THE EFFECT OF SEASONS ON LEAF-AREA OF ADIANTUM PHILIPPENSE (ADIANTACEAE) AT DIFFERENT LOCALITIES IN MAHARASHTRA (W. INDIA)

摘要

Most of a fern's photosynthesis is done through the leaf, thus determination of the leaf-area of a population or community provides a good index of primary production. In the present investigation seasonal variations in leaf-area were recorded in Adiantum philippense L. from different habitats. The highest leaf-area was recorded in the summer rainy season when vegetative growth is more and the minimum was recorded during winter and spring when plants try to tolerate unfavourable hot and dry conditions by a decrease in leaf-area. In this species it was clearly observed that adverse seasons and the habitat of the species where the species is growing limited the leaf-area.