Studies on reproductive organs and morpho-anatomical features of leaf and stem in three traits of Vinca rosea L.

Abstract

Periwinkle or Vinca rosea L. has medicinal importance with three phenotypes i.e., Pink, Red eye and White. The present investigation distinguishes the three traits i.e., white, pink and red-eyed flower-bearing traits of V. rosea based on morphology, palynology, pollen grain germination and study of anatomical features of leaf, stem and variations in parts of the flower. The results revealed that significant differences were recorded in stomatal frequency, stomatal index, size of the petals, pollen viability and pollen germination. The highest per cent viability appears in pink flower-bearing plants (98.8%) followed by red-eyed flower-bearing plants (34.3%) and White flower-bearing plants (34%). Similarly, the percentage germination of pollen grains is high in pink flower-bearing plants (98.1%) followed by red-eyed flower-bearing plants (33.3%) and white flower-bearing plants (33.3%).