Phenological strategies of Atropa acuminata Royle ex Lindley in response to habitat heterogeneity and altitudinal variability

For Atropa acuminata, a phenological exploration was performed in which several aspects, including documentation and analysis of life cycle events were examined in order to gain key benefits associated with plant-environment relations. In the context of ongoing global environmental shifts, changes in the timing of plant life cycle events are increasingly recognized as sensitive indicators of ecological transformations. Given the previously undocumented phenological patterns of Atropa acuminata, this study is the first systematic examination of its phenological dynamics from a conservation standpoint. The study, undertaken at five distinct elevations ranging from FOF Benhama (1783 m) to Bandipora (3000 m), investigates the effect of altitudinal gradients on plant phenology. The results indicate a clear temporal shift in phenological phases thereby reflecting the adaptive phenotypic plasticity of the species in response to varying altitudinal climates. The findings indicate a clear temporal shift in phenological phases starting with sprouting which commenced in early March at lower altitudes (FOF: 1783 m) and extending into April at higher elevations, Flowering timing was also found to be altitudinally dependent, with bud sprouting occurring on April 15 at FOF, May 15 at Tangmarg, and May 28 at Bandipora. Leaf fall beginning earliest at Benhama on October 8 and lasting 47 days whereas leaf fall began latest at Bandipora (November 15) and lasted for 25 days. The peak of anthesis occurred between 8-9 AM and 9-10 AM, suggesting specific temporal windows for pollination events.