DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2015.v03i12.014

Pages: 1063-1067

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz is a medicinally vital, nocturnally blooming tree species facing significant threats from habitat destruction and unsustainable harvesting. This investigation explores key aspects of its reproductive biology and seed physiology to inform conservation strategies. Pollen viability and longevity were assessed under three storage conditions: room temperature, 4°C, and -4°C. Pollen stored at -4°C demonstrated maximum longevity, remaining viable for up to 300 hours (13 days), whereas viability was lost within 120 hours at 4°C and 100 hours at room temperature. Seeds were stored at room temperature to evaluate changes in moisture content and germination potential over time. Freshly collected seeds exhibited 100% germination. After 11 months of storage, germination remained high at 94.67%, but declined significantly to 37.33% after 16 months. This decline correlated with a reduction in seed moisture content, confirming the orthodox nature of O. indicum seeds. These findings provide a crucial baseline for developing effective ex situ conservation protocols, including pollen cryopreservation and seed banking, for this endangered medicinal tree.