Reproductive ecology of the exotic tree Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae) in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

-The exotic tree Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae), a species native to Central America, is used as fish feed and fiber and cellulose production in Brazil. This study was carried out in urban areas and verified the reproductive biology of this plant species. Flower and fruit morphology, compatibility system, reproductive phenology, pollination and frugivore animals, and germination of disseminated seeds were recorded by standard field and laboratory procedures. This tree is self-compatible and autonomously self-pollinated, with its flowers being mainly visited by bees and its fruits consumed by birds and bats. Germination of its dispersed seeds is fast and occurs at a high rate. The results of this work suggest that M. calabura is very adaptable to cultivated areas,thus being an excellent choice for urban reforestation. However, its reproductive characteristics place this plant as an invasive species with significant potential in southeastern Brazil.Keywords: Plant reproduction, heterogeneous reforestation and urban ecosystems. ECOLOGIA REPRODUTIVA DA ÁRVORE EXÓTICA Muntingia calabura L. (MUNTINGIACEAE) NO SUDESTE DO BRASIL RESUMO -A árvore exótica Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae) é nativa da América Central e, no

Determination of antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of Muntingia calabura Linn. peel by HPLC‐DAD and UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS

“…grows naturally in Central America and was introduced to Brazil as a decorative tree (Bandeira et al, 2013). fruits are soft and sweet and can be consumed in natura and are also used for tart and jam production (Radha & Mathew, 2007;Figueiredo et al, 2008;. Muntingia calabura Linn.…”

“…Currently, this plant is well adapted in Brazil due to the favourable weather conditions and soil properties (Lopes et al, 2002;Figueiredo et al, 2008). fruits are known as calabura in Brazil and as Jamaica cherry in the United States of America and Malaysia (Lopes et al, 2002;Figueiredo et al, 2008). fruits are soft and sweet and can be consumed in natura and are also used for tart and jam production (Radha & Mathew, 2007;Figueiredo et al, 2008;.…”

“…Muntingia calabura Linn. fruits are soft and sweet and can be consumed in natura and are also used for tart and jam production (Radha & Mathew, 2007;Figueiredo et al, 2008;. Muntingia calabura Linn.…”

Frugivory and seed dispersal of Solanum granuloso-leprosum Dunal (Solanaceae) by birds in deciduous seasonal forest

“…Thraupidae are among the most frequent seed dispersers of ornithochoric plants in Brazil (Galetti and Pizo, 1996;Gondim, 2001;Sick, 2001;Francisco et al, 2007;Figueiredo et al, 2008). Although Thraupidae did not efficiently disperse large seeds (Levey, 1987) and sometimes dropped the fruits under the mother plant (Sick, 2001), the small seeds of S. granuloso-leprosum were more easily consumed.…”

Aspectos da ecologia reprodutiva de Pera glabrata (Schott) Poepp. ex Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) em uma área de Cerrado no estado de São Paulo

“…A metodologia geral utilizada para a coleta de dados seguiu Figueiredo et al (2008). Assim, a fenologia reprodutiva (épocas de floração e de frutificação) foi estabelecida por meio da observação quinzenal em 10 indivíduos, cinco femininos e cinco masculinos, de março de 2006 a março de 2008.…”