LEAFING, FLOWERING, FRUITING AND INITIAL GROWTH OF CAGAITEIRA, IN PLANALTINA, DF, BRAZIL

The phenophases of leafing, flowering and fruiting of 'cagaiteira' (Eu genia dysenterica Mart), Myrtaceae, were studied in a Cerrado vegetati on at Planaltina, DF, Brazil, from November 1985 to January 1992. The peak of leafing activities, senescence and emission of new leaves occu rred in August, by the end of dry season. This peak of formation of le aves was simultaneous to flowering activities. The fruit maturation oc curred during September-October. 'Cagaiteira' seedlings were cultivate d in plastic bags, under two light intensities: 100% of natural light in an open field nursery, and 50% of natural light in a woven nylon co vered lath house. Growth analysis performed by destructive method was done every 35 days for a 140-day period. Seedlings showed a better gro wth in natural light conditions. Production of dry matter was higher i n roots followed by leaves and stems. Five months old seedlings had an average of 11.5 cm of height, 7.8 leaves, and 50.6 dm(2) of leaf area .