Phenology and reproductive biology of two species of Byrsonima Rich. (Malpighiaceae) in Cerrado area in Northeastern Brazil

The knowledge of the phenology patterns and of the floral biology, the determination of the role of the vectors of pollen flow, besides the understanding of the reproductive system, are fundamental points for the understanding of the reproductive biology of the species. The pollination ecology, reproductive system, flowering phenology and floral visitors of Byrsonima utnbellata Mart. and B. rotunda Griseb. were studied in a Cerrado area, at Urbano Santos municipality, Maranhao State. B. umbellata presented extended flowering period (eight months) and B. rotunda showed brief flowering period (one month). The species had hermaphroditic flowers with diurnal anthesis. B. umbellata is facultatively self-incompatible, showing higher fruit production through cross-pollinators (46.6%), and B. rotunda is mainly self-compatible, with fruit production in all treatments, even through agamospermy (60%), although higher production was achieved in geitonogamy (90%). We observed 42 and 16 species of bees in B. umbellata and B. rotunda flowers, respectively. Centris aenea and C. (Trachina) sp.n. were considered the main pollinators of B. umbellata flowers and C. aenea of B. rotunda. Both Byrsonima species present important ecological function, representing important resources to several species of bees during flowering season deficit in the studied environment.