Patterns of flowering and fruiting in populations of Larrea divaricata in dry Chaco (Argentina)

We analysed the pattern of flower, fruit and seed production in three populations of L. divaricata occurring in three different habitats of the semi-arid Chaco Forest. Two populations occupied old forest areas replaced by scrublands after severe disturbances. The third population had been located in an undisturbed forest area since the beginning of this century. Both timing and production of flowers, fruits and seeds differed between the populations analysed during the sampling period. The forest population showed earlier reproduction and a fruit production comparable to or higher than the scrubland populations. The wide distribution of L. divaricata may be related to its ability to maintain its reproductive output in habitats with contrasting conditions.