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Pontederia lanceolata; growth; aquatic macrophytes; Pantanal Mato-grossense; floodplains
Abstract:
In this study we investigate the growth pattern of the aquatic macrophyte Pontederia lanceolata in the floodplain of the Pantanal Mato-grossense, using the demographic method associated with the relative growth method. The field procedure consisted of monitoring the growth of 27 plants. The results indicate that the growth pattern of the individuals of the population studied is related to the flooding cycles of the region. The individuals responded to the flood pulse increasing the birth rate, density, average length and the foliar are of their leaves. These responses imply in a high mean relative growth rate during the flood period, guaranteeing success in the establishment of the species in the area. In the dry period, the results were opposite of those in the flood period. Based upon the results obtained, we consider, in agreement with the flood pulse concept, that some characteristics exhibited by the species, such as fast growth, early reproduction and phenotypic plasticity in size, are adaptive strategies for survival in floodplains.