PHENODYNAMICS OF Solanum mauritianum SCOP. IN A PLANTATION FOR SUBTROPICAL FOREST RESTORATION

We evaluated the phenodynamics of Solanum mauritianum Scop. in a forest plantation to check the ecological behavior of this species in restoration condition. Twelve trees were observed over 24 months, according to regrowth, flowering, fruiting and defoliation. The phenophases were correlated with the photoperiod, climatic variables, maximum, average, minimum temperature and precipitation through Pearson´s correlation. The species exhibited over the year highly synchronic, flowering and fruiting. The flowering occurred from January to December, with floral buds being observed simultaneously with ripe fruits, reaching a maximum dispersion in February. Temperatures below 10°C and frosts inhibited the leaf re-sprouts, promoting a leaf deciduous peak in March and June. The permanent availability of resources as flowers and fruits and the resilience of vegetative phenophases in response to severe frosts make S. mauritianum an adapted species of highly ecological potential to be used in regional restoration projects.