Comportamiento fenológico de Euterpe oleracea (Arecaceae) en bosques inundables del Chocó biogeográfico

Abstract

Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Arecaceae) is a clustered palm tree occurring in seasonally flooded areas of the Atrato river basin, where it forms homogeneous forests. This palm has economic importance because of the production of palm hearts and numerous products derived from its fruits. The reproductive phenology of Euterpe oleracea was studied in 2 forest types: mixed murrapal, where other species occur, and pure murrapal, almost totally dominated by this palm tree. Phenological observations were made in 2 periods: from October 1999 to December 2001 in both forest types, and from October 2006 to May 2009 in the mixed murrapal only. The reproductive phenology showed an annual pattern in both ecosystems; however, the timing of flowering and fruiting in each forest type was different. A significant correlation was found between rainfall and reproductive structures (fruits) in the pure murrapal, suggesting an effect of flooding on timing of flowering and fruiting. Contrarily, no significant correlation was found in the mixed murrapal, probably because flooding during rainy season was less severe in this topographic position, and therefore, water did not cover the palm pneumatophores.