Host trait preferences and distribution of vascular epiphytes in a warm-temperate forest |
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Authors: | Akiko Hirata Takashi Kamijo Satoshi Saito |
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Institution: | (1) Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan;(2) Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba Ibaraki, 305-8687, Japan |
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Abstract: | To illustrate the ecological factors and process leading to the observed diversity patterns of vascular epiphytes, we examined
the effect and importance of host tree traits on epiphyte richness and spatial aggregation of epiphytes. The study was conducted
in warm-temperate forest in Japan. The recorded host traits were diameter, height, species, habitat topography, and growth
rate, and we analyzed the effects and importance of these traits on three species groups: total epiphytic species, epiphytic
orchid species, and epiphytic pteridophyte species. Diameter and species of host trees had the greatest influence on epiphytes
and their magnitudes were roughly similar in all species groups. Growth rate and topography were less important than host
size and species. Growth rate had a negative effect on all three groups, and topography was important for pteridophytes. Epiphyte
richness did not exhibit clear spatial aggregation. Our results suggest that size, stability, and quality of the host are
equally important in determining epiphyte colonization. |
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Keywords: | Diversity Evergreen broad-leaved forest Orchid Pteridophyte Host specificity Spatial pattern |
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