Diametric Growth of Blepharocalyx salicifolius in a Fragment of Alluvial Mixed Ombrophylous Forest

The aim of this study was to evaluate the increment in diameter of Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) using dendrometers fixed in eleven trees from a remaining fragment of Alluvial Mixed Ombrophylous Forest in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, state of Parana. Concomitantly to diametric increase readings, the phenological behavior of trees was evaluated for 24 months. The average monthly increment in diameter of B. salicifolius ranged from 0.36 mm to practically null in the coldest months (June to August) to 1.78 mm during the more favorable months (November to March). The average annual increase was of 4.52 mm. The still inexpressive growth in the months of September and October can be explained by the flowering and fruiting peaks. The correlation of the monthly increase intra-species was high (r = 0.55), indicating good data synchrony. The correlation between the average increase, meteorological variables, and phenophases showed that the average temperature accounts for 42% of the variation in the average growth and fruiting.