seasonal distribution of charophytes in kanyakumari ...€¦ · observed in nilgiris hills, egmore,...

Indian Journal of Plant Sciences ISSN: 2319-3824 (Online)

An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jps.htm 2013 Vol. 2 (2) April-June, pp.35-55/Nithyavathi and Balasingh

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SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHAROPHYTES IN KANYAKUMARI

DISTRICT, SOUTHERN TAMIL NADU, INDIA

* Pragasa Nithyavathy C. and Regini Balasingh G.S. Dept of Botany and Research Centre, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil

*Author for Correspondence

ABSTRACT

Kanyakumari District is a part of Western Ghats and receives two monsoons, the southwest

monsoon and the northeast monsoon. Eight aquatic stations (S1-S8) were selected based on

charophyte species distribution. Water analysis revealed seasonal variations in physicochemical

characteristics such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, calcium, nitrate and

phosphate. Nine Chara species and fifteen Nitella species were observed. The charophyte

species distribution showed seasonal variation, northeast monsoon season was favourable for

rich growth.

Key Words: Kanyakumari, Western Ghats, Charophyte, Seasonal Variation, Northeast Monsoon

INTRODUCTION

Charophytes include seven genera namely Nitella, Tolypella, Lycnothamnus, Lamprothamnium,

Chara, Nitellopsis and Protochara. In Tamil Nadu the number of species of Characeae described

is poor and extensive studies should be undertaken particularly in remote areas of the district.

The members survive well in fresh and brackish water condition upto 2/3 the salinity of sea

water with a pH limit of 5.2 to 9.8, mild acidic and alkaline condition. Quiet and undisturbed

condition permits the development of vegetative growth. Pollutant water with contamination,

luxurious blue green algal growth and aquatic angiosperms like Elodea, Vallisneria, Hydrilla,

Ceratophyllum and Uticularia totally disturb the growth of charophytes. The present study deals

with seasonal distribution and diversity of charophytes occurring in selected stations of

Kanyakumari district.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The members of charophytes were collected from the four Taluks in eight aquatic stations of the

district for a period of one year (January 2009 December 2010). Selected physicochemical

parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, calcium, nitrate and phosphate

concentrations of the aquatic ecosystem were analysed (APHA, 1985). The members were

identified using the literatures of Pal et al., (1962), Wood and Imahori (1965) and Subramanium

(2002).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results observed from the different stations are illustrated in Table -1. The mean pH values

ranged from 5.9 (S3) dung non monsoon season to 8.4 (S5) dung southwest monsoon in S3 and S5

stations, Chara zeylanica was reported as dense mass forming (like ‘mat’ nature) species.

Subramminan (2002) has reported that acidic pH favoured the growth of Chara. The total

alkalinity content reached maximum of 269mg/l in S5 during southwest monsoon season when

Chara species flourished well and Sundaralingam (1962) reported that hardness of water



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influences the growth of charophytes in freshwater ecosystems. Factors such as temperature,

light intensity, calcium, higher pH and alkalinity concentration influenced the growth and

formation of sex organs in Chara species (Vestergaard and Sand Jensen, 2000; Joye et al., 2002).

Smith (1955) has also reported that charophytes respond to salinity, acidity, alkalinity, light

intensity and altitude variation.

In the present observation the genus Chara with 9 species and Nitella with 15 species were

collected and their seasonal distribution is shown in Table 2. It was noted that Chara contraria,

C.vulgaris and Nitella furcata were cosmopolitan in distribution (Wood and Imahori, 1965;

Khan and Sarma, 1984). Goldi (1988) carried out a study on Nitella flagelliformis and N. furcata

collected from two freshwater stations of Kanyakumari District. Nithyavathy et al. have

observed Chara vulgaris and C.hydropitys in Kanyakumari district as common freshwater

macroalgae. Sukumaran et al. (2010) identified Nitella leptodactyla, N. opaca, N. acuminata var.

belangeri, N. dictyosperma, N. furcata, Chara benthami, C. hydropitys and C. vulgaris in the

water bodies of sacred groves of Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks of Kanyakumari District.

Nitella opaca, N. dictyosperma, N. furcata and Chara vulgaris, were reported as dominant.

Shamel (2011) also found Chara zeylanica and Chara hydropitys in her studies on green algae.

In S3 Chara zeylanica was collected throughout the study period with globule and nucule. The

favourable pH, moderate level of alkalinity and calcium rich water of the station may be the

reason for its abundant growth. Seasonal distribution showed maximum number of Nitella and

Chara species during northeast monsoon season. Rich nitrogen and calcium elements in S8 also

favour Chara benthami, Nitella burmanica, N. oligospira, N. leptodactyla, N. gracilis to produce

sex organs during northeast and non monsoon seasons. The tropical climate, favorable soil types

and good seasonal conditions of the district may be the reason for the significant seasonal

distribution and diversity of charophytes. The observed Characeae species were taxonomically

distinct and are illustrated in Figures1-24.

Plant descriptions

Chara L.

Stems corticated or ecorticated ; branches limited usually one at a node; branchlets simple in

whorls at the nodes; antheridia lateral; coronula of oogonium has five cells in single tier;

stipulodes present at the base of the branchlets.

Chara hydropitys Reich.

Plants monoecious, long, 486-580µ thick, long stipulodes in single series, 11 branchlets in a

whorl, branchlets 5-7 segmented, lowermost and some of the uppermost segments are

ecorticated. It was collected from S1, S4 and S7. It was reported with sex organs during the

months of non-monsoon season. In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Coimbatore,

Vandalur, Adayar, Singaperumalkoil and Thirukalikundram (Figure 1).

C. flaccida Braun.

Plants monoecious, small, stem slender, 390µ thick, corticated, well developed stipulodes

forming a single whorl, 8-12 branchlets in a whorl, branchlets incurved and 4-6 segmented

ecorticated. It was collected from S4. Sex organs were observed during non-monsoon season. In

Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Vandalur, Red hills, Ennore, Guduvancheri and

Singaperumalkoil (Figure 2).



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C. benthami Braun.

Plant monoecious, incrusted, moderately thick, 482µ diameter, well developed stipulodes in

single row, internodes corticated and branchlets 8-12 in a whorl, ecorticated. It was collected

from S4, S7 and S8.The species produced sex organs during northeast monsoon and non-monsoon

seasons. In India, it was previously reported in Culcutta, Dhapdhapi, Agarpara and Bengal

(Figure 3).

C. fibrosa Ag. Ex. Bruz.

Plant monoecious, delicate, 324µ thick, fibrous, pale green in colour, 9-12 thin bristle like

branchlets in each whorl, branchlets 3-4 segmented. It was collected from S6. The specimens

were reported with sex organs during the months of non-monsoon season (Figure 4).

C. erythrogyna W.Griffith.

Plant monoecious, small sized, robust form, beautifully clustered, yellowish green in colour, 9-

12 branchlets in a whorl, branchlets 3-4 segmented. It was collected from S2. It produced sex

organs during non-monsoon season (Figure 5).

C. contraria Kutzing.

Plants monoecious, heavily incrusted, stem stout, 750µ thick, corticated stipulodes in double

whorl, internodes long and 6-10 branchlets in a whorl, partially corticated. It was collected from

S4. It was reported with sex organs during the months of non-monsoon season. In India, it was

previously reported in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (Figure 6).

C. vulgaris Linn.

Plants monoecious, stem about 500µ thick, very long, corticated stipulodes in double whorl,

internodes about 7cm long, 7-9 branchlets in each whorl, branchlets 6-8 segmented and recurved,

partially corticated sometimes entirely ecorticated. It was collected from S4. Sex organ were

observed during non-monsoon season. In India, it was previously reported in Bihar, Agra, and

Poona. (Figure 7)

C. delicatula (Agardh) A. Braun.

Plants monoecious, long, 672µ thick, corticated, stipulodes in double whorl, branchlets 8-11 in

each whorl, branchlets 6 segmented, extreme segments are ecorticated. It was collected from S4

and S5. Sex organs were reported during the months of northeast and non-monsoon seasons in S4

and only during non-monsoon season in S5. In India, it was previously observed in (U.P) Banaras

(Figure 8).

C. zeylanica Willdenow.

Plants monoecious, long; stem stout, 700-800µ thick, heavily incrusted, corticated, stipulodes in

two series, internodes 1-3 times the length of the branchlets, 11 spreading branchlets in each

whorl, branchlets 6-7 segmented, basal segment ecorticated. It was collected from S3. In Tamil

Nadu, previously it was observed in Red hills, Guduvancheri, Tiruvellore, Chengalput, Vandalur

and Pamban (Figure9).

Nitella Agardh (em.Leonh.).

Stem ecorticated; branchlets forked, arise in whorls at the nodes; oogonia lateral; coronula of

oogonium has ten cells in two tiers; stipulodes absent.

Nitella hyalina (De Cond.) Agardh.

Plants about 13cm long, branchlets two types, primary branchlets 2 times furcated, accessory

branchlets simple, antheridium and oogonium at the same node. It was collected from S1. It was

reported with sex organs during northeast monsoon season .In Tamil Nadu, it was previously



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observed in Nilgiris hills, Egmore, Sriperumbudur, Vandalur, Chengalput, Red Hills and

Guduvancheri (Figure 11).

N. opaca Agardh.

Male and female plants about 25 cm long, branchlets dimorphic with sterile and fertile whorls,

antheridium solitary, oogonium solitary and in pairs. Male plant was collected from S8 and

female plant from S6. Sex organs were observed during northeast monsoon season (Figure 12).

N. acuminata A.Braun.

Plant 25cm high, branchlets curving upwards, once furcated, antheridia and oogonia in group at

different nodes. It was collected from S6. Sex organs were reported during the months of non-

monsoon season. In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Ootacamond and Nilgiris (Figure

13).

N. acuminata var.belangeri Braun.

Small plant, about 7cm long, fertile branchlets in dense heads, once furcated, antheridium and

oogonium at the same junction. It was collected from S4 and S8. Sex organs were observed

during northeast monsoon season and non-monsoon season. In India it was already observed in

Bombay (Figure 14).

N. flagelliformis Braun.

Male plants slender, about 26cm long, branchlets 6-7 in a whorl, 4-5 times furcated, sessile

antheridium at all furcations. It was collected from S1 and S5. The plants produced sex organs

during non-monsoon season. In India it was already observed in Assam, Bejapur, Saharanpur and

Bombay (Figure 15).

N. gracilis (J.E.Smith) C. Agardh.

Male and female plants have 4-6 branchlets in each whorl, male plants stouter, antheridium

reddish, solitary, and female plants thin, 3-4 oogonia together. Both male and female plants were

collected from S8. In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Sathyamangalam and Athanur

villages of South Arcot District (Figure16).

N. batrachosperma (Reich) Braun.

Plants extremely slender, 5-6 branchlets in a whorl, twice furcated; antheridium and oogonium at

the same node. It was collected from S1.The plants produced sex organs during non-monsoon

season. In India it was already observed in Uttar Pradesh and Bombay (Figure 16).

N. dictyosperma Groves.

Plant moderately thick, branchlets 6 in each whorl; antheridium and oogonium together at the

second furcation. It was collected from S8. Sex organs were observed during southwest monsoon

season (Figure 17).

N. leptodactyla Grove.

Fragile plant, about 15cm long, stem 224µ thick, internodes 2-5 times the length of the

branchlets, 6-7 branchlets in a whorl, 2-4 times furcated, enveloped in mucus. It was collected

from S8. Sex organs were observed during late southwest monsoon season. In India it was

previously observed in Gangetic plain (Figure18).

N. furcata Agardh.

Plant shows highly branching habit, stem thick, 757µ in diameter, 6 branchlets in a whorl,

antheridium solitary, oogonium solitary and two together. It was collected from S2, S4, S6 and S7.

Sex organs were observed during the months of northeast monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. In

Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in Adayar, Vandalur and Egmore (Figure19).



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N. oligospira Br.

Plant 16cm high, stem 684µ thick, 5-6 branchlets in a whorl 2-3 furcated, oogonium much

smaller than the antheridium which is central in position. It was collected from S4, S6, S7 and S8.

A. B. C.

Figure1: Chara hydropitys Reich. A- habit, B - antheridium at a node, C- oogonium at a

node; a-antheridium, o-oogonium, bte-bracteole, brn - branchlet node.

A. B.

Figure 2: Chara flaccida Braun. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node;

a- antheridium, o-oogonium, bte- bracteole, brn – branchlet node.



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A. B.

Figure 3: Chara benthami Braun. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node; bte-

bracteole.

A. B. C.

Figure 4: Chara fibrosa Ag.ex.Bruz. A - habit, B - antheridium, C - oogonium at a different

node.



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A B.

Figure 5: Chara erythrogyna. Griffith, A - habit, B - Ecorticated branchlet showing

antheridium and oogonium at a node; bt-bract, bte-bracteole.

A. B.

Figure 6: Chara contraria Kutzing. A - habit, B -Corticated branchlet antheridium and

oogonium at a node; a- antheridium, o-oogonium, abt - anterior pair of bract cells.



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A. B.

Figure 7: Chara vulgaris Linn. A - habit, B - corticated branchlet showing antheridium and

oogonium at a node; a- antheridium, o-oogonium, abt - anterior bracts, pbt - posterior

bracts.

A. B.

Figure 8: Chara delicatula Braun (Agardh). A - habit, B -Corticated branchlet showing

antheridium and oogonium at a node; a- antheridium, o-oogonium, brn - branchlet node,

sp- spine cell.



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A. B.

Figure 9: Chara zeylanica Willdenow. A – habit, B – antheridium and oogonium at a node;

a- antheridium, o-oogonium, brn – branchlet node,nc-nodal cells.

A. B.

Figure 10: Nitella hyalina Agardh. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node.



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A. B.

C. D.

Figure 11: Nitella opaca Agardh. A-Male plant habit, B-antheridium at a node, C-Female

plant habit, D-oogonia at a node.



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A. B. C.

Figure 12: Nitella acuminata A.Braun. A - habit, B – antheridia at node, C- oogonia at

different node

A. B.

Figure 13: Nitella acuminata var.belangeri Braun. A - habit, B - antheridium and oogonia

at a node



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A. B. C.

Figure 14: Nitella flagelliformis Braun. A - habit, B – whorl of branchlets, C - antheridium

at nodes

A. B.



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C. D.

Figure 15: Nitella gracilis (J.E.Smith)C. Agardh. A - Female plant habit, B - oogonia at a

node, C - male plant habit, D - antheridium at a node

A. B. C.

Figure 16: Nitella batrachosperma (Reich) Braun. A - Habit, B - antheridium at a node,

C - oogonium at a node



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A. B.

Figure17: Nitella dictyosperma Groves. A - Habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node

A. B.

Figure18: Nitella leptodactyla Groves. A - Habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node



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A. B. C.

Figure19: Nitella furcata Agarth. A - Habit, B - oogonia at a node, C - antheridium at a

node.

A. B.

Figure 20: Nitella oligospira Braun. A - Habit, B - oogonium and antheridium at a node.



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A. B. C.

Figure 21: Nitella burmanica Pal. A - Habit, B - oogonia at a node, C - antheridium at a

node.

A. B.

Figure 22: Nitella superba Pal. A – Habit, B – whorl of branchlets showing antheridia



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A. B. C.

Figure23: Nitella mucronata Miquel. A - Habit, B - oogonium at a node, C - antheridium at a node

A. B.

Figure 24: Nitella pseudotenuissima Kundu. A - Habit, B - antheridium and oogonium at a node

Sex organs were observed during non-monsoon season. In S8 the plants were found to produce

sex organs during southwest monsoon season. In Tamil Nadu, it was previously observed in

Vandalur (Figure 20).



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C. burmanica Pal.

Plant about 25cm long, stem stout, 720µ thick, 4-5 branchlets in each whorl, thrice furcated,

oogonia in groups, antheridium pushed to one side. It was collected from S2, S5 and S8. Sex

organs were observed during non-monsoon season. In S8 the plants were found to produce sex

organs during southwest monsoon season (Figure21). Table 1: Seasonal distribution (mean +SD) of physicochemical parameters of water in the

experimental stations Parameters Season S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8

Temperature oC

NMS 28.47 + 0.81

27 + 1.29 28.42 + 0.85

29.5+0.83 29.2 + 2.1

30 + 1.70 29.5 + 2.18

30.1 + 1.70

SWM 26.5 + 1.38

28 + 2.18 27.5 + 2.9 28.2 + 1.18

25 + 2.14 29 + 5.4 27.8 + 4.9

29 + 2.7

NEM 24.2 + 0.94

26.2 + 1.9 26 + 1.00 27.2 + 1.10

26.4 + 2.7

28.4 + 4.9 26.1 + 3.9

27.4 + 2.94

pH

NMS 8.1 + 0.09 7.8 + 0.18 5.9 + 0.094

6.4 + 1.12 7.8 + 2.14

7.4 + 1.90 7.6 + 1.19

6.8 + 1.98

SWM 7.50 + 0.22

7.6 + 0.27 6.18 + 1.12

7.8 + 1.16 8.4 + 3.0 7.9 + 0.34 8.0 + 2.17

7.4 + 2.0

NEM 7.8 + 0.2 7.9 + 0.31

6.9 + 1.14 7.6 + 1.14 7.9 + 2.0 8.2 + 0.08 8.28 + 2.8

8.3 + 7.94

DO mg/l

NMS 4.45 + 0.8 4.82 + 1.18

4.1 + 1.2 4.18 + 1.19

5.0 + 2.14

4.4 + 1.18 4.9 + 1.27

4.9 + 1.30

SWM 5.2 + 0.49 5.62 + 0.70

4.9 + 1.12 5.0 + 1.14 6.4 + 3.15

5.2 + 1.2 5.2 + 1.31

5.4 + 1.40

NEM 5.8 + 0.48 5.17 + 0.62

5.4 + 2.17 6.74 + 2.18

5.9 + 2.97

5.8 + 1.30 5.0 + 1.18

5.6 + 1.67

Alkalinity

mg/l

NMS 74 + 5.18 94.8 + 10.72

124 + 17.5

138.6 + 27.5

229 + 18.4

164.7 + 19.7

127 + 14.9

92 + 20.4

SWM 54 + 4.78 81. 7 + 9.12

102 + 19.5

142.5 + 30.4

269 + 26.9

184 + 26.7

135 +19.7

174 + 31.5

NEM 60 + 6.41 84.5 + 8.7 90 + 13.4 120 + 19.8

194 + 28.4

174 + 23.9

115 +17.95

159 + 30.7

Calcium

mg/l

NMS 17.8 + 6.9 21.6 + 10.82

42 + 14.5 90 + 0.5 65 + 14.9 30 + 15.2 24 + 9.4 27.4 + 11.2

SWM 8.5 + 4.9 19.5 + 8.18

23 + 9.9 44 + 16.5 48 + 19.5 26 + 13.9 18.2 + 8.2

34.9 + 14.9

NEM 6.2 + 4.0 13.7 + 6.5 21 + 8.0 39 + 14.9 30 + 18.4 21 + 14.5 11 + 6.71 21 + 18.0

Nitrate

mg/l

NMS 0.81 + 0.08

0.98 + 0.2 0.49 + 0.04

0.78 + 0.07

0.67 + 0.04

0.90 + 0.09

0.74 + 0.07

0.98 + 0.07

SWM 1.74 + 0.7 1.48 + 0.9 0.84 + 0.08

1.18 + 1.17

1.27 + 1.12

1.27 + 1.0 0.90 + 0.04

0.41 + 0.02

NEM 1.60 + 0.79

1.18 + 0.8 0.19 + 0.12

2.17 + 1.2 2.74 + 1,14

1.94 + 1.18

1.18 + 0.92

1.18 + 0.74

Phosphate

mg/l

NMS 0.69 + 0.8 0.71 + 0.81

0.94 + 0.7 0.68 + 0.04

0.98 + 0.06

0.94 + 0.9 0.7 + 0.01

0.6 + 0.01

SWM 0.84 + .61 0.98 + 0.01

1.17 + 1.1 0.98 + 0.06

0.74 + 0.01

1.18 +1.12

0.18 + 0.01

1.18 + 0.01

NEM 0.42 + 0.71

0.42 + 0.08

1.18 + 0.94

1.14 + 0.98

1.45 + 0.42

2.74 + 1.1 0.98 + 0.01

2.74 + 1.12



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Table: 2 Seasonal distribution of charophytes in experimental stations during 2009-2010

Sl.No Name of the Charophytes Season Experimental Stations

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8

1. Chara hydropitys Reich

NMS +*

+* +

*

SWM + +

NEM + + +

2. Chara flaccida Braun

NMS +*

SWM +

NEM +

3. Chara benthami Braun

NMS +* +

SWM + +

NEM + +*

4. Chara fibrosa Ag. Ex. Bruz

NMS +*

SWM +

NEM +

5. Chara erythrogyna W.Griffith.

NMS +*

SWM

NEM +

6. Chara contraria Kutzing

NMS +*

SWM +

NEM +

7. Chara vulgaris Linn

NMS +*

SWM +

NEM +

8. Chara delicatula Braun

NMS + +*

SWM +* +

NEM +* +

*

9. Chara zeylanica Willdenow

NMS +*

SWM +

NEM +

10. Nitella hyalina Agardh

NMS

SWM +

NEM +*

11. Nitella opaca Agardh

NMS

SWM +

NEM +*

12. Nitella acuminata Agardh

NMS +* +

*

SWM

NEM + +

13. Nitella acuminata var.belangeri

NMS +

SWM

NEM +*

14. Nitella flagelliformis Braun

NMS +* +

*

SWM +

NEM + +

15. Nitella gracilis (J.E.Smith) C. Agardh.

NMS +*

SWM

NEM +

16. Nitella batrachosperma (Reich) Braun

NMS +*

SWM

NEM +

17. Nitella dictyosperma Groves

NMS +

SWM +*

NEM

18. Nitella leptodactyla Groves

NMS +

SWM +*

NEM

19. Nitella furcata Agardh

NMS +* +

* +

* +

*

SWM + + +

NEM + +* +

* +

20. Nitella oligospira Braun

NMS +* +

* +

* +

SWM + + +*

NEM + + + +

21. Nitella burmanica Pal

NMS +* +

* +

SWM +

NEM + + +*



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22. Nitella superba Pal

NMS +*

SWM

NEM +

23. Nitella mucronata Miquel

NMS +*

SWM +

NEM +

24. Nitella pseudotenuissima Kundu

NMS +*

SWM +

NEM +

+ = present, +*

= with sex organ.

N. superba Pal.

Male plants about 8cm long, branchlets 5-6 in a whorl, 2 times furcated, antheridium solitary at

the ultimate branchlet nodes. It was collected from S6. The plant was reported with sex organs

during non-monsoon season. In India it was previously observed in Assam and Bombay (Figure

22).

N. mucronata (Bro.) Miquel.

Highly branching habit, 4-6 branchlets in a whorl, branchlets 2-3 times furcated, antheridium and

oogonium solitary at different nodes. It was collected from S7. Sex organs were observed during

non-monsoon season. Previously it was observed in Madras (Figure 23).

N. pseudotenuissima Kundu.

Stout plant, whorls on the branches much congested and more or less moniliform, branchlets 6 at

a node, 1-2 times furcated, antheridium and oogonium at the second furcations. It was collected

from S4. The plants reproduced during the later period of northeast monsoon season and early

period of non-monsoon season (Figure 24).

Conclusion

Charophytes are small and sharply defined assemblage of fresh water macro algae. They present

a great elaboration of vegetative and reproductive structures and include seven genera. Two of

them observed from the study area were Chara and Nitella. Kanyakumari district provides

special niche for this unique biodiversity. Further investigations in the hill stations, middle plains

and coastal lines may lead to the identification of more genera and species.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my heartfelt gratitude to my guide Dr G.S. Regini Balasingh for the encouragement and

help rendered in processing the paper. I am indebted to Dr A. Deva Sobhana Raj for creating an

interest in this area of research. I am grateful to Dr D. Subramanian for his guidance and help in

getting the species identified.

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