Habitat dynamic and elevational gradient influences the phenotypic attributes of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes

Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes is a critically endangered valuable herb with high medicinal potential. Phenotypic attributes of a particular plant species fluctuate across various climatic conditions and elevational gradients to withstand the demanding stressful settings. This study was intended to shed light on the effects of altitude and environmental factors on the morphological characteristics and phenology of A. chasmanthum. The quantitative morphological characters were studied in eleven natural populations across Kashmir Himalaya. The population of ACIII and ACIV have a short growing season and completed their phenological episodes within 135 days followed by ACVI. A. chasmanthum growing in open grassy slopes at an altitude of 3234m asl showed better growth and development in all morphological traits whereas plants growing at higher altitude ACIII (3712m asl) exhibited stunted growth and development in all the quantitative morphological traits viz (height; petiole, leaf, pedicel and rhizome dimensions). Linear regression analysis revealed a gradual reduction in morphological attributes with an increase in elevation. Pearson correlation value revealed a positive association between plant height and all other morphological characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA), has shown that ACI, ACII and ACV had habitats, ecological conditions, and altitudes that were relatively more suited for the luxuriant growth and development of the endemic plant species A. chasmanthum . From the observations, it can be inferred that open moist grassy stable slopes are better suited for its growth than open moist rocky slopes and banks of small alpine rivulets. This study offers a thorough description of phenotypic variation with environmental circumstances and suggests a habitat that is suited for the sustained cultivation of this significant medicinal plant species in the Kashmir Himalaya.