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Senna reticulata, a pioneer tree from Amazonian várzea floodplains

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Abstract

Senna reticulata can be considered one of the most efficient colonizers of open areas in the nutrient-rich Amazonian floodplains. Its main strategies for success are a high tolerance for waterlogging of its roots and stems and extremely high photosynthetic assimilation and rapid growth during the first terrestrial period, when height is important to avoid lethal submergence. The density of the crown is important in outshading competitors. Efficient seed dispersal and a great ability to resprout after a period of unfavorable conditions, after cutting, or after predation add to its effectiveness. These features led local people to considerSenna re-ticulata a noxious woody weed calledmatapasto. In the present article I describe the ecological, physiological, and phenological characteristics ofSenna reticulata, with its extremely high productivity and unique capacity to colonize open areas.

Resumo

Senna reticulata pode ser considerada uma das espécies colonizadoras mais eficientes nas áreas inundáveis da Amazônia. A estratégia para colonizar áreas abertas e impedir o crescimento de outras espécies é uma alta atividade fotossintética e crescimento muito rápido, atingindo até 4 m nos primeiros meses. Este crescimento permite também evadir da submersão total que não é tolerada por esta espécie. A altíssima tolerância a inundação das raizes, e a capacidade de rebroto permitem um estabelecimento muito efetivo, por qual causa é chamada dematapasto. No presente estudo são descritas as caraterísticas ecológicas, fisiológicas, e fenológicas deSenna reticulata.

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  1. Max-Planck-Institute for Limnology Tropical Ecology, P.O. Box 165, 24302, Plön, Germany

    Pia Parolin

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Parolin, P. Senna reticulata, a pioneer tree from Amazonian várzea floodplains. Bot. Rev 67, 239–254 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858077

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