PHENOLOGY OF ANNUAL DORMANCY RELEASE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH FRUIT SET OF DIRCA OCCIDENTALIS (THYMELAEACEAE)

Weather and climate may influence the phenology of Dirca occidentalis A.Gray (Thymelaeaceae) in ways that impact reproductive success. blooms during winter, when likelihood entomophily be low. Based on preliminary observations timing dormancy release growth resumption varies over years among shrubs within years, we quantified fruit set flowers formed at different times examined whether annual variation autumnal precipitation temperature autumn winter are associated with phenology. Fruit was determined 2007–2008 through 2011–2012 by tracking 37,461 near or anthesis early, midway, late blooming period D. occidentalis. In addition, measures 18 individual were made each December 29, January 26, February 23 five periods, these determined. low (<5%) present early (December 26–January 2), but increased significantly all to as high nearly 30%, later. Phenology ratings, lengths newly stems leaves, 29 linearly amount from October 1–December 15 same year increased. ratings increasing air November 1–February 23. Rankings highly correlated 1% 52% flowering became Our results demonstrate is delayed flowering, which corresponds this rare species.