Phenology of two Ficus species in seasonal semi-deciduous forest in Southern Brazil

E Bianchini,J A Pimenta,A V L Messetti,J M Emmerick

doi:10.1590/1519-6984.10614

E Bianchini, J A Pimenta + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.10614

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Abstract

We analyzed the phenology of Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng. (23 fig tree) and F. eximia Schott (12 fig tree) for 74 months in a remnant of seasonal semi-deciduous forest (23° 27'S and 51° 15'W), Southern Brazil and discussed their importance to frugivorous. Leaf drop, leaf flush, syconia production and dispersal were recorded. These phenophases occurred year-round, but seasonal peaks were recorded in both leaf phenophases for F. eximia and leaf flushing for F. adhatodifolia. Climatic variables analyzed were positively correlated with reproductive phenophases of F. adhatodifolia and negatively correlated with the vegetative phenophases of F. eximia. In despite of environmental seasonality, little seasonality in the phenology of two species was observed, especially in the reproductive phenology. Both species were important to frugivorous, but F. adhatodifolia can play a relevant role in the remnant.

Highlights

IntroductionThe seasons are less evident in the tropics than in the temperate regions, several studies showed seasonality in leaf change and reproductive phenology in the tropics (Reich, 1995; Justiniano and Fredericksen, 2000; Morellato et al, 2000; Shanahan et al, 2001; Bianchini et al, 2006; Singh and Kushwaha, 2006).A period of lower water availability is characteristic of seasonal forest in the tropics (Gurevitch et al, 2009)
This paper describes the phenology of Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng. and F. eximia Schott in a remnant of seasonal semi-deciduous forest (SSF) in the South limit of tropical zone and the South edge of species distribution ranges
In F. adhatodifolia population, the leaf shedding occurred throughout the year, but higher values occurred in March and August (Figure 2a)

Summary

Introduction

The seasons are less evident in the tropics than in the temperate regions, several studies showed seasonality in leaf change and reproductive phenology in the tropics (Reich, 1995; Justiniano and Fredericksen, 2000; Morellato et al, 2000; Shanahan et al, 2001; Bianchini et al, 2006; Singh and Kushwaha, 2006).A period of lower water availability is characteristic of seasonal forest in the tropics (Gurevitch et al, 2009). Flowers or fruits during periods of low resource availability may be considered important food producers for fauna (Terborgh, 1986; Shanahan et al, 2001; Ragusa-Netto, 2006; 2007). We highlight the fig tree (Ficus spp.), that are a remarkable food resource for frugivores, mainly in periods of fruit scarcity, as has been highlighted in several studies in various parts of the world

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