Ecological features of titica vine (Heteropsis flexuosa (Kunth) GS Bunting) in Rondônia State, Northwest Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the forest structure with H. flexuosa in Rondônia State, as a first step in developing sustainable harvest and conservation guidelines for the species. Crown attributes, total height (m) and diameter at breast height ≥ 10 (cm) of trees and palms with H. flexuosa were evaluated in three permanent plots (100 m x 150 m each) randomized in 219 ha. A total of 22 botanical families hosted H. flexuosa. It was not observed any specific preference for the species standing up itself. Nevertheless it was frequently associated to Burseraceae, Leguminosae, Sapotaceae, Annonaceae, Chrysobalanaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae and Myristicaceae and species with thick bark like Schweilera coriacea, Protium sp. and Licania membranaceae. The species was less frequent with taller and broader trees and tended to develop in understory light condition. Trunks or branches were the main position for the attaching of H. flexuosa (90.83%) and a low frequency of other lianas was observed on the same host trees. These highlight the need to promote appropriate management practices for root harvesting and species conservation in order to maintain the species in open ombrophylus forest habitat.

Sampling methods for titica vine (Heteropsis spp.) inventory in a tropical forest

“…Even though we have only 12 reference plots, our inventoried area (18 ha) has the largest sample area when compared to other studies, such as Fadima (2003), Hoffman (1997), and Plowden et al (2003). Additionally, the genus Heteropsis does not present any specific parameter or "preference" for host trees to climb (Balcázar-Vargas et al 2015;Bentes-Gama et al 2013;Knab-Vispo et al 2003), differences in estimated production may be influenced by environmental conditions (Plowden et al 2003), including the forest composition, structure, climate, and soil type of the area. Moreover, among the stands selected for allocation of reference inventory plots, the latest timber exploitation by low impact technique happened in 2008, which may have altered the spatial distribution of host trees, thereby altering titica vine density.…”

“…Among them, many species of vines are particularly appreciated by rural inhabitants who exploit the roots and fibers for commercial purposes. Belonging to the genus Heteropsis (Araceae), this hemiepiphyte grows commonly throughout Brazil, mostly in natural forests of the Amazon Basin and Atlantic Forest regions (Bentes-Gama et al 2013;Soares et al 2009;Plowden et al 2003). The vine is popularly known by "titicão" or titica vine (Shanley and Medina 2005).…”

Infestação de lianas após ocorrência de incêndio florestal em uma floresta estacional semidecidual com Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze

“…Atividades que mitigam as emissões de gases de efeito estufa e minimizam os efeitos das mudanças climáticas auxiliam no controle da abundância de lianas, uma vez que propõem a redução do desmatamento e diminuição dos níveis de CO2 na atmosfera. As práticas de manejo florestal sustentável baseadas no corte e extração das lianas constituem alternativa para auxiliar no controle do aumento da abundância das mesmas (GERWING;, podendo inclusive dar um fim econômico ao material extraído (PLOWDEN et al, 2003;GAMA et al, 2013), além de práticas de manejo do fogo.…”