIIII,POI~:~. 

ldllkki 1)l. 

llCC No. 0181 

tiiu~-~recn to pinkcalourd. 

10-13 cm 

long. 1-13 cm wide. 

ntuchd ul hv: onJ 

scrcrnl poiv~tr ncur 

thc tip hy pmp rootliic 

hsplcra 

Cb~~olnt~.col~~ad. 

4-9cw Innp. mmly 

11pto 17 cm lcme. 

11.1.2 rm hrculd. prlcr. limnncl 

-shop4 aRm 

opvnne 

5-6 nun 14xtg. 

~p111~ ill itr 

t i i t I 

labs. 

lilnnrl-rhupcd 

rllcr 

opcnng 

Flower 

9-11 mln 

long. 

crurdcd 

war lhc 

tip. along 

ihc marpin 

~l'the 

thnllur 

(v-8 lnnn Ihng 6-10 mn~ rphtr at its lirsg. 

lip illlrr 2 r,%!t>dcd 

muin Ik3bss. oleur thc 

e.ch may be tip. nlong 

r~llllier lllc subs~~lxlividcsib 

to anthcr 

I '1-2.2 rnnl 

lhrne 

1 mnl 

hnlud 

a~~mns. 

6 .Ibccd 

1.7-2 mm 

Ivnp. 

1-1 2 n~a, 

h~tmatd 

DIC~OIS 

tho 

middlc. 

6-rihkd 

1.5-2 mm 

lhme 

I1 8-1 rnnn 

hnud 

scmss 

the 

middle. 

6-laccd 

2.5-3 mm 

lon~ 

I 1-1 3 mm 

hrwd 

ucrnts 

tho 

111ic1db. 

8-ti~ssd 

Stigma 

llilid. llp to 

1-1 3mm 1.3 cm 

Ibng lone 

luks 

vakcl~~ul 

Ilifid. 

1.1-1 5 

nlrn lotl& 

ll,hr 

~ulrqu.1 

llilid. Ilp to 

1-1 2mm 15cm 

Ihrng. lh,ne 

lobes 

~ukr1~1nl 

llilid. 

I)X-1.2 "lll 

hng. 

h,Des 

subcqu~l 

llilid. 

0 5-11 R onant 

Inng. 

bku 

rubequal 

Fruit 

Stalk 

lip to 

2.5 cm 

Ibng 

Ilp 10 

R 1,1111 

long 

tlpto 

0 nnnv 

Ihmg

Localiiy and 

District 


POLYPLEIIHIJM STYLOSUM (Wight) Hall from Kerala 

Canoli, 

Malappuratn Dt. 

Nellia~npalhi, 

I'alghat Dt. 

Karappara, 

Palghat Dt. 

'I'hommenkuthu, 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

River 

Nilambur, 

Chaliyar 



Moovatupuzha 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Dalc 

PM 32358 

lJCC No. 0002 

28-12-1990 

UCC No. 0177 

30-12-1 992 

UCC No. 0003 

UCC No. 0006 

UCC No. 0007 

IlCC No. 0009 

UCC No. 0010 

08-12-1990 

UCC No. 001 3 

UCC No. 0014 

25-12 1990 

UCC No. 0061 

30-05-199 1 

UCC No. 0104 

UCC No. 0 105 

UCC No. 0108 


05-12-1991 

UCC No. 01 84 

UCC No. 01 86 

UCC No. 01 89 

16-01-1993 

Collcdcd by 

Philip Mathew 

C. I' Thara 


G. V. l'hampi 

G. V. Thampi 




Table 10 to be continued

Locality and 

District 

Kallar, Near Munnar 

Idukki Dt. 

-do- 

Valara, 

ldukki Dt 

-do- 

Irumbupalam, 

ldukki Dt. 

Erattayar, 

ldukki Dt. 

Teekoy, 

Kottayam Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

Mukkadavu, 


Mukkadavu. 


River 

Periyar 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Meenachilar 

-do- 

-do- 

Kalladayar 

Kalladayar 


Field No. 

and Dale 

UCC No. 0032 

13-01-1991 

UCC No. 0138 

11-01-1992 

UCC No. 0052 

23-05-1991 

UCC No. 0198 

24-0 1 - 1993 

UCC No. 0054 

23-05-1991 

UCCNo. 0181 

12-10-1993 


28-12-1990 

UCC No. 0092 

UCC No. 0094 

UCC No. 0095 

UCC No. 0096 

UCC No. 001 7 

05-12-1991 

UCC No. 0 1 79 

03-01 -1 993 

UCC No. 0043 

UCC No. 0044 

27-01-1991 

UCC No. 0144 

UCC No. 01 17 

13-12-1.991 

Collected by 

Rarnani P. .I. 






C. J. Mathew 

C. J. Mathew & 



C. J. Mathew 


Table 10 to be continued

Locality and 

Dislrict 



-do- 

Thurai, 


Pooyamkutti, 

ldukki Dt. 

Koratty, 

near Erumeli 

Kottayam Dt. 

Chiklai, 

Trichur Dt. 

Parambikulam, 

Trichur Dt. 

Maneepuram, 

Calicut Dt. 

Pulingom, 

Cannore Dt. 

Kakkadavu, 

Cannore Dtl 

River 

Pamba, 

-do- 

Achencoilar 

Yeriyar, 

Manimalayar 


Krappara river 

Chaliyar, 




Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0122 

14-12-1991 

UCC No. 0208 

05-02-1 993 

UCC No. 0205 

05-02- 1993 

UCC No. 0230 

UCC No. 023 1 

UCC No. 0232 

03-01-1994 

UCC No. 0221 

31-12-1993 

UCC No. 0036 

UCC No. 0037 

06-01 -1 99 1 

UCC No. 0237 

04-01-1996 

UCC No. 0127 

23- 12-1 99 1 

UCC No. 0169 

UCC No. 0171 

24-12-1992 

UCC No. 0162 

22-12-1992 

Collected by 








V K. Satheesh 

V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 13 

Pol~~leururn stylosum (Wight) llall 

A. A thallus with floriferous shoots 

(Collected from Teekoy) 



FIGURE 14 

Polvpleurum stvlosum (Wight) Hall 

A, B & C. Thallus showing polymorphism. 

D. Lower view of the thallus showing haptera (h) 

A & £5. Collected from Thornrnenkuthu - upper 

C. Collected from Erattayar 



FIGURE 15 

Polyl)leurum stylosum (Wight) Hall 

A - D. Thallus showing polymorphism. 

A. Collected from Nelliampathi. 

B. Collected from Kallar (near Munnar). 

C. Collcctcd I'rorn Pcrunthcnaruvi. 

D. Collected from Maneepuram. 



FIGURE 16 

Poly~leurum stylosum (Wight) Hall 

A. Thallus showing profused branching. 

Collected from Thommenkuthu - lower 



Poly~leurum stylosum (Wight) Hall 

A bG C. 'l'hallus showing polymorphis~ii 

B. Lowcr surface of the thallus showing flat haptera (fh) 

U. A portion of thallus showing prop root-like haptcron (prh) on the lower 

side. 

A. Collected from Mukkadavu. 

C. Collected from Pulingom. 



FIGURE 18 

Polypleurum stylost~m (Wight) Hall 

A. An outer leaf with sheathing base 

U. An inner leas with sheathing base 

C - D. Floriferous shoots showing bracts (br); spathe(sp); ovary (0); tepal 

(t); stigma (st). 

E - G. Spathes. Note the variation in the number of lobes 

11. A flower in which the spathe does not open. 

I. An androccium showing tepal (t); andropodium (and); 

filament (f) and anther (a). 

J. C. S. of 6-faced ovary : ovule (ov); placenta (pl) 

and septum (s). 

K. C. S. of 8-faced ovary. 

I,. C. S, of 6-ribbcd ovary. Note the rib (r). 



PLATE 6 

Pol~~leurum stylosum (Wight) Hall 

Collected from Teekoy (Ecotype No. 1) 

Photograph of herbarium specimen. 


PLATE 6 


1,ocation : Teekoy (Ecotype No. 1) 

I'LA'I'E 7 

Polvpleurum stylosum (Wight) Hall 

Photograph showing dry plants with fruits on exposed rocks. 

Note the thalli bcaring flowers near the water. 


PLATE 7 


PLATE 8 

Polvnleurum stylusurn (Wight) Hall 

Collected from Thommenkuthu. (Ecotype No. 2) 

(Photograph of herbarium specimen) 

Note the dichotomous and trigonous branching of the thalli and possition 

of the floriferous shoots. 



PLATE 9 

Polvpleurum stvlosum (Wight) Hall 

Collected from Kallar, near Munnar (Ecotype No. 5) 

Photograph of thalli with flowers and fruits. 



PLATE 10 

1'olv~)lcurum ~tylosum (Wight) llall 

Collected from Pulingom. (Ecotype No. 6) 

Photograph of thalli showing branching. 


I ,' \ r,l;l 

- 

PLATE 10 


PLA'I'E 11 

Pol~pleururn stvlosum (Wight) Hall 


Note the pink colour and branching of the thalli. 


PLATE 11 


PLATE 12 

Polvpleurum stylosum (Wight) Hall 


Note the profusely branched thalli and possition of the floriferous shoots. 


PLATE 12 


PLATE 13 

Polvl~leurum stylosum (Wight) Hall 

Collected from Tho~n~nenkuthu (Bcolype No. 7) 


, - 

PLATE 13 


It-

PLATE 14 

Polypleurum stylosum (Wight) Iiall 

Location : Thommenkuthu (Ecotype No. 7) 

Photograph of thc plants attached to boulders 


PLATE 24- 


138 

IV 8. WILLISIA SELAGINOIDES (Bedd.) Warm. Willis 

Willisia selaginoides (Bedd.) Warm. Willis in Ann. R. Rot. Card. Peradeniya l(3): 

235, 1902 & l(4): 370, 1902; Engler, Engl. & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. IS a: 

51, 1930. 

Willisia selaginoides (Bedd.) Warm. Danske Vidensk. Selsk. Sk., ser. 6, nat. 

ll(1): 58, 1901; Cusset, Bull. Mus. natl. Hist. nat, Paris, 4's&r., 14, sect. B, 

Adansonia, no 1: 26, 1992. 

Mnionsis selaginoidcs Bedd. in Madr. J. Sc. Ser. 3, 11: 105, 1849 

Podostemon selaginuides (Bedd.) Benth. in Benth & Nook., Gen. PI. 3: 113, 

1880; Hooker, F. B. I. 5: 68, 1886. 

WILLlSlA SELAGINOIDES (Bedd.) Warm. ex Willis 

Rheophytic herbs with small crustaceous, irregularly lobed, olive green or 

chocolate-coloured thallus. Thallus closely attached to rocks by haptera. Vegetative 

shoots crect (Fig. 19A) and I'late 15A), 4-7 crn long, crowded on the thallus. Leaves 

scaly (Figs. 19B & C), opposite, decussate and closely arranged in 4 rows. 

The vegetative shoots with the leaves are quadrangular and narrow towards 

the base and broad towards the tip. This is due to the fact that the lower leaves are 

smaller than the upper ones. ].eaves are 3.5-5 ~ n ~ long n with an apical notch 

(Pig. 19U & C). 

[:lower buds arc crlcloscd in a ~ne~nhrancous spathe which is 6-8 mm long with 

an apical notch (Fig. 191)). The flower cmergcs out ofthe spathc by a circular break 


ncar its tip. After opening, the spathe is funncl- shaped. When the tip of the spathe 

is broken off, the edge left has an irregular outline (Fig. 19E). Flowers 5-7 mm long 

before anthesis (Fig. 191;) and elongate up to 9 mm after anthesis. 

Flowers are terminal and pedicellate; pedicel 1-2mm long. Stamens 2, 

monadelphous with an andropodium (Fig. 19G). The total length of the stamens 

varies from 5-6 mm before anthesis. Anthers bilobed, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen 

held as dyads. Tepals 2, one on either side of the andropodium, 5-6 mm long, narrow, 

membraneous and exceed the length of the ovary. 

Ovary superior, 3 x 2 tnln in size, bicarpellary, syncarpous and anisolobous. 

The Inid portion of the suturc of carpels is slightly swollen and broad (Fig. 19t-l). 

Ovules many, anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta (Fig. 191). Septa 

membraneous. Style very much reduced. Stigma bifid, lobes subequal c. 2 mm 

long. Fruits (Plate 15B) bivalved, each valve I-ribbed (Fig. 19J), excluding the 

dehiscence ribs and valves subequal. The mid portion of the dehiscence rib is slightly 

broad and swollen and is very clear in the fruits. 

Distribution: India (Kcrala and 'l'amil Nadu). The details of distribution in 

Kerala are given in Table 11. 


'lhble 1 I Dctails regarding collection of 

WILLISIA SELAGINOIDES (Bedd.) Warm. g Willis from Kerala 

Locality and 

District 

Parambikulam, 

Trichur Dt. 

Parambi kularn, 

Trichur Dt. 

-do- 

Pooyamkutti, 

ldukki Dt. 

Ponnambalamedu, 

Quilon Dt. 

River 


Submerg~ble arca 


Pcriyar 

Pamba 


Field No. - 

and Date 

6971 1 (MH) 

21-12-1980 

63 

10-12-1973 

UCC No. 0238 

04-0 1 - 1996 

UCC No. 0234 

03-0 1 - 1994 

Collected by 

N. C. Nair 




C. N. Mohananan

FIGURE 19 

Willisia selapinoides (Bedd.) Warm. ex Willis 

A. Thallus with hapteron (h) and floriferous shoots (fs) 

U. Side view of a single leaf. Note the apical notch (n). 

C. Upper view of a leaf. Note the apical notch (n). 

D. A spathe with a distal notch (n). 

E. A spathe after opening. 

F. A flowcr showing pedicel (pcd); ovary (0); andropodium (and); 

filament (f); anther (a) and tepal (t). 

G. An androecium showing andropodium (and); filament (F) and anther (a). 

H. An ovary (0). Note the swollen area (sa) in the middle of the suture. 

I. C. S. or ovary showing placenta (pl); ovule (ov) and septum (s). 

J. A fruit (fr). Note the rib (r). 


-


PLA'rE 15 

Willisia selaginoides (Bedd.) Warm. ex Willis 

A .A tuft of vegetative shoots. 

B. A tuft of shoots bearing fruits. 

Collected from Pooyamkutti 



PLATE 15

Zevlanidium (Tul). Engler in : Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed- 2, 18a: 61, 1928 

llvdrobryum section : Zevlanidium Tul., Arch. Mus. Paris 6: 139, 

1852. 

Green to olive green, submerged, herbaceous rheophytes, closely attached to 

the rocks of the fresh water mountain streams by their lower surface. Thallus, closely 

attached to rocks by haptera and rhizoids. 

The crustaceous thallus is lichen-like and the vegetative shoots are seen on the 

upper surface. The margin of the thallus is often lobed. In the ribbon like forms, the 

branches are alternate and the vegetative shoots are seen along the margin in the 

axils of the branches. The vegetative shoots often change to floriferous shoots. In 

Z. olivaceum, two kinds of shoots are present. 

- 

Leaves 4-6, rarcly upto 12, 4-14 mm long, alternate, distichous, delicate and 

subulalc, each with a sheathing base wh~ch changes to a scaly bract in the floriferous 

shoot. The delicate, subulate portion of the leaf is usually deciduous. The upper 

bracts arc largcr than thc lowcroncs. The bracts arc alternate and distichous like the 

leaves. 

Spathe boat-shaped or nearly boat-shaped, usually prostrate, opening by a 

longitudinal slit on thc uppcr sidc, occasionally. 1-4 small lobcs arc sccn at thc base 

of the split region. Flowers terminal, solitary and pedicellate. Pedicel 1-6 mm long 

with a deciduous cortex. Stamens usually 2, sometimes up to 4,2-3 mm long before 

anthesis; monadclphous with a fleshy flat andropodium. Anthers bilobed, lobes 

subequal, dorsifixcd, introrse and split longitudinally. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 


2, narrow, membraneous, one on either side of the andropodium, half, three-fourth 

or as long as the ovary. 

Ovary superior, elliptical to obovoid, 1-2 mm long and 0.75-1.25 rnm broad in . 

the middle region, bicarpellary, syncarpous, anisolobous and smooth. Ovules many, 

anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta. Septa membraneous. Style very 

much reduced. Stigma bifid, 0.5-0.75 mm long, sometimes multilobed with a diameter 

of 1.25-1.5 mm. The margin of the stigma may be entire or serrate. 

Fruit nearly elliptical to obovoid, 1-2 mm long 1- 1.5 rnm broad, dehisces 

longitudinally, bivalved, valves subequal, larger valve persistent and each valve 3- 

ribbed. Fruit stalk 1-8 mm long. Seeds many. 


- 

la. Vegetative shoots at the angles of the branchesalong the margin of the 

thallus ............................................................................ 1 Z. lichenoides 

lb. Vegetative shoots scattered over the upper surface of the thallus ................ 

2a. Shoots of two kinds, sterile shoot erect with a tuft of 20 - 37 leaves, 

fertile shoots prostrate with 4-6 leaves .......................... 2. Z. olivaceum 

2b. Shoots of one kind; fertile, prostrate with 4-6 leaves ......................... 

3a. Stamens 2.7-3.2 mm long, gynophore present, stigma multilobed ........ 

. . 

............................................................................ 3. &. maheshwar~~ 

3b. Stamens 4-8 mm long, gynophore absent, stigma bilobed ............... 

. . 

................................................................................ 4. z. john son^^* 

-ccrnurrutrt Lne WWKS 01 previous authors 


147 

IV 9a. ZEYLANIDIUILI I,ICIIENOIDES (Kurz) Engl. 

Ze~lanidiurn lichenoides (Kurz.) Engl., in Engl. & Pranil Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2, 

18 a: 61, 1928; Subramanyam, Aquat. Angiosperms, 49, 1962; 

ll~drobryurn lichenoides Kurz, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. 42 (2): 103, 1873; Willis, 

Ann. R. Bot. Gard. Peradeniya, l(3): 242, 1902, Cooke, FI. Pres. Bombay, 

2(1): 522, 1906; Gamblc, FI. I'rcs. Madras, 2: 1 199, '1 925. 

Podosternunr microcarpu~n Wedd., in DC., Prodr. 17: 76, 1873. 

Small, green or pink-coloured (Plate 16), herbaceous, rheophytic herbs, closely 

attached to the rocks (Plate 17), of the fresh water mountain streams by haptera present 

on the lower surface (Fig. 20C). Thallus branched, ribbon-like and creeping over the 

surface of the rocks (Figs. 20A & B). The branches are alternate and the vegetative 

shoots are seen in the axils of the branches (Fig. 20B), along the margin. Most of the 

vegetative shoots change to floriferous shoots. 

Leaves usually 4-6, rarely 8-12, upto 10 mm long (Fig. 20D), alternate, 

distichous, delicate and subulate, each with a sheathing base which changes to a 

helmet- shaped scaly bract in the flower. The delicate, subulate portion of the leaf is 

deciduous. Bracts 4-5 (Figs. 20E & F), rarely 8-12, alternate and distjcbous Jjke the 

\caves. The upper bracis are larger than the lower ones. 

The spathe encloses the flower bud. It is membraneous, splits along the upper 

side and is boat- shaped (Fig. 21A). The base of the split region may possess one to 

many lobes (Fig. 21C & D). Flowers terminal, solitary, 3-6 mm long and pedicellate 

(Fig. 20E & F). Pedicel 1-4 mm long before anthesis, with a deciduous cortex. 

Stamens usually 2 (Fig. 21E), rarely 3 (Fig. 21F), or 4 (Fig. 21G & H), 2-3 mrn long 


(before anthesis), rnonadclphous with an andropodium. Anthers bilobed, lobes 

subequal, dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 2, narrow, 

membraneous, one on cither side of the andropodium. The position of the tepals on 

the sides of the andropodium varies. The tepals may be opposite to each other 

(Fig. 21E), or one tepal may be at a higher level than the other one (Fig. 21F-H). 

l'hey may be as long as the ovary or shorter than the ovary before anthesis. An 

elongation of the tepals after anthesis is frequently observed. 

Ovary superior, 0.8-1 mm x 1-1.2 mm in size, bicarpellary, syncarpous, 

anisolobous, smooth and obovoid. Ovules many, anatropous and arranged on a swollen 

axilc placcnta (Fig. 21 13). Septa membrancous. Style very much reduced. Stigma 

bifid, lobes subcqual with an entire (Fig. 20E & F) margin. 

Fruit obovoid, dry dehiscent capsules. They are bivalved, valves subequal 

and larger valve persistent. Each valve is broadly 3-ribbed, excluding the dehiscence 

ribs. Fruit stalk upto 8 mm long. 

Table 12. 

Distribution : India and Sri Lanka. For details of distribution in Kerala, see 


.

- 

'lable 12 Details regarding collection of 

ZEYLANLDIUM LICHENOIDES (Kurz) Engl. from Kerala. 

Locality and 

District 

Munnar 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do-- 

-do- 

-do- 

River 

Periyar 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 


Field N< 

and Date 

48 

26-12-1992 

UCC No. 0033 

06-01-1991 

UCC No. 0056 

23-05-1999 1 

UCC No. 0076 

UCC No. 0078 

UCC No. 0079 

UCC No 0080 

12-10-1991 

lJCC No. 0135 

UCC No. 0 137 

10-01-1992 

UCC No. 0191 

UCC No. 0 I3 

23-0 1 - 1993 

UCC No. 0224 

UCC No. 0225 

UCC No. 0227 

02-0 1 - 1994 

Collected by 


P. I. Vaghese 






Table 12 Continued

Locality and 

District 

Kallar, near Munnar, 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

Valara, 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

Valara, 

Idukki Dt. 

-do- 

lrumbuplalam 

-do- 

Thommenkuthu 

Idukki Dt. 

-do- 

River 

Kallar (Periyar) 

-do- 

Periyar 

-do- 

-do- 

Periyar 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Moovattupuzha 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0 139 

11-01-1992 

UCC No. 0 196 

23-01-1993 

UCC No. 0057 

23-05-1 991 

UCC No. 0083 

13-10-1991 

UCC No. 0143 

11-01-1992 

UCC No. 0197 

UCC No. 0 199 

24-0 1-1 993 

UCC NO. 0224 

UCC No. 0225 

UCC No. 0227 

02-01 -1 994 

UCC No. 0053 

23-05- 199 1 

UCC No. 0081 

13-10-1991 

UCC No. 0015 

28-12-1990 

UCC No. 0062 

30-05-1 991 

Collected by 



V K. Satheesh 




V K. Satheesh 



Dr. G. V Thampi 

V K. Satheesh 

Table 12 Continued

Locality and 

District 

Thommenkuthu 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

Teekoy, 

Kottayam Dt. 

-do- 

Charpa, 

Trichur Dt. 

Chiklai, 

Trichur Dt. 

Vettilapaara, 

Trichur Dt. 

Athirappalli, 

'l'richur Dt. 

Kathiketappanchal, 

Trichur Dt. 

Kuthiran, 

Trichur Dt. 

River 

Moovattupuzha 

-do- 

-do- 

Meenachilar 

-do- 


-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCCNo. 0112 

UCC No. 01 13 

05-12-1991 

UCC No. 01 83 

16-01-1993 

UCC No. 021 9 

09-10-1993 

UCC No. 0020 

28-12-1990 

UCC No 0098 

UCC No. 0 I00 

UCCNo.0101 

05-12-1991 

UCC No. 0034 

06-01-1991 

UCC No. 0034 

01-06-1991 

UCC No. 0067 

01-06-1991 

UCC No. 0088 

UCC No. 0090 

16-1 1-1991 

UCC No. 01 59 

18-11-1992 

UCC No. 158 

07-11-1992 

Collected by 




C. J. Mathew 

C.J.Mathew& 

V. K.Satheesh 







Table 12 Continued.. 

-

Locality and 

District 

Mu kkadavu 


-do- 

-do- 

Athikkayam, 


Thurai, 


Kayam, 




-do- 

Kanamala 

Kottayam Dt. 

-do- 

River 

Kal ladayar 

-do- 

-do- 

Pamba 

Achencoilar 

-do- 

Pamba 

-do- 

Pamba 

Azhutha 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0042 

27-01-1991 - 

lJCC No. 0 l 15 

UCCNo. 0119 

13-12-1991 

UCC No. 0201 

04-02-1 993 

UCC No. 0 120 

14-12-1991 

UCC No. 0204 

05-02- 1993 

UCC No. 0205 

05-02-1993 

UCC No. 0121 

UCC No. 0 1 23 

14-121991 

UCC No. 0209 

05-02- 1993 

UCC No. 0151 

04-02-1992 

UCC No. 02 15 

07-02-1993 

Collected by 

C. J. Mathew 




V K. Satheesh 



V K. Satheesh 



Table 12 Continued ...............

Locality and 

District 

Kallar, 

Trivandrurn Dt. 

-do- 

Pooyamkutti 

Ernakulam Dt. 

Anakkampoyil, 

Calicut Dt. 

Pathamkayam, 

Calicut Dt. 

Nelliampathi, 

Palghat Dt. 

Tholpetty, 

Wayanad Dt. 

Pararnbikkulam, 

Palghat Dt. 

River 

Vamanapurampuzha 

-do- 

Periyar 

Chaliyar 

-do- 

Karapparapuzha 

Kabini 

Karapparariver 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 0144 

23-01-1992 

- 

UCC No. 0 156 

29-02-1992 

UCC No. 0233 

03-01-1994 

UCC No. 0128 

UCC No. 0129 

24-12-1991 

UCC No. 0 130 

24-12-1991 

UCC No. 0174 

UCC No. 0175 

30-12-1993 

UCC No. 0235 

24-12-1995 

UCC No. 0236 

04-0 1 - 1996 

Collected by 







V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 20 

Zeylanidium liehenoides (Kurz) Engl. 

A. A portion of thallus (th) with floriferous shoots attached to the stone 

(sto). 

B. A portion of the upper side of the thallus (th) showing floriferous 

shoots (fs). 

C. Lower side of the thallus showing haptera (h). 

D. A floriferous shoot showing flower bud (fb) and leaves (1). 

E. A flower showing bract (br); spathe (sp); tepal (t); ovary (0); 

andropodium (and); filament (f) and anther (a). 

F. A flower. Note the additional lobe (lo) on the spathe. 



A. A spathe. 

FIGURE 21 

Zeylanidium lichenoides (Kurz) Engl. 

B. C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovules (ov) and septum (s). 

C - D. Spathe with small lobes 

E. A normal androecium. Note the tepals (t); andropodium (and); 

filament (f) and anther (a). 

F - H. Abnormal types of androecium. Note the number of stamens and 

variation in the position of tepals. 



PLATE 16 

Zevlanidium lichenoides (Kurz) Engl. 

Photograph of plants attached to boulders. 

Note the colour of thalli 

Location : Tholpetty 


PLATE' 16 


PLATE 17 

Zevlanidium tichenoides (Kurz) Engl. 

Photograph of plants attached to the substratum. 

Location : Thommenkuthu 


PLATE 17 


IV 9b. ZEYLANIDIUM MAHESHWARII Mathew & Satheesh 

. 

Zevlanidium maheshwarii Mathew & Satheesh * 

Z. mahesbwarii (Fig. 22A and Plate 18) is an annual, herbaceous, thalloid 

rheophyte growing in patches on the submerged rocks of the swiftly flowing fresh 

water hill streams. The plant body is attached to rocks by the haptera on their lower 

surface. It is closely appressed to the rock and not easy to separate from the 

substratum. The plants occupy an area varying from 0.55 x 0.8 m to 4 x 6 m. 

The vegetative shoots are scattered over the upper surface of the prostrate 

thallus. Leaves (Fig. 22B), 4-6, rarely 8, alternate, distichous, delicate, subulate and 

deciduous with persistent sheathing bases. The sheathing bases of the leaves will 

function as bracts in floriferous shoots. Bracts 4-6, rarely 8, alternate, distichous, 

helmet-shaped and scaly. The lower pairs are smaller, where as the upper pairs are 

successively larger (Fig. 22C and Plate 19A). Most of the vegetative shoots change 

to floriferous shoots at the end of the rainy season. The flower bud is protected by a 

c. 2 mm long, boat-shaped, papillate spathe (Plate 19A), which is prostrate and splits 

along the upper side (Fig. 22C). 

The flowering is towards the beginning of November when the plants get 

exposed due to the fall in the level of water. Flowers are entornophilous, 5.5-6 mm 

long, naked, terminal, solitary and pedicellate (Fig. 22C). Pedicel 3-4 mm long with 

a deciduous cortex. Stamens 2, 2.7-3.2 mm long, monadelphous and dorsifixed. 

Androecium is shorter than the gynoecium before anthesis (Plate 19B). Anthers 

bilobed, lobes subequal dorsifixed and introrse. Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 2, 

1.3-1.6 mm long, one on either side of the andropodium. The andropodium is attached 

Under Publication in: Aquatic Botany 


to the pedicel about 1 mm below the ovary and hence, a 1 mm long gynophore is 

. 

present (Fig. 22C and Plate 19B). Ovary nearly obovoid, 1.25 long and 1.00 mm 

broad in the middle region; superior, bicarpellary, syncarpous and anisolobous. Ovules 

*102, anatropous, arranged on a swollen axile placenta (Fig. 22D). Septa 

membranous. Style very much reduced. Stigma multilobed (Figs. 22E & F and Plate 

19B & C). 

Fruits and seeds become mature by the beginning of December. Fruit is a dry 

dehiscent capsule; obovoid, anisolobous and 2-valved, valves subequal, larger valve 

persistent (Plate 19D), each valve is broadly 3-ribbed. Fruit stalk upto 1 cm long. 

Seeds * 94. Seed set efficiency is approximately 90 %. 

Distribution : For details of distribution in Kerala, see Table 13 


A 


ZEYLANlDIUM MAHESHWARII Mathew & Satheesh frornKerala. 

Locality and 

District 

Thommenkuthu, 

ldukki Dt. 

-do- 

River 

Moovattupuzha 

-do- 


Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 01 11 

05-12-1991 

UCC No. 0185 

16-01-1993 

Collected by 


V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 22 

Zevlanidium maheshwarii Mathew & Satheesh 

A. A portion of thallus (th) with floriferous shoots. 

B. A portion of thallus (th) bearing a vegetative shoot with leaves (1) 

C. A flower showing bracts (br); spathe (sp); pedicel (ped); gynophore 

(g); tepal (t); andropodium (and); filament (0; anther-(a); stigma (st) 

and ovary (0). 

D. C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovules (ov) and septum (s). 

E - F. Upper view of multilobed stigma. 


FIGURE 22 

Zeylanidiurn maheshwarii Mathew & Satheesh 

A. A portion of thallus (th) with floriferous shoots. 

B. A portion of thallus (th) bearing a vegetative shoot with leaves (1) 

C. A flower showing bracts (br); spathe (sp); pedicel (ped); gynophore 

(g); tepal (t); andropodium (and); filament (f); anther-(a); stigma (st) 

and ovary (0). 

D. C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovules (ov) and septum (s). 

E - F. Upper view of multilobed stigma. 



PLATE 18 


Photograph of plant growing at the site. 

Locality: Thommenkuthu. 


PLATE 18 


PLATE 19 


(Scanning Electron Micrographs) 

A. A flower bud : bract (br). Note the flower bud protected by papillate 

spathe (ps) x I I. 

B. A flower showing tepal (t), andropodium (and), filament (f), anther 

(a), gynophore (g), ovary (0) and multilobed stigma (st) x 10. 

C. Upper portion of a flower showing andropodium (and), filament (0, 

anther (a), ovary (0) and multilobed stigma (st) x 28. 

D. A portion of fruit stalk (frst) bearing the persistent larger fruit 

valve (lfv) x 12. 



PLATE 19

171 

IV 9c. ZEYLANIDIUM OLIVACEUM (Gardn.) Engl. 

Zevlanidium olivaceum (Gardn.) Engl., Engl. & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 18 a: 

62, 1930; Subramanyam, Aquatic Angiosperms, 49, 1962; Rao & Hajra, Bull. 

Bot. Surv. India, 12 (1-4): 271-272, 1970; Nagendran & Arekal, Bull. Bot. Surv. 

India, 23 (3-4): 23 1, 1981. 

Podostemon olivaceum Gardn., Calc. J. nat. Hist. 7: 1846; Hooker, F.B.I. 5: 

66, 1886. 

Hydrobrvum olivaceum Tul., Ann. Sc. nat. Ser. 3, 11: 104, 1849; Willis, 

Ann. R. Bot. Gard. Peradeniya l(3): 239, 1902. 

It is a submerged, dorsiventral, herbaceous rheophyte closely attached to rocks 

(Fig. 23A) by its lower surface with haptera and rhizoids. Thallus is crustaceous and 

closely appressed to the rocks. The margin and the growing points of the thallus are 

pink in colour. The central portion of the thallus is olive- green in colour. 

Two kinds of shoots may occur on the upper surface of the thallus. These are: 

(1) shoots with a strong axis which is c. 1-5 cm long (Fig. 23A) and (2) fertile shoots 

(Fig. 23B). the leaves on the sterile shoots are many and occur as a tuft, linear to 

lanceolate and upto 5 cm long. On the other hand, the leaves on the fertile shoots 

possess sheathing bases which change to bracts. 

Leaves 6, rarely 8, each leaf is c. 1 cm long (Fig. 23B); the delicate subulate 

portion will fall off and the sheathing bases become scaly bracts. Bracts 6-8 in number 

and the upper bracts are successively larger than the lower ones. Spathe boat-shaped, 

prostrate and splits longitudinally along the upper surface (Fig. 23C & D). 


Flowering is towards the beginning of October when the plants are completely 

exposed to the air. Flowers naked, c. 5 mm long (Fig. 23C), terminal, erect, solitary, 

zygomorphic and pedicellate. Pedicel usually 1-2 mm long, rarely 3 mm long. 

Stamens 2, 3-3.5 mm long, monadelphous with a fleshy flat andropodium (Fig. 23E). 

Anthers bilobed, lobes subequal, dorsifixed, introrse and dehisce longitudinally. 

Pollen held as dyads. Tepals 2, narrow, membraneous, one on either side of the 

andropodium, c. 2 mm long and is almost as long as the ovary. 

Ovary superior, bicarpellary, syncarpous, smooth, anisolobous, nearly elliptical 

and c. 2 mm long and 1 mm broad in the middle region. Ovules many, anatropous, 

arranged on a swollen axile placenta (Fig. 23F). Stigma bifid, lobes subequal, margin 

entire or serrate (Fig. 23G) and 0.5-0.75 mm long. 

Fruit is a dry dehiscent capsule nearly elliptical, 2 mm long, dehisces obliquely, 

2-valved, valves subequal, larger valve persistent and each valve is broadly 3-ribbed. 

Seeds many. Fruit stalk upto 4 mm long. 

Table 14 

Distribution : India and Sri Lanka. For details of distribution in Kerala, see 


173 


ZEYLANIDIUM OLIVACEUM (Gardn.) Engl. from Kerala. 

Locality and 

District 

Umaya malai 

Idukki Dt. 

Anamudi 

Idukki Dt. 

Munnar 

Idukki Dt. 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Rajamalai 

ldukki Dt. 

Valara 

Idukki Dt. 

Nelliampathi 

Palghat Dt. 

Kathiketappanchal, 

Trichur Dt. 

River 

Periyar 

-do- 

Marayur river 

(Periy ar) 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

-do- 

Periyar 

Karappara Palghat Dt. 

(Chalakkudipuzha) 



Field No. 

and Date 

UCC No. 26467 

17- 11-1965 

68 

29 -11 - 1973 

UCC No. 0027 

UCC No. 0028 

05 - 01 - 1991 

UCC No. 0140 

10 - 01 - 1992 

UCC No. 0025 

12 - 10 -1991 

UCC No. 01 36 

10 - 01 - 1992 

UCC No. 0 193 

23-01 - 1993 

UCC No. 0226 

02-01 - 1994 

UCC No. 01 54 

27 - 02 - 1992 

UCC NO. 0082 

13 - 10 -1991 

UCC No. 0084 

UCC No. 0085 

UCC No. 0086 

19-10-1 99 1 

UCC No. 0 160 

18-11-1992 

Collected by 

B.V. Shetty 


P.I. Varghese 







V K. Satheesh 


V. K. Satheesh

FIGURE 23 

Zevlanidium olivaceum (Gardn.) Engl. 

A. A portion of thallus (th). Note the sterile vegetative shoot (svs) and 

leaf (1). 

B. A floriferous shoot showing leaves (I) and bracts (br). 

C. A flower showing spathe (sp); bracts (br); ovary (0) and stigma (st). 

D. A spathe 

E. An androecium showing tepal (t); andropodium (and); filament (f) 

and anther (a). 

I? C. S. of ovary showing placenta (pl); ovules (ov) and septum (s) 

G. A gynoecium. Note the serrate margin of stigma (st). Ovary (0). 



CHAPTEK V 

DISCUSSION 

Podostemaceae is a unique family among angiosperms due to the peculiar habit 

and habitat of the members. The plant body is thalloid and attached to the rocks and 

boulders of the fresh water streams by haptera. 

THALLUS: 

The thallus of Podostemaceae exhibits a wide range of morphological features. 

In Indotristicha, the thallus is branched, thread-like and chocolate-coloured. The 

thallus possesses several assimilatory shoots called ramuli. In Dalzellia, another 

member of Tristichoideae, the thallus is flat and it grows as a rosette. It is pink or 

crimson-red in colour during the early phase of growth due to the presence of 

anthocyanin pigments in the epidermal cells of the thallus. Thallus possesses short 

vegetative shoots, on which the leaves are arranged in a rosette. After the vegetative 

phase of growth , the colour of the thallus will turn to olive green. 

In Polvpleurum stvlosum, the thallus is branched and ribbon-like. It may be 

creeping (eg. the specimen collected from Erattayar), partially free floating (eg. the 

specimen collected form Arattukadavu, Thommenkuthu). 

Griffithella hookeriana exhibits two different kinds of thalli: I) branched 

ribbon-like and 2) cup-shaped. The species of Zevlanidium also exhibit two different 

forms of thalli. In g. lichenoides, the thallus is branched, ribbon-like and completely 

creeping, whereas in all the other species of Zevlanidium, the thallus is crustaceous. 

Farmeria metznerioides, F. indica and Podostemum subulatum possess branched thalli 

which are comparatively thick and slightly compressed dorsiventrally.

THE FAMILY PODOSTEMACEAE

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