Biochemical Changes During Flowering of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv.

Backround: Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv., exhibits a phenomenal structure often referred to as water calyces from within which the entire floral whorls presumed to be developing. Purpose: The present study was an attempt on the exceptional development of corolla under the influence of the bathing fluid of water calyces in Spathodea campanulata. Methods: Three different developmental stages of flower buds were used for anatomical, physiological (PWC, RWC and ᴪW) and biochemical studies (reducing sugars, amino acids, proteins, phenols, IAA and amylase activity) using standard methods. Results: Biochemical composition was found to be directly influencing the unique pattern of floral ontogeny. The exponential expansion of the corolla was found to be corresponding with significant increase in IAA concentration. Conclusions: The bathing fluid with its contents viz., sugars, amino acids, proteins, IAA and phenols seems to play a pivotal role in the development, nourishing and protecting the inner whorls of the flower buds. Anatomical studies also support the idea that the biochemical changes, especially the quantity of sugars and IAA could be the reason for the exponential expansion of the petals.