The pollination biology of Jacaratia spinosa (Aubl) ADC. (Caricaceae) was studied in Mata de Santa Genebra, Campinas municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil (20º54'S; 47º05'W). Data from floral anthesis, nectar volume and sugar concentration, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, location of scent glands, reproduction systems and main visitors/potential pollinators were obtained. The species is dioicious and the masculine plants flourish for a larger period (52 days) than the feminine ones (22 days). Most of the flowers has night anthesis, lasting the masculine ones about 24 hours and the feminine ones, 48 hours. The masculine ones produce on the average, 112,5 ml of nectar and sugar concentration of 13,9%. The feminine ones didn't produce nectar, having been identified mimetism of the masculine ones by the feminine ones. The pollen viability didn't vary along the day (average 97,20%). There was production of fruits for agamospermy and for crossed fecundation. The main observed pollinators was moths, what corroborates with its characteristics of phalenophily syndrome; other insects meantime, as butterflies, also can contribute to its reproduction.
Caricaceae; dioicism; Jacaratia; pollination
