ASPECTOS DA BIOLOGIA FLORAL DE Tradescantia pallida (COMMELINACEAE) Hugo Lima Kirsten, Kérolym Lomes da Cruz, Sofia Alvim, Luiz Antonio de Souza

Abstract

Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt is a Brazilian introduced species, very common in urban environments. The work aimed to analyze some aspects of the floral biology of the species, particularly the flower morphology and the interaction with floral visitors. The collection and observations of the flowers were made in several specimens, located at the State University of Maringá campus, Paraná. The plants are herbaceous, approximately 40 cm high, with vegetative reproduction, in which their branches arise from the leaf axils and can grow and take root in the soil; its leaves are alternate distichous or spiral. The flowers appear in the axils of the last two leaves (bracts) of the branch, they are pedicellate and dichlamydeous, with membranous and green sepals, and petals of purple rosacea color, with smooth and fine texture. Only insects were observed as floral visitors, of which 89% belonged to the order Hymenoptera. The stigmatic's receptivity tested positive. No nectaries or nectar guides were recorded. The floral characteristics suggest easy adaptation of this species to the environment. Our results may be useful for new studies focused on the interaction of introduced plants and the natural environment.