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Distribution and ecology of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens in dry evergreen forest of Guyana

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J. H. C. Cornelissen  and
H. Ter Steege
J. H. C. Cornelissen
Affiliation:
Institute of Systematic Botany, Heidelberglaan 2, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands and Department of Plant Ecology, Lange Nieuwstraat 106, 3512 PN Utrecht, the Netherlands
H. Ter Steege
Affiliation:
Institute of Systematic Botany, Heidelberglaan 2, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands and Department of Plant Ecology, Lange Nieuwstraat 106, 3512 PN Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Abstract

A floristic and ecological study of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens on standing mature Eperua trees was carried out in dry evergreen (walaba) forest in Guyana, South America. The trees were sampled from their base up to the highest canopy twigs, using mountaineering techniques. Clear vertical distribution patterns of epiphytic species and life-forms were found. Many species, particularly foliose lichens, appear to be preferential or exclusive to either Eperua grandiflora or E. falcata (Leguminosae), which are the dominant trees in the walaba forest. Special attention is given to the species-rich epiphyte vegetation on the upper canopy twigs, which include two categories of species: the sun epiphytes and the pioneers (facultative epiphylls).

Keywords

community compositioncryptogamic epiphytesGuyanahost preferencelife strategyrain forestvertical zonation
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 5 , Issue 2 , May 1989 , pp. 131 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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