Morphological and biochemical variations among the natural populations of Aconitum atrox (Bruhl) Muk. (Ranunculaceae)

摘要

Populations of Aconitum atrox were surveyed in varying geographical locations of the Garhwal Himalaya (India) for studying morphological and biochemical variations. Different populations were noted to have considerable differences in leaf characteristics (length, width and biomass), fresh and dry weights of shoot, and length and diameter of the tubers. Alpine populations were noted with shorter shoot length compared to the subalpine ones. In general, aboveground biomass was always lesser than belowground biomass in all the populations either alpine or subalpine. Biochemical constituents, viz. total soluble proteins, soluble sugars and starch contents estimated in the seeds also revealed considerable differences. Soluble sugar content in the seeds of alpine populations was more than that of subalpine populations. This species exhibits considerable polymorphism in morphology and biochemical characteristics in relation to different habitats.