Leaf Phenology of Plants of a Dry Deciduous Forest in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Plant phases and their phenological events in time and space were recorded in respect of leaf buds, young leaves and mature leaves. Out of 214 plant species found in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS). 45 species were subjected to examination of leaf phenology between January 1997 to December 1997. Most of them are native species of Aravalli hills. The phenological scores of each species and their phytophases were examined. The phenology in KWS suggest that this forest produced enough leaves even in the difficult and dry conditions to support animals. In summer months (March to June) 18.0% young leaves were available with a peak (25.99%) in May. Mature leaves were also available throughout monsoon and winter (except February) with a peak in September. In this area 65% of 45 species renew their leaves during cold weather, which flesh between March and July.