Fenologia, biologia floral e polinização de três espécies de Flacourtiaceae na região de Manaus - AM

Abstract

The present study describes aspects of the floral biology, pollination and phenology of Lindackeria paludosa (Benth.) Gilg., Casearia grandiflora Camb. and C. javitensis Kunth (Flacourtiaceae). The work was carried out in Manaus in two areas, one located on the Campus of the “Universidade Federal do Amazonas” and the second on the Campus of the “Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia”. Weekly observations occurred from November/2003 to December/2004. Morphological description and measurement of the inflorescences, flowers and fruits were realized. The beginning schedule for anthesis, sequence of opening, duration, odour emission, stigma receptivity, nectar availability period and pollen release were registered. Observations of visitors and possible pollinators behaviors were made during entire the period of flowering, as well as the study of the reproductive success and system. To the study of the phenology 10 individuals of each species were observed. The phenology observed were bud emission, flowers and fruits. As for to the morphology the species present simple, cream-yellowish flowers, exposed stamens and stigma. These attributes, together with the easy access for reward (pollen and nectar) and the number of flowers for inflorescence, in general, attract a great number of floral visitors. The flowers of Casearia javitensis and Lindackeria paludosa open in the morning, and the flowers of Casearia grandiflora open at night. These three species release a sweet scent during anthesis and present great potential pollen viability. The volume of nectar for Casearia grandiflora and C. javitensis was less than 1 μl, however sugar concentration was high (more than 50%). The most efficient pollinator of Casearia grandiflora and C. javitensis was the fly Ornidia obesa (Syrphidae), moreover wasps, beetles and butterflies were recorded at a lower frequency. Bees of the families Apidae and Halictidae were the most efficient pollinators of Lindackeria paludosa. Casearia grandiflora and C. javitensis are self-incompatible species; however Lindackeria paludosa is self-compatible. The three species presented a high reproductive potential, but a low pay-emergent reproductive success (PERS). Casearia grandiflora and C. javitensis presented an annual phenological standard and Lindackeria paludosa presented a continuous phenological standard. The three species presented full flowering in the dry season and fruiting in the wet season, as well as synchrony between flowers in the same individual and asynchronous behavior between different individuals.