K. M. Vaid , H. B. Naithani

Abstract

A species of Rumex new to science, Rumex punjobensis Vaid & Naithani from Amritsar (Punjab) India, is described. This species is called to Rumex crispus Linn., but differs in having long petiole and cordate base of radical leaves, dentate margin of fruiting sepals and all bisexual flowers. This taxon is named after the state ie., Punjab from where it was first collected.

Full Text

     

J. C. Varmah , K. M. Vaid

Abstract

The Diatrict Gazetteer of Allahabad (1968) contains an account of a massive tree supposed to be 500 years old' locally called vilaiti imli which "has not been identified botanically". It is growing on the left bank of Ganga at Prayag' and is sacred to Hindus and Muslims alike. It is connected with many legends and myths dating back to the hoary paot. Botanically' this is Adansonia digilata L., commonly known as Baobab' native of Africa' and classed among the fantastic trees of the world. Baobabs are known to live to an incredible age' besides being the most useful tree for certain tribes.

Full Text

     

M. B. Ratzada , K. M. Vaid

Abstract

No abstract

Full Text

     

M. B. Raizada , K. M. Vaid

Abstract

No abstract

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

No abstract

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

Slipa sibirica (L.) Lam. grows profusely in the western temperate Himalayas, particularly in the State of Jammu & Kashmir. Its range extends beyond the frontiers and forms almost pure communities under the conifer forests. The grass is notorious for its poisonous properties, causing death to cattle who might feed on it. Cases of severe poisoning to mules of the Defence Forces during military operations in Kashmir have been reported and various expeditions have, in the past, suffered setbacks due to its deleterious contents. The note is of importance on this account especilly when the country's Forces need every bit of useful information about the area of operation. The note also contains a suggestion about its possible use as a raw material for paper industry.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

In the beginning of the present century Ficus krishnae came to be Hnown as a botanical Curiosity and connected with mythology because of the peculiar cup-shaped modification -of the leaves. Added to this, a new freak, in the shape of the presence of leafy appendages on the petiole has now been observed. This again is a very rare occurrence not to be met with in any of the allied genera or species.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

No abstract

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

no abstract

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

Taxodium mucronatum is an exotic conifer of Mexican origin which is a long-lived, fast growing tree, inhabiting wet soils along stream banks and attaining enormous girth of the trunk. Its performance as a successful introduction in Dehra Dun has been very commendable and has stood the test of the time. It seems to satisfy practically all the essentials for choosing a fast growing species - it is well suited to the conditions of soil and climate and the growth is healthy and vigorous with a good survival value. In about 35 years the trees have attained an enviable girth of about 11 ft. and a height of about 70 ft . Its large-scale plantation over some other similar localitis and those posing special problems of afforestation like, heavy rainfall areas, canal banks, dam sites, etc have been suggested for trial. Wood properties are such that it can possibly be put to a great diversity of uses for which there is a lot of dearth and demand in the country. Its Potential as a raw material for paper industry has been suitably assessed and the results compare favourably with the chir pine (Pinus roxburghii). On the aesthetic side, it can open new vistas in beautifying the landscapes.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

The trees growing in their natural habitat display perfect harmony with their environmental factors (stimuli), but, when they are grown away from their 'home' into an 'alien' land they may respond characteristically to the effect of certain external stimuli. The new place may be an apparently isoclimatic region and several species may feel perfectly at home, but still, some other species are likely to exhibit sensitivity towards some stimulus or the other by bending towards one particular direction. The effect has been studied on certain species of Araucaria and Eucalyptus which show a tendency to bend towards the east or south. These are, however, preliminary studies and observations and experience of other workers would be welcome.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid , H. B. Naithani

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus Linn., a Compositae, native of the southern United States, was for the first time reported from India in 1956, growing as stray plants in waste places in Poona. Within a decade it had spread so far and wide in the plains that it became an obnoxious weed in Delhi, posing problems of its eradication. Simultaneously it spread southwards in the peninsular region also. It has now spread in the hills and is reported from the Kulu Valley. Its possible uses as a medicinal plant are discussed.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid , H. B. Naithani

Abstract

Cotula australis (Sieb. ex Spreng.) Hook. f., a Compositae, native of Australia and New Zealand, hitherto recorded from the South Indian hill stations only is now reported to be naturalizing wet places in the Himalayas, presently in Kulu, Simla and Darjeeling. It appears to be a recent introduction in the Himalayan region, possibly, having come as an admixture with the imported foodgrains or even through sheep imported as breeding stock from Australia.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid , H. B. Naithani

Abstract

The new species Cuscuta santapaui Banerji & Das has hitherto been reported from Eastern Nepal only. Careful re-evaluation of the specimens deposited in the Dehra Dun Herbarium (F.R.I.) however, revealed that this species occurs in Dehra Dun and Kashmir also, thus extending its distribution to the farthest limit of the Himalayas in the west and establishing it as a 'new record for India'.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

Ginkgo biLoba Linn. Bears the normal triangular shaped bi-lobed leaves. In 1920 and afterwards for 12 years Prof. Birbal Sahni collected some abnormal leaves forming funnels and funnel-shaped pockets etc. on the trees growing in Lahore, Mussoorie and Cambridge but never on trees growing in Dehra Dun, Calcutta, Vienna, Dresden. Occurrence of such abnormalities on Ginkgo trees in Dehra Dun is being recorded for the first time, as also some of the reasons for their being so.

Full Text

     

K. C. Sahni , K. M. Vaid , H. B. Naithani

Abstract

A comprehensive account of the "Cyperaceae of Madhya Pradesh" published by Tiwari and Maheshwari lists 97 species. The present paper records six more species as additions to the earlier enumeration. These are-Cyperus cephalotes Vahl, C. melanospermus (Nees) V. Suringar, Eleocharis geniculata (L.) Roem.& Sch., Fimbristylis acuminata Vahl, F. eragrostis (Nees) Hance and Scleria rugosa R. Br.

Full Text

     

K. M. Vaid

Abstract

Mikania is a very troublesome climber in forests of eastern India. Our century-old classical works on Indian botany recognised this species as Mikania scandens (L.) Willd. and this name remained current till very recently. Subsequently, its nomenclatural status was given more attention and the name was changed to M. cordata (Burm. f.) B.L. Robinson syn. M. scandens cl non Willd. on the plea that the former is a North American species and the latter alone Is found In East Asia. However, several collections received recently for determination have revealed that a species which Is most common in the Indian region is M. micrantha H.B.K. which had hitherto been never 'known' from this region or by this name. A retrograde check up on the old collections of M. cordata bas shown that there Is possibility of an 'error' In their earlier determinations and almost all such specimens are of M. micrantha, which is otherwise, of south American origin and also well known in the West ladies. Futther investigation is in progress to ascertain whether M. cordata syn. M. scandens really occurs In India or the plant has all along been going by a false name.

Full Text