Abstract

DOMIC, Alejandra I.; MAMANI, Evelina  and  CAMILO, Gerardo. Reproductive phenology of kewiña (Polylepis tomentella, Rosaceae) in the semi-humid puna of Chuquisaca (Bolivia). Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2013, vol.48, n.1, pp.31-45. ISSN 1605-2528.

This study evaluated the reproductive phenology of the kewiña (Polylepis tomentella, Rosaceae) in the semi-humid puna of Bolivia. The species grows in the treeline of Bolivia and is threatened by low rates of regeneration, land-use intensification, and climate change. For two consecutive years, we carried out monthly visits to determine the flowering and fruiting time in in Jumbate, Chuquisaca. Results showed that a large percentage of individuals of P. tomentella (90% in 2009 and 80% in 2010) produced flowers during the dry season (May-October) and fruits at the beginning of the wet season (August-December). Trees produced three times more flowers (44.7 ± 6.4 flowers/branch) and fruits (24 ± 2.7 fruits/branch) than shrubs (15.86 ± 2.18 flowers/ branch; 9.3 ±1.3 fruits/branch). Furthermore, large individuals with a canopy area of 200 m² exhibited 2.5 times higher flower and fruit production than smaller trees. Reproductive patterns of P. tomentella are similar to those of tree species inhabiting tropical dry forests. The results of the study can support reforestation programs as we identified periods of flowering and fruiting as well as the morphological characteristics of potentially seeder individuals.

Keywords : Andes; Chuquisaca; Flower and fruit production; High Andean forests; Treeline.

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