Vivipary in Gluta travancorica: Its Phytogeographic and Evolutionary Significance

The occurrence of vivipary in Gluta. travancorica has been treated as a genetic linked adaptive strategy through an evolutionary process to sustain the minimum viable individuals in its habitats. The vicariance of Gluta spp. viz., Southern Western Ghats, Madagascar and New Guinea from the main stock of the Malayan peninsula implies the phytogeographic history of the peninsular India on the basis of continental drift and biotic ferry model of transoceanic movement in plants. Malayan peninsula accommodates about 10 species of the Gluta, which usually inhabit peat swamps or marshy places. The ever-ending physical vagaries experiences in the presently degraded shola/montane ecosystems of the southern Western Ghats has compelled the species to produce viviparous seed germination as an adaptation to make sure its progenies. Further, the vivipary in G. travancorica recalls its possible original habitats in the peat swamps since its allied species are growing as mangrove associates in the Malayan peninsula.