OBSERVACIONES FENOLÓGICAS DE Satureja macrostema (Benth.) Briq., EN DOS LOCALIDADES DE MICHOACÁN, MÉXICO

Abstract

Secondary forest species offer great potential as sustainable non-timber forest products far socio-economic development. The P'urhépecha people use te nurite ( Satureja macrostema) as a traditional medicine to treat stomach and intestinal infections, and stimulate gastric movements. The purpose of the present study was to determine the phenology of Satureja macrostema in relation to the major ecological factors. The study was carried out in a domesticated stand of the botanic garden of the Uruapan Experimental Station (INIFAP) a natural stand in the forest of the lndigenous Community of Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro, Michoacan, Mexico, and in a Pinus pseudostrobus-Alnus acuminata ssp. arguta plantation, Each phenologic event is related to seasonal patterns and cycles; but one environmetal element can be identified as the most important factor far the presence of any phenologic phase. Temperature and humidity are the majar abiotic factors that influence their final expression. The foliar phase occurs during summer, starting in the rainy sea$on ·.and ending in the fall. Flower production begins during winter and lasts until spring. Fruit production occurs from January to May (winter-spring). Defoliation is inversely correlated with flower and fruit production since, as they increase, so does leaf fall. Larger leaf size and more numerous flowers per flowering branch, suggests the species in this region may be distinct from other species.