G. Pollak
R. Schwartz-Tsachor
A. Perevolotsky

Vegetative growth, blooming and fruiting of Phillyrea latifolia L. were monitored through 5 years under different management regimes in a Mediterranean garrigue in Israel. Vegetative growth and blooming occurred constantly and massively each spring, with slight inter-annual temporal fluctuations, probably controlled by water availability. Frequency, rate and intensity of vegetative growth were also constant and massive. Reproductive performance was very irregular and variable, both at population and individual levels. Management treatments had no effect on the timing of the phenological events, but caused massive growth of elongated shoots accompanied by decrease of leaf sclerophylly. Management intervention enhanced blooming and fruit production. The adaptive significance of the phenological pattern and the short-term modifications by management is discussed.