Reproductive phenology of Pouteria splendens (Sapotaceae)

Abstract

Pouteria splendens (A.DC.) Kuntze (lúcumo silvestre, palo colorado) is an endemic and in dangered tree from Central
Chile. It´s the only member of the Sapotaceae family in the country and little is known about his life cycle. We studied
the reproductive phenology during Spring and Summer, from September 2007 to April 2008, on the biggest remained
population of P. splendens, located in Los Molles (V Región Valparaíso). We recorded an increase in the production
of flower buds, flowers and fruits from September to February, decaying in March. According with other species from
Mediterranean environments, the peak of flower buds, flowers and fruits was recorded during Summer, in February. We
also detected a high synchrony in the phenology among the individuals within the population.