Temperature as the main factor affecting the reproductive phenology of the dioecious palm Mauritiella armata (Arecaceae)

ABSTRACT Our research focused on the reproductive phenology of Mauritiella armata, a key veredas species in southeastern Brazil, and aspects of its floral and fruit morphology and sexual system. We observed the reproductive phenological patterns of M. armata for 36 months, and examined the relations...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Acta Botânica Brasílica Vol. 36
Main Authors:	Ávila, Marly Antonielle de, Azevedo, Islaine Francielly Pinheiro de, Antunes, Joicy Ruas, Souza, Cléber Rodrigo de, Santos, Rubens Manoel dos, Fonseca, Rúbia Santos, Nunes, Yule Roberta Ferreira
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedade Botânica do Brasil 01-01-2022
Subjects:	Cerrado floral biology palm tree reproductive pattern swamp ecosystem vereda
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	ABSTRACT Our research focused on the reproductive phenology of Mauritiella armata, a key veredas species in southeastern Brazil, and aspects of its floral and fruit morphology and sexual system. We observed the reproductive phenological patterns of M. armata for 36 months, and examined the relationships between phenophases and environmental variables to describe its phenological patterns in relation to environmental filters, as well as its floral and fruit morphologies, sexual system (to evaluate dioecy), and the biometry of its reproductive parts. Flowering was observed in the dry season and at the beginning of the rainy season, with fruiting occurring during the rainy season. The reproductive phenophases responded to environmental seasonality, principally temperature in the period immediately preceding the expression of the phenophase, as well as to environmental variations that had occurred up to six months earlier. The dioecious sexual system of M. armata was confirmed, with flowering synchronization between the sexes. The population studied did not exhibit apomixis, having xenogamy as its reproductive system. The staminate inflorescences were larger than the pistillate inflorescences and had greater numbers of flowers, although the pistillate flowers were larger. Wind pollen dispersal was not observed, thereby indicating that this species requires biotic pollination for fruit production.
ISSN:	0102-3306 1677-941X
DOI:	10.1590/0102-33062021abb0111