PHENOLOGY OF A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MYRTACEAE SPECIES IN A RESTINGA AREA IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL: Myrcia ovina PROENÇA & LANDIM

Restinga ecosystems in Brazil are characterized by harsh environmental conditions and high biodiversity, yet many of their endemic plant species remain poorly studied. Understanding the reproductive ecology of these species is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. This study investigated the ecological and reproductive strategies of Myrcia ovina, an endemic and critically endangered shrub in Restinga. We monitored phenological events over a 12-month period and analyzed vegetative and reproductive patterns with circular statistics and correlations with climatic variables (temperature and precipitation). Observations also included vegetative behavior and potential ecological drivers of reproductive timing. Our findings indicate that Myrcia ovina is an evergreen species with continuous leaf exchange, which is an important trait for maintaining photosynthesis in nutrient-poor soils. The species exhibits a marked annual flowering peak during the dry season, likely aligning with pollinator availability and reducing herbivory pressure. Fruit development peaks at the beginning of the rainy season, when increased water availability may support seed maturation. However, seed dispersal may be less effective during this period due to reduced frugivore activity in the presence of more abundant food sources. The positive correlation between bud production and preceding precipitation highlights the role of historical moisture availability in reproductive success. These results demonstrate how Myrcia ovina is finely tuned to the seasonal dynamics of the Restinga and offer important insights into the adaptive strategies of Myrtaceae species in tropical coastal systems. This study contributes valuable knowledge for biodiversity conservation in these vulnerable ecosystems.