XVI International Botanical Congess

Plant species distribution and fruiting phenology were studied in The Venezuelan Central Plain according to life forms, habitats, and climate factors. A total of 171 plant species were phenologically censused. Fruiting peak occurred toward the end of the rainy season, except for the forest habitat. The number of species with unripe fruit was similar along the year, with a peak of mature fruit during the late rainy season for ecotone, savanna, and disturbed area. The total number of fruiting species was correlated with relative humidity, temperature and evaporation. Plant species with mature fruit was independent of the climate factors. Habitats, plant life forms, and fruit dispersal syndromes could be considered as the main characters adjusting reproductive events along the temporal scale.