Floristic diversity of sabal palmetto woodland: an endemic and endangered vegetation type from Mexico

The sabal palmetto woodland is a tropical plant formation dominated by Sabal mexicana, with restricted distribution to southeast Mexico. Sabal palms grow on poor soils but accumulate large quantities of organic substrate in their crowns, harboring a contingent of plants that use it as phorophyte. Although it is a threatened formation, basic information on its biodiversity is scant. We examined the floristic diversity of recruited (diameter at breast height, DBH, ≥1 cm) and understory (DBH ≤ 1 cm) plants, and its variation with anthropogenic disturbance. We also examined the floristic diversity of plants that use the sabal palms as phorophytes, and assessed its variation with human impact. All plants present in transects within a conserved and an adjacent perturbed area were sampled. The list of observed taxa shows that this vegetation has a clear affinity with tropical dry and wet forests of Mexico, with a small representation of taxa from desert ecosystems. The floristic contingent included a total of 81 species in 2000 m². Richness, composition and diversity were affected by disturbance. Recruited and understory vegetation in the disturbed site were 5- and 1.6-times less diverse than in the conserved site, and species of mature, conserved vegetation were substituted by heliophytes in the disturbed site. In contrast, abundance of palms and diversity and identity of epiphytic/hemiepiphytic plants were not affected by disturbance. We show that even monodominated tropical ecosystems growing on poor soils have a high floristic diversity and that current anthropogenic impact threatens not only species and populations but also entire plant formations.     

Evolutionary trends in Mediterranean flora and vegetation

Summary The vegetation of the Mediterranean Basin was originally composed of evergreen forests; during the Pleistocene deciduous forests expanded, chiefly in the mountains. In historical time the forest belt was strongly reduced by human activity and substituted by anthropogenous vegetation types (macchia, garigue, weed-communities). The frequency of polyploids in the present vegetation types support this interpretation. Reciprocal relationships between the vegetational system and social system are discussed and a terminology is proposed. During ancient times and the middle ages a reciprocal control of vegetation and human activity was possible (cyclic system), stabilizing the vegetation in a steady state; the technological impact modified these conditions in a linear sense, and now the vegetation is menaced by irreversible changes.Contribution to the Symposium on Plant species and plant communities, held at Nijmegen, 11–12 November 1976, on the occasion of the 60th birthday of Professor Victor Westhoff.     

Floristic composition and diversity of mixed primary and secondary forests in northwest Guyana

The adequate protection and sustainable management of a tropical rain forest requires a good knowledge of its biodiversity. Although considerable parts of Guyana's North-West District have been allocated as logging concessions, little has been published on the forest types present in this region. The present paper reviews the floristic composition, vegetation structure, and diversity of well-drained mixed and secondary forests in northwest Guyana. Trees, shrubs, lianas, herbs and hemi-epiphytes were inventoried in four hectare plots: two in primary forests, one in a 20-year-old secondary forest and one in a 60-year-old secondary forest. The primary forests largely corresponded with the Eschweilera–Licania association described by Fanshawe, although there were substantial variations in the floristic composition and densities of dominant species. The late-succession forest contained the highest number species and was not yet dominated by Lecythidaceae and Chrysobalanaceae. There is a need for updating the existing vegetation maps of northwest Guyana, as they were based on limited information. Large-scale forest inventories may provide a fair indication of species dominance and forest composition, but do not give a reliable insight in floristic diversity. Although previous reports predicted a general low diversity for the North-West District, the forests plots of this research were among the most diverse studied in Guyana so far. These results will hopefully influence the planning of protected areas in Guyana.     

Patterns of vegetation along the Omo River in southwest Ethiopia

This study investigates the riverine vegetation along the perennial Omo River, which flows from the Ethiopian highlands to its terminus, in the southwestern lowlands, at Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolf). Broadly defined to include the levee backslopes and adjacent mudflats (or ancient floodplains), the riverine zone in the lower Omo basin supports a relatively luxuriant vegetation compared with the dry grasslands in the surrounding plains environments. Habitat conditions along the lower Omo have changed significantly during the past century, primarily due to a period of reduced rainfall and river flow, a drop in lake level (L. Turkana) at the river's terminus and increased exposure of natural levees near the Omo's terminus. The floristic and physiognomic character of riverine vegetation were studied at selected sites, ranging from the relatively straight channel section in the modern delta to a strongly meandering (upstream) section of the river. A combination of open canopy woodland, shrub thicket and grassland (with scattered tree emergents) prevailed on the more recently exposed levees, in and near the modern delta; closed canopy woodland and forest predominated on fore levees in the meandering segment. Floristic diversity was relatively low at all study sites. Ficus sycomorus, Tapura fischeri, Melanodiscus oblongus, Celtis integrifolia and Trichilia roka were most significant in upstream forest sites, whereas Cordia sinensis, Acacia mellifera, Ziziphus mauritiana and Ficus sycomorus were more common in communities nearer the lake. Older forests generally contained greater diversity of more woody species, greater tree height and truck diameter than downstream levee vegetation, but they did not exhibit clear stratification. Species patchiness was broadly characteristic of the riverine zone, particularly the mudflats (ancient floodplains) extending away from the fore levees. Fires are frequently set by local inhabitants throughout the grasslands of the lower Omo Basin; within the riverine zone, they are particularly common in the mudflats but have only limited impact on woodland and forest vegetation. It is suggested that fire is a highly significant factor in the establishment of sharp boundaries between the closed canopy woodland/forest along the river and the more xerophytic vegetation of the mudflats.     

Floristic composition and analysis of spontaneous vegetation of Sabkha Djendli in north-east Algeria

We conducted a phyto-ecological analysis of the Sebkha Djendli located in the semi-arid lands of the north-eastern Algeria in order to contribute in the understanding of flora composition, diversity and factors controlling plant zonation. Eight plots, distributed on the cardinal and intercardinal points of the site, were sampled. A floristic analysis (species richness, life forms, spatial occurrence, plant cover rate and similarity) and an assessment of the effect of soil salinity and pH on the cover of dominant halophytes were performed. The results of the floristic approach showed the presence of 51 species belonging to 21 families and 45 genera. The most frequent biological types were therophytes (58%) followed by chamaephytes (18%). Vegetation cover rate ranged from 50% to 95%. The distribution of vegetation all around the edges of the Sabkha revealed the dominance of halophytic species belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae. The variation of total halophytic vegetation cover over all sampled plots seems to be affected neither by the distance from waterbody nor by plot orientation nor by the electrical conductivity and pH of soil.     

Phenology of woody species in tropical coastal vegetation, northeastern Brazil

The study was carried out in the Private Nature Reservation Nossa Senhora do Outeiro de Maracaípe, located along the southern coast of Pernambuco state, in the Nossa Senhora do Ó District (08°31′48″S and 35°01′05″W), Ipojuca municipality, northeastern Brazil. The reserve has 76.20 ha of tropical coastal vegetation (Restinga forest). The aims were to determine the existence of seasonal phenological pattern of woody species as a function of rainfall. During the study period, the rainfall was 26.8 mm in the driest month (November 2003) and 538.9 in the wettest (June 2004). Observations on flowering, fruiting, leaf fall, and leaf flushing were recorded monthly, during 16 months (April 2003 to July 2004). All species with a ground level perimeter >10 cm and represented by at least three individuals, were selected and tagged. A total of 51 species represented by 156 individuals were recorded. Leaf flushing and leaf fall did not have seasonal variation and the species continued to gain and loose leaves during the dry (August to February) and rainy (March to July) seasons. Flowering, when evaluated by the Fournier's percentage, varied between 1.9% and 20.2%, with maximum intensity in December 2003 (16.4%) and January 2004 (20.2%). Likewise, fruiting varied between 3.8% and 21.4% with the highest percentages in February (17.2%) and March (21.4%) 2004. The analysis comparing reproductive phenological patterns with monthly rainfall did not show a significant correlation, which may suggest investigations concerning other factors, including biotic ones, as pollination and/or dispersal modes, which can be influencing reproductive events of plants in the studied Restinga forest.     

Influence of hydropattern and vegetation type on phosphorus dynamics in flow-through wetland treatment systems

Phosphorus (P) flux from wetland soil can be a significant factor affecting overall wetland treatment performance. The purpose of our study was to quantify the effects of water level drawdown on P exchange between surface water and organic soil in a constructed wetland. We used 12 fiberglass mesocosms filled with 30 cm of peat soil to quantify nutrient exchange between surface water and organic soil in a wet-dry-wet cycle. Six mesocosms were planted with emergent macrophytes and six mesocosms were maintained free of emergent vegetation. We evaluated four treatments including continuously and intermittently flooded treatments, both with and without emergent macrophytes. Each treatment was replicated three times and every mesocosm was plumbed to monitor flow volumes and water chemistry. Effluent P concentrations were similar for all four treatments prior to first drawdown period. However, upon re-flooding, all intermittently flooded tanks exhibited a three to fourfold increase in surface water P concentration, which lasted for a period of up to ten weeks. The magnitude of nutrient flux to surface water and the time period over which P release took place were season dependent, with longer duration of high nutrient flux during dry-season drawdowns. Results of repeated measures analysis indicated that hydropattern was the dominant factor affecting P-flux to overlying surface water, while presence or absence of emergent vegetation had no significant influence on effluent concentrations. Organic and particulate phosphorus fluxes were substantially higher in treatments lacking emergent macrophytes, subsequent to the dry-season drawdowns. Intermittently flooded treatments with no emergent vegetation generated the most dissolved and particulate phosphorus. Our results indicate that maintaining saturated soil is sufficient to retain stored P, while plants played no significant role in P retention for a wetland receiving P-loading rate on the order of 0.1 g week⁻¹ during a wet-dry-wet cycle.     

Rainfall partitioning and related hydrochemical fluxes in a diverse and in a mono specific (Phenakospermum guyannense) secondary vegetation stand in eastern Amazonia

Rainfall partitioning into throughfall and stemflow was studied in a diverse and in a mono specific stand of secondary vegetation in Eastern Amazonia. The nutrient concentrations in the water were analysed in order to quantify the related hydrochemical fluxes. Secondary vegetation forms the fallow in the local shifting cultivation system and is usually dominated by shrubs and trees. Phenakospermum guyannense (Strelitziaceae), a banana-like herb, is one of the predominant non-woody species. The study was conducted during an 18-month period in a 2.5-year-old relatively species-rich stand and a 10-year-old stand dominated by P. guyannense. In a year with 1956 mm of rainfall 65% (1281 mm) of this quantity reached the soil as throughfall in the diverse stand and 38% (743 mm) in the mono specific stand. Stemflow was estimated to be 23% and 41% respectively. P. guyannense and Banara guianensis (Flacourtiaceae), a tree species, were causing these high funnelling effects. In the young diverse stand B. guianensis had a stemflow of more than 200 l year⁻¹ and P. guyannense had a median flux of 77 l year⁻¹ per pseudostem. In the older stand the taller plants of P.␣guyannense collected 644 l year⁻¹ per pseudostem on the median. The reason for these high values could be the banana-like growth form of P. guyannense and the crown morphology of B. guianensis, which has inclined branches. The low proportion of throughfall and the high stemflow values differ from all previous studies in Amazonian primary forests. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean strongly influenced the nutrient fluxes via rainfall at our study site. This becomes obvious from the high Na and Cl fluxes with rainfall (19.7 kg Na ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, 37.2 kg Cl ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) which were approximately equal to the Na and Cl fluxes with the sum of throughfall and stemflow for both stands. K fluxes in throughfall and stemflow in both stands were higher than in rainfall by a factor of 8. The high K enrichment during the crown passage is assumed to be caused by a␣high K concentration in the leaf tissue resulting in enhanced leaching from the leaves. In months with low␣rainfall the concentrations of Ca, Mg, S and Cl in throughfall of the diverse stand were significantly higher than in months with high rainfall. This was mainly due to vegetation burns in the dry period, which resulted in ash deposition on the canopy and subsequent wash-off and solution of ash particles. Received: 11 May 1997 / Accepted: 2 November 1997     

The role of local knowledge in determining shade composition of multistrata coffee systems in Chiapas,Mexico

This research explores interactions between farmers’ knowledge and socioeconomic circumstances and the floristic composition of multistrata coffee plantations in Chiapas, Mexico. Interviews with 24 individual farmers with accompanying vegetation transects and two community level participatory workshops were carried out. The frequency, density, dominance, utility and importance value for all tree species surveyed were obtained. Farmers were grouped by cluster analysis on the basis of their land area, time producing coffee and the age of their coffee farms but the dominant shade species in their coffee plantations was not influenced by socioeconomic status (p<0.05). A total of 74 shade species were recorded and classified as temporary, suitable, or unsuitable as shade species by farmers, based on attributes such as leaf phenology, foliage density, crown shape and the amount and timing of litter decomposition, as well as their overall impact on coffee yield. Principal component and cluster analysis using these attributes confirmed the consistency of the farmers’ classification system. A group of preferred species was identified, but less than half the trees recorded on farms were of these species, showing that farmers retained a wide range of trees and shrubs in their plantations, taking into account not only commercial interests but also their contribution to ecosystem functions. Farmers harnessed the forces of secondary succession by retaining pioneers as temporary shade, knowing that they would naturally be succeeded, while at the same time promoting and tolerating other longer living native species that they considered more suitable as coffee shade. Managing diverse secondary succession instead of establishing monospecific shade was an efficient way for farmers to achieve acceptable coffee yields while contributing to biodiversity and landscape conservation that could allow them access to niche markets.     

青海省甘蒙柽柳群落植被区系分析

为了探明青海省甘蒙柽柳(Tamarix austromongolica Nakai)群落植被的区系特征,对同德县然果村甘蒙柽柳古树林群落的古树资源基本特征和结构特征进行了分析,并对该古树林群落及同德县班多村和贵德县曲卜藏村甘蒙柽柳幼树林群落的科属组成、生活型和区系特征进行了分析和比较;在此基础上,提出甘蒙柽柳古树林群落的保护策略.调查结果显示:在然果村古树林群落中,胸径大于1.40 m的甘蒙柽柳百年古树有203株,最高植株的株高、胸径和地径分别为22.85、1.78和3.39 m;群落中小叶杨(Populus simonii Carr.)百年古树有15株,最高植株的株高和胸径分别为25.00和4.18 m.在垂直结构上,然果村古树林群落分为乔木层、灌木层和草本层3个层次,其中,草本层包括多年生丛草层和一年生杂草层2个层次;在水平结构上,甘蒙柽柳均匀散布在群落内,小叶杨呈带状聚集分布,大部分灌木呈丛状分布,草本植物则呈小丛或单生态分布.然果村古树林群落有种子植物8科18属21种,班多村幼树林群落有种子植物10科18属20种,曲卜藏村幼树林群落有种子植物8科12属12种.区系分析结果表明:在科水平上,3个甘蒙柽柳群落均以世界分布型为主;在属水平上,然果村古树林群落和班多村幼树林群落均以北温带分布型为主,占总属数(不包括世界分布型)的37.50%和43.75%,而曲卜藏村幼树林群落则以世界分布型为主,中亚分布型次之.比较结果表明:3个群落的甘蒙柽柳植株大小差异明显,物种组成和区系成分也有一定差异.综合考虑认为,甘蒙柽柳古树林群落保护应采取就地保护和迁地保护相结合的方式.     

Site parameters,species composition,phytomass structure and element stores of a terra-firme forest in East-Amazonia,Brazil

Our objective was to asses site parameters, species diversity, phytomass structure and element stores of a Terra-firme forest prior to subsequent studies on nutrient fluxes during forest conversion. The soil was classified as a Xanthic Ferralsol, with a low effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), low nutrient status and a deeply weathered solum. On 0.75 ha, including all trees with a DBH >7 cm, we identified 222 tree species belonging to 58 families. The above-ground phytomass was estimated using logarithmic regression analysis on two plots of 0.25 ha each. Despite differences in forest structure and species composition, no major differences were found in terms of total phytomass or overall element stores. The mean living above-ground phytomass (LAGP) was 257 Mg ha^–1, and mean quantity of litter 14 Mg ha^–1, while dead wood contributed between 10 to 17% of total above-ground phytomass (32–56 Mg ha^–1). Element store in LAGP was medium to high compared to other studies on tropical forest systems, while LAGP itself was comparatively low. Comparing 26 humid tropical forest stands recorded in literature, no correlation was found between LAGP and the amount of N and base cations stored in LAGP. However, a correlation between LAGP and P storage in LAGP (R²=0.76) indicates the important role P may play in phytomass accumulation on zonal tropical soils. More then 60% of C, 20% of total N, 10% of total P and 66–88% of total K, Ca and Mg of the system (including the first meter of soil) were concentrated in the above-ground phytomass, including deadwood and litter. Consequently, phytomass destruction in form of forest conversion will lead to major element losses from the system.     

Floristic composition and vegetation analysis in Hail region north of central Saudi Arabia

In this study, 19 sites representing different habitats in Hail region were regularly visited for two years, in each site 2–5 stands were selected for investigating floristic composition and vegetation types in the area. A total of 124 species representing 34 families were recorded. The family Asteraceae is represented by the highest number of species (21 species) followed by the Poaceae (17 species) and the Brassicaceae (10 species) whereas, 15 families including Acanthaceae, Convolvulaceae, Moraceae, Nyctaginaceae and Primulaceae, are represented by a single species each. Chronological analysis of the vegetation in the area revealed the domination of Saharo-Sindian elements in the wild vegetations and of weedy species in the cultivated plots. Therophytes and chamaephytes are the dominating life forms of the vegetation spectra; therophytes represent 49.20% and chamaephytes represent 29.00% of the total species in the study area. Application of TWINISPAN and DECORANA classification and ordination techniques to the data produced seven vegetation groups. Ruderal habitats comprised two small groups A and F dominated by Phragmites australis and Imperata cylindrical (A), Euphorbia peplus and Sisymbrium irio (F), respectively. Two vegetation groups (B and G) have been recognized in the mountains and slopes dominated by Launaea mucronata, Trigonella stellata (B) and Ficus palmate and Fagonia bruguieri (G). Other two groups (C and E) inhabit the desert and mountainous wadies; these are represented by Gymnocarpos decandrus and Ochradenus baccatus (C) and Senecio glaucus subsp. coronopifolius and Rumex equisetiforme (E). On the other hand, one group (D) inhabits the cultivated plots and is represented by Plantago albicans and Rumex vesicarius, the last group also includes species restricted to the sand dune habitat of the Al-Nafud desert north of Hail city and represented by Calligonum polygonoides and Halyxolon salicornicum. The vegetation analysis indicated the invasion of Hail Flora by some foreign weeds such as Solanum nigrum, Lactuca serriola and Amaranthus lividus. The presence of these weeds points out the need to monitor the vegetation change in Hail region, and also other regions of Saudi Arabia, in order to elucidate the human impact on the wild plants diversity as human activities change with the fast development in the kingdom.     

Structure and floristics of secondary and old-growth forest stands in lowland Costa Rica

We characterized stand structure and floristic composition of woody life forms in three, 16–18 yr old secondary stands that regenerated after pasture abandonment, and three nearby old-growth stands of tropical rain forest in lowland Costa Rica. Basal area and stem density for each of four plant size classes (seedlings, saplings, treelets, trees) were similar among stand types, but density of adult canopy palms (individuals 10 cm DBH), was lower in the secondary stands. We estimate that 15% of the basal area of stems 10 cm DBH correspond to remnant trees in our secondary stands. The observed rapid woody regrowth compared to other published studies in the lowland neotropics, can be attributed to moderate land use and possibly, to the influence of nutrient-rich volcanic soils in the study area. Overall, plant species richness was lower in the secondary stands, but this difference was less pronounced in the smallest size classes (seedlings, saplings). Median percent similarity of all pairwise stand comparisons showed that floristic composition of saplings (stems 1 m tall and 5 cm DBH) was more similar between secondary and old-growth stands than for trees (stems 10 cm DBH). Because the potential value of secondary forests in conserving woody plant diversity appears highest for the young size classes, we suggest that further studies on floristic composition, especially those addressing the dynamics of the understory component, are needed to refine our understanding of the role of this natural resource in the maintenance of plant biodiversity in disturbed landscapes.     

Response of secondary vegetation in Eastern Amazonia to relaxed nutrient availability constraints

This study evaluated the effect of nutrient application on the regrowth dynamics of secondary fallow vegetation in an intensely exploited shifting cultivation area in the eastern Amazon region of Brazil. The importance of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and a mixture of micronutrients was tested in a minus-one-trial by comparison with a full complement of nutrients and unfertilized control plots. Fertilizers were applied three times during the experiment and their effects were monitored over a period of 2 1/2 years. Prior to the second fertilization, one third of each experimental plot was cleared of the vegetation cover and planted in maize, prior to the third fertilizer application these subplots were planted in sorghum. Biomass of maize and sorghum were used to indicate nutrient constraints and fertilizing effects due to the different treatments. Both crops were limited by P- and N-availability, with greater responses to P. The initial fertilization did not affect the biomass accumulation of the secondary vegetation during the first 15 months, but two additional applications significantly increased biomass in the complete fertilizer treatment compared to the unfertilized control. Biomass accumulation was primarily P-limited, N-limitation was apparent but not significant. The remaining nutrients did not affect plant growth. Fertilization favored production of nutrient-rich leaves. Application of readily available nutrients gave grasses a competitive edge over slower reacting woody vegetation. Fertilization also caused significant shifts in the contribution of woody species to biomass accumulation, as could be demonstrated for two prominent pioneer tree species. Growth response to fertilization as well as the primary limiting nutrient varied among seven dominant species monitored in the secondary vegetation. We conclude that growth of tropical secondary vegetation can be nutrient limited and it might respond significantly to additional nutrients by increasing biomass production.     

The vegetation of metalliferous and non-metalliferous grasslands in two former mine regions in Central Slovakia

We investigated the composition of the vegetation in two former mining regions in Central Slovakia: Banská Štiavnica with predominant Pb-Zn contamination and Staré Hory with a very high Cu content in the soil. Old heaps rich in heavy metals are covered with specific vegetation. On the Cu-rich spoil heaps, species-poor plant communities with prevailing Agrostis stolonifera, Avenella flexuosa, Acetosella vulgaris, Arabidopsis arenosa, Silene dioica, and S. vulgaris occur. Species such as Agrostis capillaris, Acetosella vulgaris, Arabidopsis arenosa, and Thlaspi caerulescens appear frequently on Pb-Zn mine wastes. Several differences in the vegetation structure were detected between the Pb-Zn and Cu mine heaps; higher amounts of vascular plants and fewer lichen species covered the Pb-Zn mine heaps. For the Cu mine heaps, on the contrary a small number of vascular species but a high number and coverage of lichen species, especially Ceratodon purpureus and Cladonia arbuscula subsp. mitis were typical. The non-metalliferous meadows in the vicinity of the mines showed uniform structure but a higher species diversity.     

Vegetation patterns,regeneration rates and divergence in an old-field succession of the high tropical Andes

Vegetation restoration during old-field succession was studied in an alpine Andean ecosystem (paramo). 123 plots with different fallow times (1 to 12 years) and 8 plots under natural vegetation were sampled. The results indicate that secondary succession in the paramo, like in other extreme environments, can be interpreted as an autosuccession: there are mainly changes in species relative abundance and little floristic relay (i.e. species turnover). Only a few herbaceous species, mostly introduced (e.g. Rumex acetosella), act as strict pioneers and strongly dominate the early stages. Then, they undergo a progressive decline, while native forbs (e.g. Lupinus meridanus) and grasses (e.g. Vulpia myuros) have their peak abundance in intermediate stages. The characteristic paramo life forms, sclerophilous shrubs (e.g. Baccharis prunifolia, Hypericum laricifolium) and giant rosettes (e.g. Espeletia schultzii), appear very early and gradually increase in abundance during succession, becoming dominant in the late stages and showing a dual behaviour, both as ruderal and stress tolerant species. The 1st axis of a Detrended Correspondence Analysis arranges the sites according to their fallow time. The 2nd and 3rd axes, associated with diverging pathways of regeneration, are correlated with topographic factors and physio-chemical soil characteristics. Hence, structural divergence between plots increases along succession as community composition starts to reflect the conditions of each site. We found evidence of a constant rate of succession during the first 12 years, contradicting the generally accepted hypothesis in the succession literature of a continous slow down up to the climax. Regeneration of vegetation physiognomy is relatively fast, questioning the prevailing idea of slow restoration in alpine ecosystems. However, 12 years of fallow are insufficient to attain the species richness of the natural paramo. Under the current trend of fallow length reduction observed in traditional potato cultivation in the Andes, our results raise doubts about the conservationist value of this management strategy.     

Factors affecting maintenance, proliferation, and germination of secondary somatic embryos of Eucalyptus globulus Labill

The described protocol for repetitive somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Eucalyptus globulus produced more somatic embryos than the primary SE protocol. Primary somatic embryos (induced on MS_3NAA) were transferred to the same medium, leading to new cycles of somatic embryos, for at least 2 years. The influence of medium (MS and B5), plant growth regulators (auxins and cytokinins), and light on secondary SE was tested. The MS medium without growth regulators (MS_WH) was more efficient for cotyledonary embryo formation and germination than the B5 medium. Reducing auxin (NAA) levels increased the proliferation of globular somatic embryos and allowed SE competence to be maintained on medium free of plant growth regulators. The addition of two cytokinins (BAP and KIN) to the MS medium did not improve proliferation of globular secondary embryos, but was crucial during later stages of the SE process (germination and conversion). Data also show that light may influence the quality of the process, depending on its stage. Darkness should be maintained until the cotyledonary stage is reached, after which exposure to light is recommended.     

Growth, secondary production and gonad development of two co-existing amphioxus species (Branchiostoma belcheri and B. malayanum) in subtropical Hong Kong

The present study investigated the growth, secondary production and gonad development of two co-existing amphioxus species Branchiostoma belcheri and B. malayanum in subtropical Hong Kong from June 2005 to June 2006. Based on the modal progression analysis, amphioxus populations were decomposed into separate cohorts. The von Bertalanffy growth models were also estimated according to the size incremental data. From the growth models, the size ranges of one, two and three-year-old B. belcheri were estimated to be 5-28 mm, 28-38 mm and 38-45 mm BL, respectively; while the one and two-year-old B. malayanum were estimated to be 7-30 mm and 30-35 mm BL, respectively. The secondary production was calculated at 1.15 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 DW or 0.63 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 AFDW for B. belcheri with density 424 ind m^− 2, and 0.51 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 DW or 0.40 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 AFDW for B. malayanum with density 121 ind m^− 2. The production to biomass ratio (P/B) was 1.13 for B. belcheri and 0.98 for B. malayanum. Changes in the gonad length index indicated that B. belcheri spawned mainly in June and July, while B. malayanum mainly in April and August. As compared with B. belcheri, B. malayanum was characterized by rapid growth, shorter life span, early maturity and lower population density. Such differences in population dynamics may allow both species to share a similar habitat and co-exist in subtropical waters of Hong Kong.     

Short-term signals of climate change in Italian summit vegetation: observations at two GLORIA sites

Short-term changes occurring in high mountain vegetation were analysed using the data from two Italian sites already part of the GLobal Observation Research Initiative in Alpine environments (GLORIA – central Apennines and southwestern Alps). The study focused on a set of floristic (endemics), structural (life forms) and ecological (thermic vegetation indicator) variables. Vegetation data were collected according to the GLORIA multi-summit standardized method during the last decade. The re-visitation revealed a moderate decrease in regional endemic flora and significant variations in structural and ecological parameters. The increase in caespitose hemicryptophytes in both sites, in suffruticose chamaephytes in the central Apennines and in rosette-forming hemicryptophytes in the southwestern Alps emerged, highlighting the rapid responses of the alpine vegetation to climate warming. The increase in perennial life forms is related with the expansion of graminoids and small woody plants. These life forms seem to be most suitable to face climate warming in Italian summits. The increase in the thermic vegetation indicator exceeds the mean European summits increment, and this is due to the expansion of thermophilic species. Short-term analyses with fine spatial and temporal resolutions are still necessary to improve our understanding concerning species behaviour in high-elevation ecosystems.     

Floristic composition, structure, and diversity of four forest plots in the Sierra Maigualida, Venezuelan Guayana

A phytosociological study was carried out in four 1-ha forest plots in the Sierra Maigualida region, Venezuelan Guayana. Density, dominance, and frequency values were calculated as well as the species and family importance values (FIVs) in each plot. A total of 65 families, 232 genera and 533 species were represented in the 4ha of forest. The number of stems 10cmdbh varied from 355 to 563, the number of species from 133 to 191, the genera from 76 to 120, the families from 38 to 51, and the basal area from 20.56 to 40.83m² per hectare. Overall the most species rich family was Fabaceae (38 species), the most numerous in total stems was Burseraceae (165 individuals), and the most dominant in terms of basal area was Sapotaceae (1367.13cm²). The most conspicuous families, as represented among the top five FIV, include Burseraceae in all four plots, Moraceae in three of the plots, and Sapotaceae in two plots. Less than 20% of the total inventory of species are represented in two or more plots. The percentages of species which are unique to a single plot range from 56 to 67%. The within-plot diversities recorded in the present study indicate that the Sierra Maiguailida harbors the richest forests thus far documented in Venezuelan Guayana. Meanwhile, the low between-plot similarity indices reinforce the notion that the species richness of this region is unusually high and suggest the need to extend collections and inventory studies.