Phenological and growth patterns of the Mediterranean oak Quercus suber L.

摘要: The phenology of Quercus suber L., a dominant species the montados in Iberian Peninsula, was studied for 2 years southwest Portugal. seasonal progression phenological events analyzed seven trees. Selected branches were examined monthly shoot elongation, leaf number, branching, flowering, and fruiting. Radial stem growth specific weight also studied. Active observed from early spring to summer. Reserves accumulated during winter high photosynthetic activity apparently supported this strong development. flush started with radial increment, which seemed be impaired by rainfall. Male inflorescence production next event. Old leaves shed new twig emergence. Shoot elongation number produced well correlated previous-year shoot's length, not clearly related climatic factors. resumed autumn at lower rate than previous spring, possible consequence reserve depletion due summer investment on fruit maturation, complete late autumn. Premature excessive subjected self-pruning strategies development each tree's crown. Younger cork-oaks shorter fewer shoots per module, more sclerophyllous older ones. A intra-specific variability all results.