Title: Reproductive Ecology of Magnolia schiedeana (Magnoliaceae), a Threatened Cloud Forest Tree Species in Veracruz, Mexico
Abstract:DIERINGER, G. AND J. E. ESPINOSA S. (Instituto de Ecologia, A.C., Apartado Postal No. 63, KM. 2.5 Antigua Carretera a Coatepec, 9 1000 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico). Reproductive ecology of Magnolia schie...DIERINGER, G. AND J. E. ESPINOSA S. (Instituto de Ecologia, A.C., Apartado Postal No. 63, KM. 2.5 Antigua Carretera a Coatepec, 9 1000 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico). Reproductive ecology of Magnolia schiedeana (Magnoliaceae): a threatened cloud forest tree species in Veracruz, Mexico. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 121: 154-159. 1994.-Flowering among three study populations of Magnolia schiedeana Schlecht. (Magnoliaceae) varied considerably, beginning in January or February and continuing for 2 to 4 months. The variability in time of flowering led to very low fruit production in some populations when not coincident with pollinator emergence. Flowers produced a strong fruity fragrance, were functional for one day, protogynous (opening in the morning and becoming male the same afternoon), and self-compatible. Pollinators were beetles, Stenagria sp. (Staphylinidae) and Cyclocephala jalapensis (Scarabaeidae), that entered flowers at night and remained throughout the next day engaged in a variety of behaviors (copulation and feeding on pollen and petal tissue). Cyclocephala jalapensis, a regional endemic, is closely associated with cloud forest habitat and appears dependent on M. schiedeana for adult nutrition. Magnolia schiedeana therefore seems to possess a more specialized pollination system than temperate Magnolia species. All three populations experienced some degree of previous disturbance (cutting) and exhibited very low fertility. The average tree produced 1 flower per day, 2-4 flowers during the season, and 1 fruit. Regeneration of populations was primarily by resprouting of roots and trunk bases and not seedling recruitment. Future existence of M. schiedeana within Veracruz is jeopardized by deforestation brought about by a large human population struggling for basic necessities.Read More
Publication Year: 1994
Publication Date: 1994-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 62
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