Host trait preferences and distribution of vascular epiphytes in a warm-temperate forest

Abstract

To illustrate the ecological factors and process leading to the observed diversity patterns of vascular epiphytes, we examined the effect and importance of host tree traits on epiphyte richness and spatial aggregation of epiphytes. The study was conducted in warm-temperate forest in Japan. The recorded host traits were diameter, height, species, habitat topography, and growth rate, and we analyzed the effects and importance of these traits on three species groups: total epiphytic species, epiphytic orchid species, and epiphytic pteridophyte species. Diameter and species of host trees had the greatest influence on epiphytes and their magnitudes were roughly similar in all species groups. Growth rate and topography were less important than host size and species. Growth rate had a negative effect on all three groups, and topography was important for pteridophytes. Epiphyte richness did not exhibit clear spatial aggregation. Our results suggest that size, stability, and quality of the host are equally important in determining epiphyte colonization.

Distribution pattern of the epiphytic orchid Rhynchostylis retusa under strong human influence in Kathmandu valley, Nepal

“…This is in line with the results of Migenis and Ackerman (1993), while Callaway (1998) among epiphytic vascular species found some examples of such strong preference. Our study supports the earlier findings that large sized trees offer more space for the growth of orchid, and more substrate (humus) for the germination of their seeds and subsequent growth of seedlings (Heitz 1999;Bergstrom and Carter 2008;Hirata et al 2009). …”

Inventory and habitat study of orchids species in Lamedai Nature Reserve, Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi

“…Host trees provide the substrate for epiphytes, so establishment seems to be affected by host tree traits (Hirata et al 2008). The result showed that there were 32 species host trees for epiphytic orchid in this area.…”

“…are suitable host trees for a number of orchid species. Host tree species determines traits, such as bark characteristics (Hirata et al 2008). According to Yulistyarini (2001), Host trees such as Cratoxylum sp., Vitex sp.…”

Relação entre bromélias epifíticas e forófitos em diferentes estádios sucessionais

“…A importância e a contribuição dos forófitos para a riqueza e a distribuição espacial de epífitas têm sido relatadas em estudos que buscam elucidar fatores ecológicos e processos que conduzem a padrões de diversidade observados no componente epifítico (Hirata et al 2009). Diversos autores demonstram que epífitas diferem em abundância entre forófitos (Benzing 1981;Bennett 1986;Ter Steege & Cornelissen 1989;Migenis & Ackerman 1993;Dejean et al 1995;Kernan & Fowler, 1995;Fontoura et.…”

“…Contudo, os resultados obtidos na maioria dos estudos demonstram que a presença e abundância de epífitas estão associadas a características das espécies hospedeiras (Frei & Dodson 1972;Schlesinger & Marks 1977;Medeiros & Jardim 2011), como arquitetura, textura e estabilidade da casca (Gentry & Dodson 1987;Hietz & Hietz-Seifert 1995;Fontoura et al 1997;Nieder et al 2000;Kersten et al 2009), e também pelo tempo em que eles estão disponíveis à colonização no ambiente (Benzing 1995a;Bonnet et al 2007). Hirata et al (2009) sugerem que o tamanho, estabilidade, e qualidade do hospedeiro são igualmente importantes na determinação da colonização epífitas. Entretanto, quando se considera a família Bromeliaceae, pouco se analisou sobre possíveis especificidades e relações com os forófitos e suas características.…”