Reproductive biology of Convolvulus microphyllus (Convolvulaceae) — A memory stimulating drug plant of Ayurveda

Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb.ex Spreng is a reputed memory improving drug of ‘Ayurveda’. The present paper reports some aspects of reproductive biology of the species. Atmospheric temperature and relative humidity played an important role in anthesis pattern in the species. Flower longevity was about 4–6 hours in all the months studied and insects belonging to Apis spp. played an important role in pollen transfer. Maximum pollen germination was found in pollen collected after about 1 hour of anther dehiscence initiation. Stigma was not receptive in C. microphyllus in a freshly opened flower and peak receptivity was at about two to four hours after anthesis. However, stigma retained receptivity till flower closure (4 hours). Pollination experiments clearly revealed the predominance of cross pollination in the species. The information gathered by the present study could be effectively utilized in planning the breeding programmes in the species.