Reproductive Biology of the Palm Acrocomia aculeata in Central Brazil
sexta-feira, fevereiro 23, 2018
Abstract
Phenology, floral biology, the reproductive system, and pollination of the macauba palm, Acrocomia aculeata were studied in Central Brazil. The species is arborescent, single-stemmed, and reaches heights of up to 16 m. Flowering occurs between August and December, peaking between October and November. Fruit fall (harvest) is between June and March, with a peak in November.
Inflorescences are androgynous with marked protogyny. The basic pollination syndrome is by beetles, with wind playing a secondary role. The principal pollinators are Andranthobius sp. (Curculionidae), Mystrops cf mexicana (Nitidulidae) and Cyclocephala forsteri (Scarabaeidae). Cross-pollination between different individuals (xenogamy) accounts for most of the reproductive system. However, the species is self-compatible, with geitonogamy accounting for a significant percentage of fruit set. The combination of two pollination strategies (wind and insects) with a flexible reproductive system (cross- and self-pollination) suggests that A. aculeata can be highly successful in the colonization of new areas, as is evidenced by the ample distribution of species in the Neotropics.
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