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Phenology of zoochorous tree species in a sandy coastal forest in Southern Brazil

Biological phenomena are subject to abiotic factors that change according to geographical position, especially those related to environmental seasonality. This study provides a two-year assessment of vegetative and reproductive phenophases for nine species in a coastal forest on sandy soil in Southern Brazil. Changes in leaf fall, leaf flush, flowering and fruiting of trees from different locations within the fragment were evaluated. Leaf fall was higher in July and it was correlated with lower monthly average temperature and shorter day length. There was an increase of flushing rates after the highest leaf-fall activity from September to November. Flowering and fruiting had different rhythms; flower production was highest in October while fruit production was highest in November. The lack of a dry season suggests species do not experiment water-deficiency at regular intervals. On the other hand, vegetative and reproductive phenophases were related to variations in average temperature and day length throughout the year.

day length; leaf fall; leaf flush; restinga; seasonality


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