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The epiphyte vegetation of the palm Socratea exorrhiza - correlations with tree size, tree age and bryophyte cover

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2003

Gerhard Zotz  and
Birgit Vollrath
Gerhard Zotz
Affiliation:
Botanisches Institut der Universität Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 6, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apdo 2072, Balboa, Panama
Birgit Vollrath
Affiliation:
Botanisches Institut der Universität Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 6, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Abstract

We conducted a survey of the epiphyte flora growing on the stilt palm Socratea exorrhiza in a primary lowland rain forest in Panama by means of a canopy crane. For each palm in a 0.9-ha plot, we determined diameter at breast height, tree height, per cent bryophyte cover and the number, identity and attachment site of all vascular epiphytes. The 118 palm trees hosted a total of 701 epiphytes and hemi-epiphytes, belonging to 66 species. Trees were estimated to be c. 20 y old before colonization with vascular epiphytes began. Epiphyte species were highly clumped and segregated along the vertical axis of the trunk. Sequential colonization led to an increased number of species and individuals as the tree grows. Epiphytes were associated with bryophyte patches much more than expected by chance, but no species seemed to depend upon them for establishment. The influence of tree size, age and bryophyte cover on the composition of the epiphyte community are discussed.

Keywords

AraceaeBromeliaceaecanopy dynamicsdiversityfernshemi-epiphytesmossOrchidaceaevascular epiphytes
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , January 2003 , pp. 81 - 90
Copyright
2003 Cambridge University Press

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