Pollination systems in a warm temperate evergreen broad-leaved forest on Yaku Island

Animal pollination in a warm temperate evergreen broad-leaved forest was observed on Yaku-shima Island, south of Kyushu, Japan. Three groups of plants were categorized: canopy-flowering tree species, understory-flowering tree species, and climber and epiphyte species. Each of these formed different pollination systems. The canopy-flowering tree species had shallow, dish-shaped flowers and utilized various types of opportunistic pollinators. Most of the climber and epiphyte species had deep, tube-shaped flowers and specialized pollinators, although some climber species which bloomed in the canopy especially in winter, had opportunistic pollinators. The understory-flowering tree species had large dish- or funnel-shaped flowers and endothermic pollinators able to tolerate the dark and cold conditions under the canopy. The individual trees of canopy-flowering tree species produced large numbers of flowers simultaneously (mass-flowering) and had a well synchronized flowering period. Each canopy-flowering tree species segregated its flowering time from those of the anothers. Climber and epiphyte species and most of the understory-flowering tree species produced small numbers of flowers sequentially (extended flowering) and showed a long flowering period.     

Leaf nutrients in relation to stature and life form in tropical rain forest

Abstract. To document the relationship between a plant's position in the canopy and its leaf nutrient content, leaf nitrogen and phosphorus were determined for 30 species growing in mature evergreen lowland rain forest at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. Species that grow either in the understory, midstory, or the canopy were selected. Species were further separated into three life forms: self-supporting monocots, self-supporting dicots, and climbers. Mass-based nutrient concentrations were expected to decrease with stature, as has been reported in studies of other forests. In fact, mass-based nitrogen and phosphorus did not vary significantly among the three adult-stature classes, although area-based values differed greatly: canopy plants averaged 60 % more nitrogen and 90 % more phosphorus per unit leaf area than understory plants. Differences in leaf characteristics were evident among the three life forms. Most notably, area-based phosphorus and leaf specific mass were lowest in climbers, intermediate in self-supporting dicots, and highest in self-supporting monocots. These results support the characterization of climbers as investing in inexpensive structures, perhaps in order to gain competitive advantage in light capture by allocating resources to maximize elongation rates.     

An assessment of the floristic composition,structure and possible origin of a liana forest in the Guayana Shield

Liana is a life form that possesses high importance in many Neotropical forests. Density of climbers apparently increases with the intervention rate (e.g. logging). The aim of this work is to characterize the structure, floristic composition and soils of a sector classified as Liana Forest (LF). We identified an LF sector in a not-logged area; three 1 ha square plots were measured (individuals ≥ 10 cm dbh, “diameter at breast height”). In each plot, we evaluate four 100 m² square understory subplots (all spermatophyta individuals < 10 cm dbh). LF has a low canopy ( < 15 m) and is dominated by Alexa imperatricis and Pentaclethra macroloba. Basal area (20.4 m²ha^? 1) and diversity (H′ = 2.6) are lower than other surrounding plots. Understory is dominated by gnarled climbers, and the most important are Cheiloclinium hippocrateoides and Bauhinia scala-simiae. Soil is extremely acidic, with very low fertility but is similar to neighboring places. We conclude that LF was neither originated by edaphic restrictions nor logging; LF probably suffered a hurricane wind that fell down most of the canopy trees, thick individuals of climber species also disappeared, and the current successional stage favors a recovery dominated with thin individuals of this life form.     

Development of successive cambia and pattern of secondary growth in the stem of the Neotropical liana Rhynchosia phaseoloides (SW.) DC. (Fabaceae)

The occurrence of flattened stems in Rhynchosia phaseoloides (SW.) DC. (Fabaceae) has been known for years, but little interest has been shown toward elucidating its secondary growth. This study aims to (1) understand the pattern of secondary growth and development of vascular elements from the cambium at different stages of stem growth and (2) elucidate the type, size and distribution of cells related to these processes at different regions of the stem. Dilatation growth in main stems and branches of R. phaseoloides is achieved by successive cambia formed in two areas of the actual cortex that are opposed to each other by approximately 180°. Only the first cambial ring is functionally normal and closed-elliptical in outline, supporting the growth of the middle part of the rather flat stem. Later on, this stem becomes oval to oblong in cross-section outline by the activity of successive cambia from which cells produce further xylem, phloem and parenchyma tissues in a somewhat fan-shaped way. As shown in cross section, a flat cable-like structure of several modules results, forming wings relative to the primary central axis tissues. The secondary cambia are formed by dedifferentiation of cortical parenchyma cells, resulting in small clusters of radially arranged meristematic bands of cells. From these meristematic bands, an outward-facing crescent-shaped new band of cambium is originated. The innermost cells of this meristematic band form the parenchymatic tissue that connects the new lateral module to the proximal one. This occurs several times during the whole stem ontogeny.     

浅谈官山自然保护区的攀缘植物资源

在野外实地调查,标本采集,标本鉴定和文献资料整理的基础上,对官山自然保护区的攀缘植物资源进行研究.目前共有攀缘植物34科,81属,138种(包括变种).按照其用途将这些植物划分为药用、观赏、食用、纤维、化工原料、油料、香料、饲料等8种类型.     

异军突起的藤本植物

对藤本植物(以热带为主)研究的动态与发展进行了综述,其中包括:(1)藤本植物的概念及重要性;(2)藤本植物区系和分布;(3)藤本植物的生物学特性;(4)藤本植物的生态学特性;(5)藤本在森林中的多度(密度)及种的丰富度;(6)藤本在空地上聚生的生态意义以及它们在森林演进过程中的消长;(7)藤本与树木的相互关系;(8)藤本对森林正面和负面的影响;(9)藤本的攀援方式类别及其竞争优势;(10)全球气候变化(CO₂浓度增高)促进藤本优势度增长并导致不良的生态后果。     

异军突起的藤本植物

对藤本植物(以热带为主)研究的动态与发展进行了综述,其中包括:(1)藤本植物的概念及重要性;(2)藤本植物区系和分布;(3)藤本植物的生物学特性;(4)藤本植物的生态学特性;(5)藤本在森林中的多度(密度)及种的丰富度;(6)藤本在空地上聚生的生态意义以及它们在森林演进过程中的消长;(7)藤本与树木的相互关系;(8)藤本对森林正面和负面的影响;(9)藤本的攀援方式类别及其竞争优势;(10)全球气候变化(CO2浓度增高)促进藤本优势度增长并导致不良的生态后果。