Phenology, biometrics and fruits production of Attalea nucifera (Arecaceae) in Colombia

Abstract

Attalea nucifera is a threatened palm endemic to the Magdalena River basin in Colombia. In the past its seeds were consumed by the inhabitants of the town of Guaduas, Cundinamarca, although currently its use is less frequent. To assess the productive potential of this palm, we studied its phenology, biometric parameters, and fruit productivity in a forest relict in Guaduas. Field work was carried out between April 2016 and March 2017. The reproductive cycle of this species lasted approximately 12 and a half months from bud to fruit ripening. Although bud production occurred throughout the year, it increased during periods of greatest rainfall. Flowering peaks occurred towards the end of the rainy season and fruits ripened towards the period of low rainfall. We found a positive correlation between the number of leaves in the crown and the production of reproductive structures (rs = 0.447, p = 0.004). Palms of A. nucifera produced on average 1.3 ripe infructescences per year (± 0.62 SD) with a mean of 22.4 (± 7.34 SD) fruits each. Fruit weighed 182.9 g (± 45.97 SD) on average, 5 % (9.3 g) of which corresponded to the edible nut. The reproductive cycle of A. nucifera is closely related to rainfall patterns and fruit production is low compared to other Attalea species.