The distribution of epiphyte growth-forms in the canopy of a Colombian cloud-forest |
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Authors: | A van Leerdam R J Zagt E J Veneklaas |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Plant Ecology, University of Utrecht, Lange Nieuwstraat 106, 3512 PN Utrecht, The Netherlands;(2) Present address: Department of Environmental Studies, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Cloud forests are known for their abundance in epiphytes. The growth-form composition of the epiphytic vegetation in the crowns of two tree-species in an upper-andean forest in Colombia is described. Bryophytes formed the bulk of the living epiphytic biomass, with tall turfs and smooth mats (sensu Richards 1984) as commonest growth-forms. Vascular plants and lichens were subordinate to bryophytes. Along the canopy-branches a clear sequence of growth-forms could be demonstrated. Analysis of this gradient by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Two Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and calculation of association-indices between growth-forms revealed two basic groups. One group is typical for the inner canopy, another for the outer canopy. An important determinant of the growth-form composition was the phorophyte species. The vegetational gradient was interpreted in terms of gradual changes in microclimatological factors, water- and nutrient availability and substratumage. |
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Keywords: | Bryophytes Vegetation-gradient Microclimatological gradient Water economy Host-preference Succession |
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