Morfotipos y germinación de semillas del maitin, Ficus maitin (Moraceae)

Abstract

Strangler figs (Ficus spp) are among the most diverse and abundant species in the tropics. In the present work we describe and quantify two seed (achene) morphotypes of F. maitin, ovoid and non-ovoid, we quantify seed predation by pollinators, and study the effects of temperature and light on the germination of these morphotypes. We found that both types of seed have reduced germination rates at low temperatures, and that ovoid seeds are photosensitive. In the discussion we present the possible implications of the findings for the understanding of the life history strategy of this species. © 2007 The Author(s).