Biologia reprodutiva de Cereus jamacaru DC. subsp. jamacaru (Cactaceae) em fitofisionomias do Curimataú Oriental Paraibano.

Cereus jamacaru subsp. jamacaru (Cactaceae), popularly known as mandacaru, stands out for its ecological relevance in storing large amounts of water, being crucial as forage support for ruminants during drought periods in northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the pollen viability and morphometry of flower buds and fruits of C. jamacaru in four areas of the municipality of Solânea, located in the Curimataú Oriental, in the state of Paraíba. Ten individuals in their phenological peak were selected, from which 10 flower buds and 10 fruits were collected in each area, performing biometry and morphometry. The results indicated a significant effect for all variables analyzed among individuals from the four areas. The correlation showed significant differences in the morphometric values of the buds and fruits of C. jamacaru, which may influence the reproduction of this plant. The populations of C. jamacaru show morphological differences in reproductive structures, indicating a qualitative gradient proportional to anthropogenic influence, despite being in similar climatic areas. In regions more affected by human activity, lower values of floral bud and fruit variables were observed, which may have influenced the reproductive biology of these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]