Assessment of phenological growth stages of Malaxis acuminata D. Don: a high value herbaceous medicinal plant.

Malaxis acuminata D. Don (Common name- Jeevak) is a well-known medicinal herb with considerable therapeutic and medicinal potential. The species is used to cure ailments like seminal debility, fever, tuberculosis, vitality strengthening, and immune modulation. However, the phenology of this species has not been investigated systematically. In this study, eight major developmental stages for bud development (PGS-0), leaf development (PGS-1), shoot development (PGS-3), inflorescence emergence (PGS-5), flowering (PGS-6), fruit development (PGS-7), fruit maturation (PGS-8), and senescence (PGS-9) of M. acuminata have been identified using the extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale along with secondary growth stages. The climatic settings required for these phenophases of the species were also investigated. Malaxis acuminata exhibited a long juvenile vegetative phase compared to the short reproductive phase. For a better understanding of these growth stages, explanatory photographs with descriptions and codification are provided. It was observed that M. acuminata completes its various vegetative and reproductive phases in a very short period under favourable conditions, after which the pseudobulbs serve as propagation propagules for the production of plantlets in the following year. The correct identification of the phenophases of M. acuminata is vital for characterization, conservation and management because of their importance in cultivation and maintenance. Therefore, this approach can be recommended as an efficient tool for elite identification for growers and researchers for pharmaceutical and drug discovery, along with gene expression research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]