Ecologia de sementes de Pithecolobium racemosum Ducke. ()

Abstract

Observations on fruiting, fruit predation and seed germination, taking into account light intensity and quality, possible allelopathy and initial growth of Pithecolobium racemosum are here presented. Crop size shows a bienniality, with seed predation by parrots (Aratinga sp.) being from moderate to large in crop years, to extremely severe in counter-crop years. The high percentage of seed germination within closed fruits (still attached to the trees) as well as the rapid synchronous production of seedlings once the seeds reach the ground may be explained as adaptations to avoid seed predation on the forest floor. All of these steps eventually have a strong reflection on the dynamics of the seedling population of P. racemosum. No evidence was found to indicate any sort of allelopathic effects of adults with seedlings on between seedlings. Quantity or quality of light does not affect germination, but may play an important role in seedling growth.