Angiosperm flora used by meliponine guilds (Apidae, Meliponina) occurring at rainforest edges in the state of Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

Information about the use of floristic resources of the immediate edges of ombrophilous forest (Atlantic rainforest) fragments by stingless bees is not readily available in the scientific literature. Considering the importance of these plant species for local guilds of stingless bees, this study aimed to identify and characterize the flora of the immediate borders of four Atlantic rainforest fragments situated in Baturité massif, state of Ceará, used as food resource by stingless bees. We studied the growth-form of the plants, the floristic similarity between edges and the effect of rainfall on the flowering, and suggested simple techniques for handling these areas. We compiled a total of 82 plant species with a predominance of tree and shrub form. There were different floristic richness between areas and rainfall had differentiated influence on flowering, according to the edge. We concluded that the florist components of the studied edges are relevant to the stingless bee guilds, but alternative management practices are needed to conserve both plant and bee species.

Bee-flower association in the Neotropics: implications to bee conservation and plant pollination

“…They commonly interact with plants of the botanical families best represented in Neotropical environments (Lima-Verde et al 2014;Ramalho et al 1990, in this study). This plastic and opportunistic trophic behavior does not appear to represent a species-specific characteristic, but a response to the local abundance of these bees, as observed herein.…”

Superação De Dormência Em Sementes De Copaifera Duckei Dwyer. (Fabaceae)/Overcoming Seed Dormancy of Copaifera Duckei Dwyer. (Fabaceae)

“…As sementes de Copaifera duckei foram coletadas no período de outubro a novembro de 2017, obtidas de trinta plantas matrizes, identificadas na cidade de Pacoti, Serra de Baturité, Ceará, Brasil, localizada na latitude (S): 4º 13' 30" e a Longitude (WGr) 38º 55' 24", na altitude de 736,13 m do nível do mar, em floresta ombrófila densa (FLORA DO BRASIL, 2019;MANSANO, 2011;LIMA-VERDE et al, 2014;MODRO, 2020).…”

Superação De Dormência Em Sementes De Parkia Pendula (Willd.) Benth. Ex Walp. (Fabaceae) / Overcoming Dormancy in Seeds of Parkia Pendula (Willd.) Benth. Ex Walp. (Fabaceae)

“…As sementes de Parkia pendula foram coletadas no período de novembro a dezembro de 2017, obtidas de vinte plantas matrizes, identificadas no município de Guaramiranga, Ceará, localizado na latitude (S): 4º 15' 48'' e longitude (WGr) 38º 55' 59'' e com altitude de 865,24 a 1.115 m sob o nível do mar, em floresta ombrófila densa (LIMA & MANSANO, 2011;LIMA-VERDE et al, 2014; FLORA DO BRASIL, 2019; SILVA & MODRO, 2020).…”