Temperature as the main factor affecting the reproductive phenology of the dioecious palm Mauritiella armata (Arecaceae)

Our research focused on the reproductive phenology of Mauritiella armata, a key veredas species in southeastern Brazil, and aspects its floral fruit morphology sexual system. We observed phenological patterns M. armata for 36 months, examined relationships between phenophases environmental variables to describe relation filters, as well morphologies, system (to evaluate dioecy), biometry parts. Flowering was dry season at beginning rainy season, with fruiting occurring during season. The responded seasonality, principally temperature period immediately preceding expression phenophase, variations that had occurred up six months earlier. dioecious confirmed, flowering synchronization sexes. population studied did not exhibit apomixis, having xenogamy staminate inflorescences were larger than pistillate greater numbers flowers, although flowers larger. Wind pollen dispersal observed, thereby indicating this requires biotic pollination production.