Fruiting Phenology and Dispersal Syndromes of Urban Forestry in Campo Grande (MS, Brazil)

Abstract

Urban areas currently house more than half of the world's human population and also provide specific habitat for several plant and animal species. In this study, we aimed to analyze the fruiting phenology of urban forestry in Campo Grande (MS). Based on previous lists of the trees of this city, we performed an analysis of the impactful consequences of urban street forestry in the capital, considering the dispersion syndromes and how resources (fruits) are distributed over time. A total of 158 species of Angiosperms distributed in 43 families were classified, among which Fabaceae (Leguminosae) stood out with 41 species. Five dispersion syndromes were identified, with zoochory (55.7%) and anemochory (24.7%) being the most common. Species of all dispersion syndromes bear fruit throughout the year, with greater fruiting intensity of zoochoric, barochoric and hydrochoric species in the hot and rainy season. Anemochorous and autochorous species bear fruit especially during the dry season. The coexistence of species with different fruiting seasons can provide complementary food resources for frugivores, which can increase ecosystem stability. Given the development of urban expansion, it is essential that these spaces be reconciled with biodiversity conservation and one way to do this is to make these spaces more wildlife-friendly. Furthermore, urban trees constitute conservation units for native plants which can support Agroforestry projects. In this sense, studies on fruiting phenology are strategic for planning seed collection for consumption, commercialization and seedling production.