Prionium serratum (Thurniaceae): Evaluation of chlorophyll and influence of waterlogging and heavy metals on flowering in the Palmiet River, KwaZulu-Natal.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2036Keywords:
Prionium serratum, Restoration, Participatory conservation, Waterlogging, Flowering, Extirpation, Heavy metals, PhytoremediationAbstract
Background:
Prionium serratum (Thurniaceae), a South African endemic plant, thrives in oligotrophic soils where it flowers and produces seeds. However, KwaZulu-Natal populations show declining numbers and lack flowering or seeding, prompting conservation efforts. This study examined the influence of temperature, waterlogging, and heavy metals on flowering and population decline of P. serratum.
Methods:
The chlorophyll content was recorded from 10 mature, randomly sampled leaves using the SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter to assess the influence of temperature on flowering in P. serratum. P. serratum on one site was subjected to drought, and the observations with P. serratum growing on two waterlogged habitats. P. serratum samples were also taken for heavy metal analysis with ICP-OES, and data were analyzed with One-Way ANOVA in IBM SPSS version 28
Results:
Temperature did not stress P. serratum as chlorophyll levels indicated healthy photosynthesis and growth across all sampled sites (≥ 30 SPAD units, p > 0.05). Prionium serratum in constantly waterlogged habitats did not flower, while P. Serratum exposed to alternating wet and dry conditions produced flowers. Investigation of the levels of heavy metal accumulation showed the existence of Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Hg, Se, and Si. Despite elevated levels of these metals, flowering was not hindered (p > 0.05). Observations of stunted growth of P. serratum in Mhlanga River may be attributed to frequent flooding disturbances, not metal toxicity, and historical herbarium records confirm past flowering there.
Conclusion:
Sunlight/shade (temperature) and heavy metal exposure did not hinder flowering in P. serratum. Waterlogging inhibited and delayed flowering, and drought triggered and prompted flowering in this species.
Recommendation:
P. serratum should be propagated from seedlings or plantlets in sandy, well-drained soil with periodic wet-dry cycles to prevent waterlogging. Conservation efforts should focus on riverbank planting rather than ponds or floodplains to ensure successful establishment.
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