Observations on the foliage production in some mangrove species of Goa

Abstract

Growth with respect to the shoot height, production of leaves, buds, flowers and fruits in Rhizophora mucronata and Kandelia rheedii of mangroves were studied for a period of thirteen months by tagging method. Growth in both plants was continuous with bimodal leaf growth, with the primary and secondary peaks respectively in December and April in R. mucronata and in October and March in K. rheedii. The average period of life for R. mucronata leaves was 6 - 7 months and for K. rheedii leaves, it was 5 - 6 months. Maximum leaf-fall was found in January and February respectively in R. mucronata and K. rheedii. Development from floral bud to mature propagule took about five months in R. mucronata and about six months in K. rheedii