Ecologia da polinização da Malpighia emarginata DC (Malpighiaceae) na região de Dourados-MS

Abstract

Pollination ecology of Malpighia emarginata DC (Malpighiaceae) in the region of Dourados-MS. The fruit of acerola is very grown, because due to its high content of vitamin C is consumed so much fruit, as in jellies, juices and sweets. This paper aims to provide information about the floral biology and reproductive systems of Malpighia emarginata DC, as well as to ascertain the diversity of visitors and their behavior in relation to flower. The study was conducted at the farm Santa Ines located approximately ten kilometers from the city of Dourados in Mato Grosso do Sul. The flowers of acerola are dialypetalous, hermaphrodite, zygomorphic and have five petals pink/ white, with de upper petal differentiated, slightly higher than the others but have the same color. At the base of the sepals are located 6-8 glands of oil called elaióforos that are green, have 10 stamens and 3 gynoecium. We noted the rate of fruit set by natural pollination (32%). Eight species of bees were registered visiting acerola. Plebeia catamarcensis and Paratrigona cf lineata were the species most frequently observed, responsible for 56.93 % and 30.65 % of visits respectively. Were also observed Trigona spinipes, Centris analis, Centris sp1,Centris sp2, Oxaea flavescens and Epicharis sp.