Autecological, palynological and karyological characterization of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. (A case study in Dare Sepestan region from Fereydoon shahr in Isfahan province)

Abstract

Accessibility to a major portion of information about vegetation function of an ecosystem is provided by autecological studies. This type of studies provides valuable information which is necessary for ecosystem management. In this research, characteristics such as: phenology, seed germination, karyotype, palynology and some of biodiversity indices for habitat of Kelussia were studied. The results indicated that Kelussia was a perennial herb, stem is short and covered by sheathing leaf, leaves are basal, flowers are bisexual in compound umbels, inflorescence height between 120-200 centimeters, fruits by two mericarps and seed with 3 ribs. Sprouting of the plant began in early March in the snow and life goes on until early September, when the seeds are mature. Cytologically this species is diploid with basic chromosome numbers x=11. Chromosomes are approximately average in size and karyotype is asymmetric. Chilling had very significant effect on seed germination of Kelussia and soaking treatment increased germination percentage. The palynological observations revealed that pollen grains of kelussia are prolate in shape, are operculate and tricolporate structurally and the surface is regulate. Diversity indices also showed low diversity in region.

Keywords

• Germination
• Pollen grain
• Diversity indices
• Cytology
• Kelussia