Dinámica de la floración de Leptocereus scopulophilus (Cactaceae): estrategias de atracción

The population of Leptocereus scopulophilus is small and barely occupies 3.500 m2 in the southeast side of Pan de Matanzas. These unique features may require a flowering strategy different from that of most columnar cacti with larger and widespread populations. In this paper, the production of flowers, the availability of flower buds, flowers and fruits; the volume and concentration of nectar; and the energy output of this Cuban endemic species were study. Additionally, the pollination effectiveness and the likelihood of cross-pollination were estimated. L. scopulophilus starts flowering in the second half of the dry season (February) and runs through the beginning of the rainy season (June) but most flowers are produced from March to May. Most plants open an average of one flower per night. Although, the number of blooming plants increase up to April the intensity of flower production in the population is always less than 50%. Nectar production and concentration do not vary significantly. The flowers may produce up to 0,76 mL of nectar per night and allocate more than 1 kJ in the nectar. The success of the pollination increases along the course of the season up to 45%. In general, the flowering strategy of L. scopulophilus is similar to that of other columnar cacti from dry ecosystems.