Leaf variation studies in Valeriana jatamansi Jones-an endangered medicinal plant of temperate Himalayas

Valeriana jatamansi Jones (syn V wallichii DC) commonly known as Indian Valerian is a perennial medicinal herb of temperate Himalayas. The species exhibits polymorphism in its various morphological characters and sex forms. During the present investigations variation in leaf morphology was extensively studied. The results of the study revealed that significant variation was observed in terms of leaf characteristics viz lamina shape and leaf apex, base, margin, profile and colour. Plants with radical leaves of different lamina shapes viz ovate, ovate-deltoid, deltoid, oval, oval and reniform were found growing separately and the character was found stable after repeated observations. This preliminary study provides baseline information for development of better strains satisfying distinct, uniform and stable (DUS) criteria.