The phenological, flowering and fruiting strategies of Prepusa montana Mart. (Gentianaceae) in an area of campo rupestre vegetation in the Chapada Diamantina were investigated in terms of the influence of local rainfall, relative humidity, temperature, and photoperiod. The numbers of buds, flowers, and mature fruits of this species were monitored during monthly visits to the Mucugê Municipal Park between 6/2006 and 8/2007. Environmental variables (average accumulated rainfall, average temperature and relative humidity) were monitored at the site, while the regional photoperiod was calculated from geographical data. Prepusa montana demonstrated annual flowering of intermediate duration during the dry season. The flowering phenophase did not demonstrate any correlation with rainfall or relative humidity, but was found to be negatively correlated with temperature and photoperiod. Fruit maturation initiated during the dry season and was most intense at the start of the rainy season. Seed dispersal demonstrated a negative correlation with relative humidity. As this species occurs along water courses, flowering appears to be independent of any water stress during the dry period. The negative correlation between fruit opening and relative humidity is associated with the desiccation processes necessary for diaspore maturation and dispersal. The dissemination of P. montana seeds is apparently facilitated by the wind during the dry season and then by rainfall at the start of the rainy season (while rainfall would also increase the probability of seedling establishment).
campo rupestre; Chapada Diamantina; Gentianaceae; Prepusa montana; reproductive phenology
