Reproductive phenology, seasonality and germination of Kielmeyera regalis Saddi (Clusiaceae), a species endemic to rock outcrops in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

The reproductive phenology and seed germination of a Kielmeyera regalis population, from Serra do Cipó (MG), Brazil, were studied. During 2001, the intensity and activity indices were calculated to estimate production of flower buds, flowers, and immature and mature fruits. Influence of the climate on phenology was determined by a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Germination was studied under a 12 h photoperiod at seven fixed temperatures (15-35ºC at 5ºC intervals). The CCA explained 72.8% of the phenological data variation. The highest correlation coefficients with phenology were observed for mean air temperature, evaporation and solar global radiation. Flowering occurred during the hot and wet season, fruit maturation extended during the entire cold and dry season, and seed dispersal peaked before the onset of the rainy season. Germinability reached values above 80% under temperatures of 20-30ºC, which occurred during the rainy period, just after seed dispersal. The results of this and other studies indicate that seed dispersal just before the rainy season, and fast germination at the beginning of the rainy season, are highly adaptive traits within the genus. In addition, the results provide important information for understanding basic factors that affect reproductive success and population growth, and should be considered when managing this endemic species from rock outcrop.

canonical correspondence analysis; climate; conservation; seed dispersal; Serra do Cipó