Reproductives aspects, architecture and phenomorphology of Maytenus boaria Molina (Celastraceae) in central Chile

Abstract

Maytenus boaria Molina (Celastraceae) is an evergreen native tree which is widely distributed in Chile. It has a high economic potential due to its medicinal value, among others. Despite this, biological information about the species is scarce and often confusing. The objective of the study was to broaden the knowledge about reproductive aspects and the sexual system of M. boaria, along with its modular architecture and pheno-morphology. The study was conducted from August through December of 2016, with adults plants (n=17) selected in urban areas of the Región Metropolitana. A pollination test was performed and the sex of the flowers of each selected tree was identified. In addition, a pheno-morphological diagram of the species was made through the modular interpretation of its architecture and the identification of its phenophases. Results showed that M. boaria is a dioecious and andromonoecious species; it has a low autonomous autogamy and is non-apomictic species that needs pollination vectors for seed production. It has four architectural modules in its crown: dolichoblast of apical bud, dolichoblast of axillary bud, inflorescence and reproductive temporary brachyblasts which are distributed in two architectonic units. The floral biology and pheno-morphology of this species indicate that it would be in an evolutionary process regarding the functionality of hermaphroditic flowers, which has been proposed as an intermediate step from hermaphroditism to dioecy. Further knowledge of these topics will allow for a better understanding of the autoecology of the species in order to have an appropriate and productive management of it.