International Journal of Research e-ISSN: 2348-6848 p-ISSN: 2348-795X Available at https://edupediapublications.org/journals Volume 05 Issue 04 February 2018

Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br.: an unwelcome addition to flora of Allahabad Satya Narain & S. Kumar Duthie herbarium, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad- 211002 [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract: Existence of zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br. by Brown zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br. reported for (1810). The genus Trichodesma R. Br. is the first time as an addition to the flora of represented by 5 species in India (Clarke, Allahabad district, Uttar Pradesh. 1883) and no further taxonomic revision of Description of the , habitat, the genus has been done. Regional and phenology, distribution, ecology and district flora shows 2 species in Upper socio-economic importance of the species Gangetic Plains (Duthie, 1903-29), 3 are highlighted in this paper. species in Uttar Pradesh (Khanna et al., 1999) and 1 species (Trichodesma indicum Keywords: ; New addition; (L.) Lehm.) in Allahabad district (Misra Trichodesma zeylanicum; Weed. and Verma, 1992). During the field survey Introduction: author found that species is abundant on roadsides, in agricultural fields, along the Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br. river, unused fields and disturbed ground, was first published as Borago zeylanica often competitive, creates a mess in land Burm. f. by Burman (1768) from formation and regarded as a significant , then transferred into genus weed. The species is a quick grower and Trichodesma to became Trichodesma covers many of areas. Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br. by Brown zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br. creates (1810), later Mueller (1882), Kuntze nuisance along with growing crop and (1891) and Hiern (1898) recited as after harvest also. The mechanical control zeylanica (Burm. f.) f. Muell., of the species is difficult as it has white Boraginella zeylanica (Burm. f.) Kuntze. scabrous spiny hairs that break off in the and Boraginoides zeylanica (Burm. f.) skin when touched. It can spread and has Hiern respectively. Despite these many capacity to dominate in unused areas and later transfers, it`s recent and valid would be a most unwelcome addition to publication is accepted as Trichodesma

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the flora. This paper brings forth sheets, voucher specimens were recorded descriptions, upto date nomenclature, with their name, place, and date, specimen phenology, ecology, distribution and number and made herbarium. After careful colored photograph. examination the specimen found to be as Material and Method: Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br. Regular excursions were arranged to cover of family Boraginaceae. Voucher entire area in the district Allahabad of specimen was identified and confirmed Uttar Pradesh during different seasons. with the help of various flora`s and Observations on the habit/habitat, flower herbarium studies in Botanical Survey of color, fruiting, seeds, including other India, Central Circle, Allahabad and features of interest were recorded and Duthie Herbarium, Department of Botany, photographed. The diagnostic traits such University of Allahabad. These specimens as flower, fruit of the specimen were well were deposited in Duthie Herbarium, observed in field by using hand lens, scale Botany department, University of and characters were noted down and Allahabad, Allahabad, U. P. identified later in the laboratory.The Taxonomic Treatment: specimens were carefully selected before Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. f.) R. Br., pressing. It was made sure that specimens Prod. Fl. Nov. Holl.: 496. 1810; C. B. are in flowering or fruiting condition. It Clarke in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. India 4: 154. was ensured that specimens are free from 1883; Duthie, Fl. Gangetic Plain 2: 95. fungal infection, insect feeding and other 1911. Borago zeylanica Burm. f., Fl. Ind. pathological symptoms. As a general rule 41. 1768; Pollichia zeylanica (Burm. f.) F. single specimen was pressed in folded Muell., Syst. Census Austral. Pl. 100. pressing paper and to avoid discoloration 1882; Boraginella zeylanica (Burm. f.) and molding, blotters were changed Kuntze., Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 435. 1891; frequently depending upon nature of Boraginoides zeylanica (Burm. f.) Hiern., specimen and humidity levels than dried in Cat. Afr. Pl. 1: 720. 1898. the sun. The dried specimens were Erect annual hispid herb up to 1.2 ft high poisoned by solution of mercuric chloride exceedingly branched, rough. Leaves 8-10 and alcohol. The solution was applied to x 2 cm, oblong-lanceolate, acute at base the specimens by dipping into it. Then and acute or obtuse at apex, densely specimens were pasted on herbarium tubercled hairs above, tomentose beneath;

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petiole 4-5 mm long. Flowers pedicelled in potent weed for crops and agriculture. It is axillary or solitary cymes; sepals 10 x 5 common in occurence on different mm, enlarging in fruit, lobes 5, acuminate; localities in different seasons. The species corolla blue, 8 mm long, campanulate, differentiates itself from Trichodesma lobes 5, triangular with twisted narrow tip; indicum (L.) Lehm. by having lesser stamens 5, anthers sessile, hairy below, varriability in leaf, flower and size of the connivent, connective produced in manner plant. of twisted threads; ovary 4-lobbed and 4- Acknowledgement: celled; ovules solitary in each cell, style The authors wish to acknowledge the terminal. Fruit of 4 nutlets, rugose on the Head, Department of Botany, University inner surface, about ½ in., enclosed in of Allahabad for providing laboratory persistent calyx lobes, grey when ripe. facilities, University Grant Commission Fl. & Fr.: July- January. for financial support and Dr. G. P. Sinha, Scientist E, Botanical Survey of India, Meja, S. kumar: 31034 Central Regional Centre, Allahabad for Distribution and Ecology: consulting herbarium and relevant Native to Australia and globally literature. distributed to Asia (India, the Philippines, Malaysia), Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and Australasia (Mauritius, Australia and Fiji) (NGRP, 2002; Holm et al., 1979; Reed, 1977; Wells et al., 1986). Discussion and conclusion: Interestingly the species was found in agricultural field left after the harvest in big and small patches both. On revisiting the same localiy after a few months the Fig. 1. Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. species was present there with growing crops and it clearly indicates that it is a f.) R. Br.

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