Vegetative Phenology and Growth of Cedrela fissilis in Atlantic Forest, Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Phenology, girth trunk increment and cambial activity of Cedrela fissilis (Meliaceae) individuals were monthly evaluated in two distinct units of the Atlantic Forest (Ombrophilous Dense and Mixed forests), in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Readings of 24 individuals were assessed by activity index, permanent band dendrometers, and periodic samplings of cambial tissue. The girth increment rhythm is seasonal, it begins after total leaf blade expansion and is suspended when mature leaves are in advanced senescence and/or absent. Statistical analysis shows significant relationships between girth increment, climatic variables and phenology. The species presents annual growth rings and intra-annual anatomical fluctuations. Its vegetative phenology seems to be more strongly driven by day length and temperature than by precipitation.