Maturação e morfometria dos frutos de Miconia albicans (Swartz) Triana (melastomataceae) em um remanescente de floresta estacional semidecídua montana em Lavras, MG

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of fruit maturation and quantitatively assess some physical characteristics of the fruits of Miconia albicans (Swartz) Triana in a remnant of Montane Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. The activity and synchrony of 20 individuals were analyzed in regard to the proportion of fruiting events, and to help to determine their correlation to abiotic factors. Morphometric traits (fruit length, diameter and mass) of 130 fruits from ten individuals were analyzed. The number of fruits maturing showed a significant correlation with the mean precipitation (rS = 0.611; P < 0.05). M. albicans presented a high number of small seeds per fruit ( = 28.05 ± 1.45 s.d.). The fresh mass of the fruit was approximately equal to the pulp mass (rS = 0.988; P < 0.05). Thepulp contributed with 94% of the total mass, demonstrating the potential importance of this species for frugivores. The results indicate the period of high intrapopulation synchrony of the studied phenophases, which can be a useful guide in the collection of seeds for germoplasm banks and recovery of degraded areas.