Reproductive and phenological development of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Myrtaceae)

Flowering span and breeding system of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Myrtaceae) were studied by weekly observations and hand-pollination, near the towns of Gorb ea and Pitrufquen, IX Region, Chile. It starts flowering during the first h alf of December, showing a flowering peak during the first week of January. It is selfcompatible; in the absence of pollen it does not yield fruits, i .e. it is not apomictic. Maximum seed set occurs when pollen is carried by the pollinating agents, as shown in the reproduction table, where procedure s such as cross-pollination and open-pollination increased the number of se eds. The main floral reward was found to be the great amount of pollen offe red to visiting insects, which is higher than in other species of the same family occurring in the same habitat. This species does not produce nectar, but a light scent. Fruits ripen from the last days of March to May.