Litter Dynamics and Phenology of Melaleuca quinquenervia in South Florida

We monitored litterfall biomass at six different sites of melaleuca ( Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake) forested wetlands in South Florida from July 1997 to June 1999. Annual litterfall of melaleuca varied between sites from 6.5 to 9.9 t dry wt ha -1 yr -1 over the two-year period. Litterfall was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in seasonally flooded habitats (9.3 t ha -1 yr -1 ) than in non-flooded (7.5 t ha -1 yr -1 ) and permanently flooded habitats (8.0 t ha -1 yr -1 ). Leaf fall was the major component forming 70% of the total litter, woody material 16%, and reproductive material 11%. Phenology of flowering and leaf flush was investigated by examination of the timing and duration of the fall of different plant parts in the litter traps, coupled with monthly field observations during the two-year study. In both years, flowering began in October and November, with peak flower production around December, and was essentially completed by February and March. New shoot growth began in mid winter after peak flowering,