Comparative phenology and floral patterns in Larrea species (Zygophyllaceae)in the Monte desert (Mendoza, Argentina)

ROSSI, B. E.; DEBANDI, G. O.; PERALTA, I. E.; MARTÍNEZ-PALLE, E

JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS

ACADEMIC PRESS LTD-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: London; Año: 1999 vol. 43 p. 213 - 226

0140-1963

Phenological patterns and floral stages are described for Larrea divaricata, L cuneifolia, species of the Monte desert. In addition, floral structures and their relation to self-pollination levels are compared. Rainfall events and or microclimatic conditions resulted in phenological differences between sites and years. Seven floral stages were determined and protogyny was detected in the early stages. Flowers of the species were observed to have a range of large to small floral structure sizes, respectively. This coincides with an increase of autogamy, while at the same time an increase in the percentage of flowers with protogyny.