Phenology of the endangered palm Ceroxylon quindiuense (Arecaceae) along an altitudinal gradient in Colombia

Introduction: Understanding the phenology of plant populations is vital for their conservation and management. We studied vegetative reproductive endangered palm Ceroxylon quindiuense along an altitudinal gradient in Central Cordillera Colombia. Objective: describe leaf production rate, flowering fruiting cycles, calculate food offer fauna, as a tool proper management palm. Methods: At each sampling site (2 400, 2 600, 800, 3 000 m.a.s.l.), we marked 40 adult individuals (20 pistillate, 20 staminate), which followed bimonthly 24 months. by counting fallen leaves. flower fruit through observations with binoculars photographs. Results: Each individual produced, on average, one every 61 days. Although isolated flowered throughout year, most palms synchronously at elevation October 2016-August 2017 August 2018-February 2019 had ripe fruits 7-13 months later. Flowering started 600 m, 800 m. Palms 400 lower limit stands area, showed singular behavior, scarce production, some that changed sex, higher proportion pistillate palms. produced 1-11 (x̄ = 5.3, SD 2.2) inflorescences 1-10 infructescences. The average number per infructescence was 4 465 (SD 1 488). With estimated population between 256 overall ratio pistillate: staminate 1:1 or 1:2, total area during period 2.0-7.1 billion fruits. Conclusions: huge flowers gradual availability have major impact spatial temporal distribution fauna associated