The phenology and potential ecological associations of Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn) a native vulnerable Australian tree growing in Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

ABSTRACTMagenta Lilly Pilly tree (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn) has been introduced and extensively planted throughout the city of Bogotá, Colombia. This species is considered threatened or vulnerable in Australia. This paper describes seven principal BBCH stages, namely, bud development, leaf development, shoot development, flower emergence, flowering, fruit development and maturity of fruit and seed. Trees produced flowers, fruits, vegetative flushes and resting buds in about 20% of the canopy throughout the year. About 40% to 50% of the canopy showed two mass flowering and fruiting events yearly. Magenta trees provided important ecosystem services such as pollination, perching sites, and food for birds. Magenta offers a constant supply of nectar and pollen for bees from the urban forest. Honeybees were the only insects observed visiting the fully open flowers (BBCH 67). The constant production of fruits and two mass annual fruiting events are important ecosystem service. The Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater), a native bird, fed on the ripe fruit (BBCH 89). The BBCH scale is key to study ecological associations and also the benefits the trees deliver to the urban forest.