Ecological aspects of Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão - Anacardiaceae): Phenology and seed germination

Abstract

Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão, an arboreal species known as aroeira, is an important component of seasonal dry forests in northern Minas Gerais. In spite of that, aroeira is experiencing a process of predatory exploitation, causing the devastation of its natural populations. This study aimed to assess the reproductive and vegetative phenological patterns, and the germinating capacity of the species. The study was carried out at the COPASA Preservation Area in Juramento (MG), where phenological phases were systematically observed bimonthly, from Janurary/2002 to November/2003 in 20 arboreal individuals. Seeds were collected and submitted to different scarification treatments (mechanic, thermal, chemical and control). The reproductive and vegetative phenophases of the species are influenced by environmental conditions. During the dry season, flowering, fructification and leaf fall occur, whereas the wet season favors leaf growth. Besides, the germination of aroeira seeds varied among treatments, with higher germinating potential and germination velocity being verified in the control treatment, indicating the absence of dormancy. Therefore, basic studies on the ecology of threatened forest species are essential to generate models and mechanisms for the management and restoration of their natural populations.