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Abstract

Phenological observations were made over 7 years between July 1993 to July 2000 on 15 adult individuals of Eschweilera tenuifolia located in different positions within the igapó forest. The phenophases were observed following these criteria: Leaf change; young, mature and old leaves; Flowering: bud and flower; Fruiting: unripe and ripe fruit. The maximum leaf abscission for was between June and August, period of lowest precipitation and humidity and high insolation levels. Partial shed of leaves and peak of their production synchronised with the start of water receding between August and September. For both species, peak of shed and production of leaves was simultaneous and the medium time of leaf life was between 8 and 10 months. The maximum production of new leaves always preceded flowering and fruiting. Flowering occurred between September and January in a synchronous manner between the individuals, independent of their situation on the bank and of the consequent time difference in when they were submerged. Fruiting occurred between November and April, coinciding with the dry season and beginning of the inundation, which has important implications for the establishment of seedlings. The study population had phenological standards indicating an intraspecific synchrony