Host tree bark traits and development of reintroduced Cattleya intermedia (Orchidaceae) plants in Southern Brazil

Abstract

The traits of the bark of host trees can influence the distribution and development of epiphytes. Bark samples were suspended in 10 and 20 mL of distilled water for 1, 4 and 24 h, to evaluate pH determination methods. Bark samples of Myrcia brasiliensis, M. glabra and Myrsine coriacea, three host trees of Cattleya intermedia had bark samples collected from the trunk and the crown, for the evaluation of the pH, water retention capacity and thickness. Shoot height (cm) and number of roots of C. intermedia grown on trunk and into the crown of the three species were evaluated. Volume of solvent and suspension time of the bark samples influenced pH values. The pH and thickness of Myrsine coriacea barks were higher when compared to Myrcia species. Shoot height and number of roots of C. intermedia individuals were significantly higher in the crown. The growth parameters of the reintroduced plants were unrelated to pH and bark thickness. The data bring information for the application of further vascular epiphyte studies including new parameters and greater samplings, in order to support proposals of the conservation of endangered species.

Translocation of the epiphytic bromeliad Vriesea incurvata: an efficient tool for biodiversity restoration in the Atlantic Forest

“…For plants whose traditional cultivation has limited success, such as epiphytic species, in vitro culture offers the advantage of high rates of seed germination, favoring the fast growth of propagated individuals (Sasamori et al, 2016a;Sasamori et al, 2018). Positive data were also obtained through studies on plant establishment, technique development, and biology and ecology of epiphytes (Dorneles and Trevelin, 2011;Endres Júnior et al, 2015a, 2015bEndres Júnior et al, 2018;Endres Júnior et al, 2019;Soares et al, 2020).…”