Characterization of the reproductive morphology in genus Zingiber is still relevant on classical taxonomic studies because most of the species are phenotypically similar and difficult to distinguish in the absence of the flowering stage. Reports mainly derived based on the herbarium collections are insufficient for the detailed morphological review. Zingiber barbatum (Wall.) belongs to the genus Zingiber and has been neglected for a long time. Existed intraspecific morphological and genetic variations also intricate the description of this sp ecies. The objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive morphology of under-exploited Z. barbatum species. The study was done based on the traditional description of morphology and habit of inflorescence and flowers, with a recording of minimum quantitative and qualitative parameters and phenological observation regarding inflorescence life span and duration of blossom. Assessment of reproductive morphology dis played phenotypic variations regarding inflorescences habit during the growth stage and morphological features of the flower. Perhaps, an existed variation was driven by eco-geographical factors resulting in reproductive isolation due to which genetic divergence might occur. The taxonomic affiliation of Z. barbatum based on inflorescence habit has been confirmed. This is the first comprehensive report regarding flower biology on Z. barbatum .
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