Ecological aspects of Cratylia argentea in the central region of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Ecological aspects of Cratylia argentea were studied in the Central region of Minas Gerais
to evaluate its potential to offer environmental services in agroecological systems. The visits
to the 13 observation/experimentation units (OEU) occurred between 2009 and 2017. Photographic
records throughout the period allowed characterizing the phenology of the plant for
the region (time of floral differentiation, flowering and maturation of the pods) and biodiversity
present in its canopy. The floral differentiation begins at the end of the month of February and
March and they bloom from April, and last until October, with greater intensity between June
and August. The specie showed strong regrowth after drastic pruning and Atta sp. attack,
even during drought. The bees represented 15.5% of the visiting arthropods, biological control
agents represented 24% and phytophagous represented 60.5%.