Molina et al. 2012 (Conference Paper) Mexico

Diversity of Epiphytic Bromeliads in a successional gradient at cloud forest of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, México.

Author(s):—M.C.R. Molina, R.M. Camilo & N.M. Meléndez

Publication:— (2012).

Abstract:—Epiphytic bromeliads are a group of vascular plants that are characterized by their rose-like leaves, the ability to reach up to a diversity of heights and, with the other epiphytes, represent approximately 35% of the rainforest´s flora. The aim of the study was to characterize diversity and composition of the epiphytic bromeliads that are found at the successionary gradient of the forest in El Triunfo number one polygon. The study was carried out in three successional stages of the forest: secondary vegetation with 20-25 and 30-35 years old and primary forest (five plots of 0.05 ha was measured for each state and the selected phorophytes > 5cm of DBH).The characteristics that were recorded include: phorophyte species identity, bromeliads species’ richness and abundance, bromeliads vertical distribution (preference for the type of bark of the phorophyte). Seven different species of the bromeliads were found in the primary forest, eight in the secondary vegetation site (30-35 years old) and nine in the site with 20-25 years old. The greatest similarity was registered between the two secondary vegetation sites and the highest diversity was found in the site with 20-25 years old; the bromeliads preferred to distribute themselves on highest canopy zone and the most of them were found on rough to medium barks. The bromeliads presented direct relationships with the DBH of the phorophyte, indicating that time is an important factor in the colonization of the epiphytic bromeliads. And that over time the size of trees and this also increases the number of epiphytes that can withstand.