ABSTRACT
The reproductive phenology, floral and dispersal syndrome were studied in 45 taxa of Leguminosae from the "campos rupestres" of the Itacolomi State Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from September/2003 to October/2004. Flowering, in the community, occurred throughout the study period, with the highest peak in March (66.6% of taxons), displaying positive correlation with rainfall and temperature. Most of the studied taxa (88.8%) presented floral characteristics of bee-pollination syndrome. Two patterns of pollen deposition on the pollinator's body were described for Chamaecrista species; direct and indirect Taxa were observed fruiting throughout the study period, with the highest peak in April (57.7%), with this phenophase displaying significant correlation with temperature. Autochory was the most frequent dispersal syndrome (66.6%), mainly represented by legume- and follicle-type fruits. The results indicate that the climatic seasonality is important for the flowering, fruiting and dispersal of the diaspores in the "campos rupestres" of the Itacolomi State Park and emphasize the importance of the Leguminosae as an important source of food resources (pollen and nectar) for the bees.
Key words:
autochory; mellitophilous syndrome; campos rupestres; Chamaecrista