Phenological seasonality and seed germination of Copaifera martii Hayne in the southeastern Amazon

ABSTRACT Among Amazonian tree species used for non-timber forest products, Copaifera martii Hayne (copaíba) is notable for its oleoresin, widely used in folk medicine, and for its seeds, which are essential for seedling production. Phenological studies improve our understanding of species dynamics and support effective forest management. This study, conducted in the Carajás National Forest, aimed to characterize the phenology of C. martii, correlate its phenophases with climatic factors, and assess seed germination potential. Twenty individuals were monitored monthly over two years for vegetative and reproductive phenophases. Germination tests were performed with seeds from four trees. Copaifera martii exhibited distinct phenological seasonality, with flowering peaking during the rainy season and fruiting concentrated in the dry season. New leaf emergence peaked at the rainy-to-dry transition; leaf fall peaked in the dry season with no defined seasonality. Among the phenophases, the production of new leaves, floral buds, and mature fruits was positively correlated with rainfall, while immature fruits were significantly associated with temperature variation. Seeds showed high germination rates. These findings support the creation of phenological calendars to guide sustainable seed harvesting and seedling production. They also provide ecological insights into the reproductive timing of C. martii, contributing to conservation and forest management strategies in Eastern Amazonia.