Reproductive phenology of Calophyllum inophyllum in Yeppoon, Australia and Meegoda Western Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Reproductive phenology of multiple use native plant Calophyllum inophyllum L. was studied in Yeppoon (23°7′60″ S, 150°43′60″ E), northern Australia (southern hemisphere) and in Meegoda (6°18′51″N, 80°31′3″), Sri Lanka (northern hemisphere). C. inophyllum trees in Yeppoon, Australia had relatively shorter flowering periods, shorter floral life spans, longer fruit life spans, smaller flowers and larger fruits compared to those in Meegoda, Sri Lanka. Although the number of flower buds/inflorescence was comparatively higher in Meegoda, C. inophyllum trees in both locations had similar mean number of mature fruits/cluster due to the higher floral abscission in C. inophyllum trees at Meegoda. Despite having a comparatively lower fruit yield (664 000 fruts·ha⁻·a⁻), C. inophyllum trees in Yeppoon had higher kernel weights (2 988.0±853.2 kg·ha⁻¹·a⁻¹) and oil yields (1 332.6±380.5 kg·ha⁻¹·a⁻¹) compared to those in Meegoda.