Floristic composition of the dry tropical forest in biological reserve (sanctuary) “Los Besotes” and phenology of the dominant arboreal species (Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia)

Abstract

Based on the floristic composition and structural aspects, the formation tropical dry forest of the reserve “Los Besotes” (Valledupar, Cesar; 248-1 046 m.a.s.l.) was characterized. In 35 individuals from nine dominant tree species in two forest types, the phenological characteristics were assessed. Seven monitoring were performed along one year according to the scheme of distribution of rainfall. The leaf fall in the forests of Myrcianthes aff. fragrans and Brosimum alicastrum did not exceed 20 % regardless of the climatic period (drought or rainy seasons). In others dominant understory species the leaf fall was less than 40 %, thus species of the canopy are classified as evergreen while those of the understory as semideciduous. Blooming peaked during the dry season while fruit production peaked during the two rainy seasons. In the forest of Bursera simaruba and Pterocarpus acapulcensis the leaf fall exceeded 60 % in the dry season, while in the rainy season was only 30 %. The leaf fall increased to 60 % in others dominant understory species. Both canopy as well as understory species are deciduous. Blooming was observed during the dry season (December to March, and July), but it is also likely to occur in October; fruit production was observed at the end of the rainy season. In the tropical dry forest formation evergreen plant communities with low values of leaf fall (40 %) and deciduous communities with values greater than 60 % are recognized.