The phenology, pollination and breeding system of Jatropha mutabilis (Pohl) Baill. and J. mollissima (Pohl) Baill. were studied in the municipalities of Buíque (8º67' S and 37º01' W) and Arcoverde (8º25' S and 37º02' W), both in the Caatinga, Pernambuco state. Twenty individuals of each species were tagged for phenological observations, and the study of floral biology, reproductive system, as well as the frequency and behaviour of floral visitors. The species are monoecious, with diurnal dish flowers, the male ones more ephemeral (12 h) than the female (36 h). The sugar concentration in the nectar of J. mutabilis and J. mollissima varied between 26%-32% and 20%-28%, respectively. Volume was usually greater (16 µL) in female flowers of both species. Pollen viability was high (> 97%). Both species are self-compatible. The percentage of fruit set under natural conditions was c. 75% in J. mutabilis and of 85% in J. mollissima, indicating high reproductive success. The flowers are pollinated by bees and wasps, and also by hummingbirds in J. mutabilis and butterflies in J. mollissima. The species have flowers along the whole year, thus they are important resources for the maintenance of the local communities of animals that visit them. Also, the presence and effectiveness of these groups of pollinators are fundamental for both plant species, since they are responsible for the pollen flow among male and female flowers in these monoecious shrubs.
Caatinga; Jatropha; monoecy; pollination; reproductive phenology
