Distribution and Phenology of Syzygium stocksii (Duthie) Gamble an Endangered Tree Species in South Konkan

Syzygium stocksii (Duthie) Gamble is an endangered, evergreen tree species, endemic to southwestern states of India. An assessment was conducted on distribution and phenology of S. stocksii in South Konkan viz. Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. A snowball sampling was used in the study to identify the primary database on location of these species. Tree density and population structure were accessed by laying a quadrat of 10 x10 m around the individual tree and minimum 3 similar quadrats were laid around mature trees for the population. At each site, 3 adult individuals of these species were marked permanently for recording phenological observations. General BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) was used to record phenophase of the selected trees. Total 78 individual trees were recorded in which maximum number of mature stems was recorded from the study area. Present study revealed that good sized populations of S. stocksii were is present in the study area. In total, seven principal stages -i.e., bud development, leaf development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity, senescence and beginning of dormancy are described with respect to their seasonal progression and relative dominant.