Effect of altitudinal variation on floral morphology in Valeriana jatamansi, a critically endangered medicinal plant of north east Himalayan region

Abstract

Countless medicinal plants are endemic to Indian Himalayan region. Over exploitation of Valeriana jatamansi for its rhizome these species are now came under endangered species. Rhizomes and roots of this species have secondary metabolite like valerenic acid and valepotriates that can cure obesity, skin diseases, epilepsy, insanity and snake poisoning etc. Present research deals with the flower morphological trait study over control Kalimpong environment with four lower altitude exposed treatments. From the independent sample t test it has been cleared that the flower diameter has been gradually decreased in the exposure of lower altitude. Moreover length of style was found to be of highest value for control K plants. Research findings visibly indicated that alternate exposure of higher and lower altitude gives a significant impact on anther size. From these findings it may be concluded that lower altitude exposure enhance cross pollination and there is a positive correlation of petal breadth over the maximum flower diameter.