Phytogeography of feijoa in the Planalto Serrano Catarinense region

Abstract

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a native fruit occurring abundantly in the Planalto Serrano Catarinense
region. This study was carried out in order to characterize the phytogeography of feijoa and to assess its biological interaction in the natural occurrence ecosystem. Twenty-six scientific excursions were carried out over the Planalto Serrano Catarinense region during 2004/05 and comprised 159 sample points with presence of feijoa.
This specie was found in altitudes ranging between 715 and 1.692m with higher frequency between 900 and 1.300m. Forest with Araucaria angustifolia was the typical plant community. More than 50% of feijoa plants were located inside “capões” at the shadow position. Soil fertility surrounding feijoa plants showed high potassium and low phosphorus levels.