Phenology and productivity of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in a north Florida slash pine plantation

Phenological observations were used in conjunction with destructive samplin g and measurements of plant cover to determine the aboveground seasonal dyn amics, annual aboveground net primary production (ANPP), and responses to f ertilizer applications of the rhizomatous, perennial, understory species, s aw palmetto (Serenoa repens (Bartr.) Small), in a north-central Florida pin e ecosystem. Phenology was not significantly affected by the fertilization. Flowering, fruiting, frond initiation, and frond mortality were all highly seasonal, but while flowering was consistent, fruiting occurred in only on e of the three seasons studied. Turnover rates of plant biomass averaged 22 % per year over the 2 years and treatments, resulting in ANPP values of 11- 37 g.m(-2) per year, with higher values on fertilized plots, which amounted to 1-3% of overstory ANPP.