ISHS Acta Horticulturae 683: V International Symposium on New Floricultural Crops
EARLY GROWTH, ARCHITECTURE AND FLOWERING OF LAVOISIERA FRANCAVILLANA (MELASTOMATACEAE), A THREATENED BRAZILIAN SHRUB WITH ORNAMENTAL POTENTIAL |
| Authors: | B.D. Ranieri, T.C. Lana, L. Gluck, G.W. Fernandes |
| Keywords: | endangered species, ex-situ conservation, ontogeny, wet soils, Serra do Cipó |
| Abstract:
Seedling development of Lavoisiera francavillana Cogn. (Melastomataceae, Microliciae) was investigated, specifically in relation to branching and flowering patterns. Studies were conducted on 50 greenhouse seedlings in Serra do Cipó, Brazil. Seedlings grew most rapidly in October and December and displayed two flowering periods during the year. An average of 15 flowers per plant formed on apical shoots from late October to late February and 23 flowers from late April to late July. After these periods, two new meristems formed just below the ovaries and re-initiated slower vegetative growth. These new apical buds developed into the next season’s flowering shoots. After ony year, mean plant height was 55 cm. The seedlings exhibited a terminal branching pattern with few basal shoots. The lower branches remained dormant during and after flowering and eventually died as the plants grew. | |
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