Research & Reviews: Journal of Botany

ISSN: 2278–2222

www.stmjournals.com

Distribution Pattern, Population Density, Phenological

Episodes and Morphometric Analysis of Salix babylonica
Ashiq Hussain1, Mohammad Saleem Wani1*, Ubaid Yaqoob1,
Afaq Majid Wani2, A. H. Munshi1
1
Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir-190006, India
2
College of Forestry, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences
(SHIATS),Uttar Pradesh-211007, India

Abstract
The present study was carried out in different areas of Kashmir Himalaya. Quantitative
analyses were done for the following parameters, viz., distribution, morphology and
phenology. Present research findings revealed that Srinagar has the highest population
density followed by Badgam, Baramulla, Shopian, and least was found in Anantnag
and Ganderbal. Its sap normally begins to flow in late February while leaves begin to
expand at the beginning of March. Flowering starts at the beginning of March and
ends in the month of April. Leaf fall starts at the beginning of September and continues
till November.

Keywords: Salix babylonica, population density, morphology, phenology

*Author for Correspondence E-mail: saleemwn806@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION quite fuzzy. It forms a gracefully rounded

Salix babylonica belongs to the genus Salix
family Salicaceae and is commonly called
weeping willow, Babylon weeping willow
(English), Salice piangente (Italian). Weeping
willow is believed to be native to central Asia
(western China) but is cultivated in Asia [1]. It
flourishes well in temperate zones at an
altitude ranging from 1510–2438 m. The plant
is an important resource for fuel. Farmer
values it as a source of fodder but gives almost
equal importance to value for fuels and
fencing. By an early date it had spread to the
Middle-East where it grew along the Tigris
and Euphrates rivers, the site of ancient
Babylonia which gives its name to this
species. Its graceful beauty and distinctive
form have made it one of the world’s most
recognized trees. Bowing gracefully at
waterside, the weeping willow evokes
romantic vistas of silvery foliage stirring with
each breeze. Branches are glabrous, drooping,
and leaves narrowly lanceolate. Commonly
found along moist places and often planted or
cultivated as an ornamental tree [2], the
beautiful weeping willow is dioecious; male
and female appear as upright catkins and are
crown to about 50 ft in height with a spread
just as wide. Its bark is dark gray and deeply
furrowed. Branches divide into many thin
stems that hang in pendulous curtains to the
ground. It is very adaptable and will thrive in
most soil types except for those that are very
fast draining and very dry, being light-
demanding species has difficulty in
regenerating under forest canopies. Willows
have a limited genetic variation, raising fears
of large populations being affected in the event
of a disease outbreak.
The leaves and tender shoots are used as
fodder for cows and goats in some areas of
Kashmir Himalaya. During the present study
carried out in various parts of Kashmir
Himalaya, since the last three years, it was
observed that S. babylonica is also used as
fodder along with Ulmus villosa. Its leaves
generally contain high protein, low crude fiber
and high acid detergent fiber [3]. Various
studies have confirmed that S. babylonica
leaves have high nutritional quality
comparable to common forages, such as
lucerne (Medicago sativa) and that they can be

RRJoB (2013) 5-11 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 5
Distribution Pattern Analysis of Salix babylonica
__________________________________________________________________________________________
fed to ruminants without any adverse side
effects. Different species of Salix are grown all
over the world for fuel, construction and
environmental preservation because of their
wide adaptability. They can grow in poor and
exposed soils [4] and can tolerate heavy metals
like cadmium and zinc in the soil [5, 6].
Phenological adaptations allow utilization of
specific resources, which exhibit temporal
periodicity and may lead to temporal
separation of species [7]. This has been
viewed as a mechanism of niche separation
and evolution of other new adaptations [8].
Phenological divergence exposes a species to
different environmental characteristics,
especially those which have relatively wide
elevational distribution with increasing
altitude; fall in temperature changes the time
of occurrence of various phenophases of a
species as phenological events are frequently
controlled by temperature. Each phenophase is
scheduled to occur at a certain temperature
range, above and below which it is replaced by
other phenophases. In the Himalayas, very few
studies have been made pertaining to the
phenology of trees [9]. Keeping in view the
aforesaid facts, this study has been designed to
understand distribution, population density,
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fig. 1: Map Showing the Distribution of S. babylonica.
In the present research work, survey was
conducted across the Kashmir valley. The
above map (Figure 1) shows the distribution of
S. babylonica in Kashmir Himalaya. The
RRJoB (2013) 5-11 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
Hussain et al.
phenological attributes, and the morphometric
analysis in S. babylonica at different altitudes
of Kashmir Himalaya.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In Kashmir Himalaya, areas (Srinagar,
Baramulla, Badgam, Gund Ganderbal,
Anantnag and Shopian) were selected and the
plots were demarcated. Simple random-
sampling techniques were used. Thirty
quadrants were laid at each site. The
dimensions of trees falling in each plot were
recorded. The sizes of the quadrats were
30 × 30 m2 for trees [10]. Population density
was recorded by laying 30 × 30 m2 quadrants
and number of plants per quadrant was noted
to calculate population density. Petiole length
was measured by taking thirty leaves from
each plant with the help of measuring scale in
centimeters. Field investigations and
experiments were conducted during the period
February 2012 to November 2012. After
having preliminary field knowledge on
flowering season of the selected species,
regular field studies were made to the extent
possible to collect information and data on the
aspects selected for the study.
following sites, viz., Srinagar, Baramulla,
Badgam, Gund Ganderbal, Anantnag and
Shopian (Figure 2) were selected for this
research work to study population density
phenotypic variability and phenology.
Page 6
 Research & Reviews: Journal of Botany
Volume 2, Issue 3, ISSN: 2278–2222
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Fig. 2: Map Showing Selected Sites.

Table 1: Variation in Different Morphological Parameters of S. babylonica.

Morphological Population ANNOVA
feature
S. Trait Srinagar Baramulla Badgam Gund Anantnag Shopian F P
No. Ganderbal df
1. Plant 1.38 ± 0.58 1.42 ± 0.68 0.63 ± 0.25 1.67 ± 0.69 0.79 ± 0.44 0.47 ± 0.26 5 28.15 0.00
circumference
(m)

2. Leaf area (cm2) 14.22 ± 6.01 10.48 ± 3.8 11.69 ± 2.8 9.65 ± 2.76 13.1 ± 6.26 20.70 ± 8.73 5 16.03 0.00

3. Petiole length 0.75 ± 0.29 0.75 ± 0.29 0.79 ± 0.20 0.83 ± 0.15 1.1 ± 0.25 0.83 ± 0.19 5 8.36 0.00
(cm)

Field surveys were conducted and the
distribution of S. babylonica at different
altitudes of Kashmir Himalayas was studied.
The number of trees present in quadrant was
used to calculate the approximate population
density. Data compiled reveals that Srinagar
(2.76 ± 1.27) has highest population density
followed by Badgam (2.53 ± 1.75), Baramulla
(1.66 ± 0.52), Shopian (1.36 ± 0.61), and least
was found in Anantnag (1.26 ± 0.40) and
Ganderbal (1.26 ± 0.69). Largest
circumference (1.67 ± 0.69 m) was recorded in
Ganderbal, followed by Baramulla
(1.42 ± 0.68 m), Srinagar (1.38 ± 0.58 m),
Anantnag (0.79 ± 0.44 m), Badgam
(0.63 ± 0.25 m) and least was recorded in
Shopian (0.47 ± 0.26 m). Maximum leaf area
(20.70 ± 8.73 cm2) was recorded in Shopian
followed by Srinagar (14.22 ± 6.01 cm2),
Anantnag (13.1 ± 6.2 cm2), Badgam
(11.69 ± 2.86 cm2), Baramulla
(10.48 ± 3.8 cm2) and minimum leaf area
(9.65 ± 2.76 cm2) in Ganderbal. Maximum
petiole length (1.1 ± 0.25 cm) was recorded in
Anantnag followed by Ganderbal,
(0.83 ± 0.15 cm), Shopian (0.83 ± 0.19 cm),
Badgam (0.75±0.20 cm), and minimum petiole
length (0.75 ± 0.29 cm) was recorded in
Srinagar and Baramulla (Table 1, Figure 3).

RRJoB (2013) 5-11 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 7
 Distribution Pattern Analysis of Salix babylonica Hussain et al.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 2: Variation in Fresh Weight and Dry Weight.

S. Trait Srinagar Baramulla Badgam Gund Anantnag Shopian df F P
No. Ganderbal
1. Fresh weight of 0.27 ± 0.09 0.21 ± 0.05 0.41 ± 0.13 0.22 ± 0.23 0.28 ± 0.09 0.34 ± 0.09 5 10.66 0.00
leaves (g)

2. Dry weight of 0.09 ± 0.02 0.07 ± 0.01 0.17 ± 0.12 0.08 ± 0.07 0.12 ± 0.04 0.13 ± 0.03 5 10.87 0.00
leaves (g)

In addition, fresh weight and dry weight of
leaves were also recorded and data revealed
that the maximum fresh weight (0.41 ± 0.13 g)
was recorded in Badgam followed by Shopian,
(0.34 ± 0.09 g), Anantnag (0.28 ± 0.09 g),
Srinagar (0.27 ± 0.09 g), and minimum fresh
weight (0.21 ± 0.05, 0.22 ± 0.23 g) were
recorded in Baramulla and Ganderbal.
Maximum dry weight of leaves (0.17 ± 0.12 g)
was recorded in Badgam followed by Shopian,
(0.13 ± 0.03 g), Anantnag (0.12 ± 0.04 g),
Srinagar (0.09 ± 0.02 g), and minimum dry
weight (0.08 ± 0.07, 0.07 ± 0.01 g) was
recorded in Ganderbal and Baramulla
(Table 2, Figure 3).

31

26

21 Population Density
Circumference (m)
16
Leaf Area (cm2)
Petiole size (cm)
11
Fresh Weight of Leaves (g)
Dry Weight of Leaves (g)
6

1
Srinagar Baramulla Badgam Anantnag Shopian Gund
-4 Ganderbal
Fig. 3: Graphical Representation of Variation in Different Parameters in S. babylonica.

In order to understand the biology of S.
babylonica, the phenological calendar studies
for different growth parameters were
monitored from sprouting up to the
senescence. The altitude and eco-edaphic
conditions seem to play an important role in
the phenological behavior of the species. This
phenological behavior of the species was
monitored in all the six selected populations
distributed in varied habitats of Kashmir
Himalaya. There were marked phenological
shifts in timing of different phenophases along
the altitudinal gradient (Figures 4 and 5). The
phenological events studied include initiation
and duration of vegetative phase, sexual phase
(initiation and duration of bud formation) and
senescence. After chilling months of winter
which last from December to February, leaf
starts unfolding in the fourth week of February
and continues till fourth week of March. The
plant starts flowering in the first week of
March and continues till first week of April.
The plant shows senescence in first week of
September and lasts up to fourth week of
December. Thus, the species exhibit a life span
of 123–132 days from flowering to senescence
(Table 3).

RRJoB (2013) 5-11 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 8
 Research & Reviews: Journal of Botany
Volume 2, Issue 3, ISSN: 2278–2222
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 3: Phenological Behavior of Select Populations of S. babylonica.

Phenophase Population
Srinagar Baramulla Badgam Anantnag Shopian Gund
1580 m 1593 m 1609 m 1700 m 2057 m Ganderbal
2250 m
Leaf initiation I 2(4) 2(4) 2(4) 3(1) 2(4) 2(4)

C 3(3) 3(4) 3(4) 4(2) 3(4) 3(4)

D 25 28 27 36 28 28

Flowering I 3(1) 3(1) 3(1) 3(1) 3(2) 3(2)

C 4(1) 4(1) 4(1) 4(1) 4(1) 4(1)

D 28 29 28 27 24 24

Senescence I 9(1) 9(1) 9(2) 8(4) 9(1) 9(1)

C 11(3) 11(4) 11(4) 10(4) 11(4) 11(4)

D 70 75 71 58 76 76

Duration 123 132 126 129 128 128

I = Initiation of the phase, C = Completion of the phase, D = Duration of the phase. Number outside
the parenthesis is month and inside week.

.
Fig. 4: Phenogram Showing Different Phases of S. babylonica.

RRJoB (2013) 5-11 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 9
Distribution Pattern Analysis of Salix babylonica Hussain et al.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

a b

c d
Fig. 5: (a): Salix babylonica, (b): Spike, (c): Leaves and (d): Senescence.

CONCLUSIONS
During the present study, it was observed that
the S. babylonica has a wide range of
distribution present throughout the Kashmir
valley. As far as the population density of the
species is concerned, it was observed to be the
highest in Badgam population and least in
Ganderbal and Anantnag population. The
phenological episodes showed a little variation
between different populations and the
maximum duration of different phenophases
was observed in Baramulla population
(132 days) and least in Srinagar (123 days).
The morphological parameter showed a
significant variation between different
populations. The circumference of the species
was recorded highest in the Ganderbal and
least in Shopian, whereas leaf area was highest
in Shopian and least in Ganderbal. Moreover,
significant variation was also observed in fresh
and dry weight of leaves between different
populations.
REFERENCES
1. GW Argus. Classification of Salix in the
new world. Botanical Electronic News
(BEN) 1999; 227.
2. RD Gaur. Flora of Garhwal North West
Himalaya. Trans Media Srinagar Garhwal:
1999; 186.
3. M Nasi. Evaluation of various types of
forest biomass and wood processing
residues as feed for ruminants. Journal of
Agricultural Science in Finland 1984;
56:205–212p.
4. A Roberston. Willow Plantations in
Agroforestry 1984; 27:32–34p.
5. KL Pertu. Biomass production and
nutrient removal from municipal wastes
using willow vegetation filters. Journal of
Sustainable Forestry 1993;1:57–70p.
6. KH Nielsen. Environmental aspects of
using waste water and sludges in energy
forest cultivation. Biomass and Bioenergy
1994; 6:123–132p.
7. JH Connel, E Orias. The ecological
regulation of species diversity. Am. Nat.
1964; 48:399–414p.

RRJoB (2013) 5-11 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 10
 Research & Reviews: Journal of Botany
Volume 2, Issue 3, ISSN: 2278–2222
__________________________________________________________________________________________

8. RN Muller. The Phenology, growth and 10. RM Singhal, VRS Rawat, P Kumar, et al.
ecosystem dynamics of Erythronium Vegetation analysis of woody species of
americanum in the northern hardwood some forest of Chakarta Himalaya, India.
forest. Ecol. Mongr. 1978; 48:1–20p. Ind For. 1986; 112:819–823p.
9. RK Semalty, CM Sharma. Phenology and
floral biology of Acer caesium Wall.
Ind For. 1996; 122:170–176p.

RRJoB (2013) 5-11 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 11