Abstract

SANCHEZ, J.A; MUNOZ, Bárbara  and  MONTEJO, Laura. Seed traits of trees in an evergreen tropical forest of the Sierra del Rosario, Cuba. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2009, vol.32, n.2, pp. 1-1. ISSN 0864-0394.

Seed traits of 40 trees in an evergreen tropical forest of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Cuba, were assessed. The variables determined were fresh and dry seed mass, initial moisture content, dry mass of the seed structures for physical defense (testa/endocarp) and reserves (embryo/endosperm) and the amount of seed resources dedicated to physical defense and reserves. The seed variables were analyzed by three ways: 1) behavior at community level; 2) regeneration strategy (pioneers versus non-pioneers); and 3) time of seed dispersal (dry season, early and late rainy season). Seed fresh mass ranged from 0,042 mg to 10 628,9 mg. The mean initial moisture content was 17,3%, with 9,3% in pioneers and 19,4% in species belonging to advanced stages of succession; a similar trend was observed in fresh and dry seed mass. Proportion of dry seed mass in seed coats was 46,1% in all species, and in pioneer seeds this value was higher (59,1%). The initial moisture content was negatively correlated to the dry mass percentage involved in seed coat formation and positively correlated to fresh seed mass. These last three variables showed no significant difference when analyzed by category of seed dispersal.

Keywords : Seed; trees.

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