Phenology of Cedrela fissilis in the Mesoregion Serrana de Santa Catarina

Abstract

Cedrela fissilis Vell. is a native species of the Atlantic Forest with high commercial value that is threatened with extinction. This study aimed to evaluate the phenology of pink cedar under the climatic conditions of the Serrana region of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. The he test was carried out in the forest of Ombrófila Mista in the municipality of São José do Cerrito, SC. Phenological events were evaluated every 30 days, from October 2018 to October 2019: (I) leaf fall, (II) sprouting (III), flowering (IV) and fruiting in 17 adult individuals. The frequency of the phenological phase and the simple correlation of Spearman (rs) with the climatic variables temperature, relative humidity and precipitation were analyzed. The data showed that individuals are synchronous for budding and leaf fall. Flowering and fruiting have low synchrony. Temperature is a climatic factor most correlated to the species' dormancy. The leaf fall stage occurred from April to September. Flowering occurred from November to January with fruiting in February to June. The presence of fruits in winter shows late flowering, influenced by temperature and indication that the species has long days to flower. The results indicate appropriate times for seed collection in the climatic conditions of the mountain region of Santa Catarina and better understanding of the species about the study environment.