Franco 2015 (Conference Paper) Puya, Colombia

Contrasting patterns in reproductive phenology of a monocarpic perennial bromeliad (Puya nitida) in a paramo of Colombia

Author(s):—A. Franco & M.A. Bonilla in Benko-Iseppon, A.M.; Alves, M. & Louzada, R. (2015) An overview and abstracts of the First World Congress on Bromeliaceae Evolution. Rodriguésia 66(2): A1-A66.

Publication:— (2015).

Abstract:—In the paramo of National Natural Park Chingaza, in the Eastern Mountain Chain of Colombia (04º44?15.1?N and73º50?28.52?W), the reproductive phenology of bromeliad Puya nitida was studied at the population, patch, rosette andflower level, between February 2013 and February 2014, at 3,400 m altitude. The phenological patterns of duration,frequency and synchrony of the following phenological stages: floral primordia, buds, flowers, unripe fruits and ripefruits were analyzed. At flower level, different phases according to differences found in the development and maturityof reproductive structures and nectar production were defined. P. nitida presented at the population level a synchronousphenological pattern, with an annual frequency and long duration (> 5 months) for fruit ripening, and an intermediateduration (4 months) for flowering. Fruit ripening coincided with the rainy season (May-July), and flowering showeda peak in the period of lower rainfall (November). At the patch level, the pattern was asynchronous, due to infertile,fertile and dead rosettes being recorded simultaneously. At the level of rosette, flowering was also asynchronous, witha duration of two months; one acropetal flowering type was recognized, finding flowers at various stages of development at the same time. At the flower level, development of reproductive structures was asynchronous, since temporalseparation between these (dichogamy) was present, first mature female organs and then the male organs (protogyny).Seven floral phases were recognized; the full development lasted about 18 days, in which flower expanded phasewas the longest one (4 days). The coincidence of maturation and seed dispersal with the rainy season promotes seedgermination and the possibility of the establishment of seedlings of sexual origin. Likewise, different components ofreproductive phenology of P. nitida, such as the coincidence of flowering with the dry season, flowering asynchronybetween patches and inside rosettes, prolonged duration of expanded flower phase along with high-calorie nectarproduction (26 calories per flower), and the temporal separation of the floral reproductive organs may favor sexualreproduction mediated by pollinators.

Keywords:—Paramo; Phenology; Puya nitida.