Reproductive phenology of Ochrobryum Mitt. (Leucobryaceae, Bryophyta) in Brazil

ABSTRACT

The moss genus Ochrobryum was chosen for this phenological study because of its wide range in the Brazilian territory markedly in Cerrado areas and there, without ecological studies and a significant number of samples in SP Herbarium. We analyzed 302 exsiccatae (totaling 906 individuals - three individuals per exsiccatae), and observed phenological patterns with alternance of the reproductive structures within the seasonal periods of the year. The sexual reproduction in Ochrobryum is highly related to the rainy periods and the asexual reproduction present uninterruptedly with an increase in the dry season. Our results demonstrate that Ochrobryum has a seasonal alternation of colonization strategies.

Keywords:
acrocarpous; bryophytes; phenological acclimatation; reproductive cycle