Phenology of Berberis lycium Royle-an important medicinal plant of NW Himalayas (Research Article)

Author(s): Seema Devi* and Namrata Sharma

Abstract: Berberis lycium Royle is a perennial, semi-deciduous shrub of great medicinal virtues. Rasout, an important drug obtained from the plant is rich in alkaloid berberine, due to which it is employed to cure many human ailments and is a part of several ayurvedic formulations. Present communication deals with phenology of the species in the sub-tropical climate of Jammu, J&K UT, India, based on observations in two populations in the area. The species undergoes semi deciduous phase in autumn, with the reappearance of leaves occuring in March, after the winters pass away. Flowering season commences in the end of March or in the beginning of April. Flowers are arranged in raceme inflorescences and have a long-life span of five days. These undergo several tactile movements during this period. Flowering ends in the last week of April or in the first week of May. Fruiting period spans the month of May and June. Fruit is a berry.

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