Reproductive phenological pattern of Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae), an invasive species in Brazil: Annual in native areas;continuous in invaded areas of caatinga

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the phenological patterns (vegetative and reproductive) of Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae--Asclepiadoideae) in Brazil, comparing its phenology in an area where it is invasive with that observed in areas to which it is native. Phenological observations were carried out over a 24-month period at sites in and around areas of caatinga (shrublands). We estimated the relative frequency of each phenophase, and we documented a dramatic difference between phenophases in terms of the pattern of reproductive phenology. The pattern of continuous flowering and fruiting observed in the invaded area strongly diverges from the 2- to 6-month flowering and fruiting period of the annual pattern. The continuous pattern of reproduction seems to have facilitated the invasion of the Brazilian caatinga by C. procera.