Sánchez-Cuervo, Ana M.

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    Ecología poblacional y reproductiva de Cordia bellonis Urb. (Boraginaceae), una especie en peligro
    (2006) Sánchez-Cuervo, Ana M.; Kolterman, Duane A.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Breckon, Gary J.; Lewis, Allen R.; Department of Biology; Muñoz, Miguel
    Cordia bellonis Urb. is a rare and endemic shrub located in the Maricao and Río Abajo Commonwealth Forests. No individuals were registered in the Susúa forest. The species grows on serpentine and limestone soils, at edges of roads and highways, with good light exposure, on shallow and humid soils, on relatively inclined slopes and in areas of moderately acid to neutral pH levels. Sexes are spatially segregated but the population is symmetrical. The proportion of sexes was not significantly different from 1:1. The flowering and fructification are synchronous and seasonal events. The flowering period occurs in the rainy season whereas the fructification begins at the end of the rainy season until the dry season. The species is visited mainly by generalist insects like moths (Noctuidae), flower flies (Syrphidae) and Apis mellifera L. Most seedlings were found under the canopy of the females and their recruitment occurs in the dry season. In situ mortality is high in the first months after germination; this occurs due to both natural causes and anthropogenic disturbances. Cordia bellonis does not form a seed bank in the soil. Anthropogenic disturbances are the main threat to the species, due to the proximity of road edges. It is recommended that the species continue to be listed as Endangered due mainly to the small size of the population (226 individuals), low fruit production, high rate of seedling mortality and high frequency of human disturbances.