Phenology and reproductive success in wild populations of Embelia ribes Burm. F.: A case study

Embelia ribes commonly known as ‘Vayuvidang’ is an important medicinal plant resource in different Traditional Medicinal Systems of India. In Ayurveda, it is prescribed in anti-estrogenic, anti-fertilitic, cardiopathic and psychopathic formulations. Unsustainable harvesting in wild has led to total depletion of its genetic resources in places like Kolli Hills in the Eastern Ghats. No information is available on the life history traits of this species. Hence, a study was carried out for a period of three years in Silent Valley National Park, Western Ghats to quantify phenology, breeding system and reproduction. E. ribes is pollinated by bees and wasps. Fruits are dispersed by birds and seeds remain dormant for a long period. About 105 individuals were tagged during the study period. E. ribes is poly-gamo dioecious with low male female ratio (1:5). Male flowers were short-lived compared to female flowers. Though the female flowers have anthers, they do not produce pollen. The implication of the breeding system and possible species recovery strategies is dealt in detail.