Ecological correlates of reproductive traits of Mexican rain forest trees

Abstract

Sexual systems of 139 tree species from a tropical rain forest at Los Tuxtlas were investigated. Hermaphroditism occurred in 63% of species, monoecism in 9%, and dioecy in 27%. Nondioecious species had larger flowers, but dioecious species had more seeds per fruit. Dioecy was associated with small flowers pollinated with unspecialized insects and flesh fruits dispersed by animals at both species and generic levels. Reproductive traits were more correlated among nondioecious species than dioecious species. Pioneer species had more seeds per fruit, and longer flowering and fruiting periods, but persistent species produced heavier seeds and fruits. Flower and fruit morphological traits, sexual systems, and tree guilds are related in a comprehensive way. -from Authors