Diversity of reproductive phenology of trees in the tropical evergreen forest of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

The present paper describes the phenological pattern of 73 tree species from tropical zone of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs), India. The study exhibits two flowering peaks (dry season and wet season) among the studied tree species. The dry season peak flowering was immediately followed by peak fruiting during pre-monsoon dry period just prior to onset of wet season. Peak flowering in March was significantly correlated with changes in temperature, this synchronized flowering in the dry season also affects the insect’s floral visits on the plant. Ripening of fruits during early wet season may offer post dispersal advantage for seeds to germinate and thereby ensuring offspring survival. The finding indicates that both temperature and rainfall strongly influence the seasonality in reproductive phenology of trees of this archipelago. The study supports the “ optimal time of reproductive phenology ” and suggests that a strong seasonality exists with respect to reproductive phenology (flowering and fruiting) in tree species of tropical evergreen forests of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.