K. Venkata Ramana and A. Jacob Solomon Raju

DOI: 10.14456/sjst-psu.2019.4

pp. 30 - 36

Abstract

Litsea glutinosa is a semi-evergreen wet season blooming tree species. It is a dioecious plant characterized by separate
staminate and pistillate trees occurring in a 3:1 ratio. The inflorescence is a solitary and compound pseudo-umbel consisting of
involucral bracts each producing several staminate or pistillate nectariferous florets. The florets display myophilous pollination
syndrome and are pollinated by flies as well as other insects. The natural fruit set does not exceed 30%. The Bruchus beetle is a
fruit pest that causes infestation of 23% of total fruits produced. Fruit dispersal occurs by gravity and by the Indian giant squirrel
(Ratufa indica).