Diversity and distribution of epiphytic bromeliads in a Brazilian subtropical mangrove.

Mariana M De Sousa,Karine D Colpo

doi:10.1590/0001-3765201720160702

Mariana M De Sousa, Karine D Colpo

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765201720160702

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Abstract

It is not unusual to find epiphytic bromeliads in mangroves, but most studies on mangrove vegetation do not record their presence. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity and distribution of epiphytic bromeliads in a subtropical mangrove. The richness, abundance and life form (atmospheric and tank) of bromeliads were recorded and compared among host tree species and waterline proximity. The effects of diameter and height of host trees on the abundance of bromeliads were also assessed. The mangrove was composed of Avicennia schaueriana, Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle. We recorded seven bromeliad species of the genera Tillandsia and Vriesea. The waterline proximity did not affect the abundance or diversity of bromeliads, but atmospheric forms were predominant near the waterline, whereas tank bromeliads were more frequent in the interior of the mangrove. The three mangrove species hosted bromeliads, but L. racemosa was the preferred host. The species composition showed that the distribution of bromeliads is more related to the host species than to the distance from the waterline. Bromeliad abundance increased with tree size. Bromeliads can be biological indicators of ecosystem health; therefore, inventories and host tree preferences are necessary knowledge for an adequate management of sensitive ecosystems as mangroves.

Highlights

Vascular epiphytes can be found in diverse habitats, on host plants with architectural and phenological features that are favorable for their establishment (Graham and Andrade 2004, Zotz and Schultz 2008, Cach-Pérez et al 2013)
Due to the lack of studies and information about epiphytic bromeliads in mangrove forests, and considering that the diversity of these sensitive species can be a tool for mangrove conservation, this study aimed to assess the diversity of epiphytic bromeliads in a subtropical mangrove, evaluating their distribution and relationship with their host trees
The mangrove forest in the study area was composed of three tree species: Avicennia schaueriana Stapf and Leechman, Laguncularia racemosa C.F

Summary

Introduction

Vascular epiphytes can be found in diverse habitats, on host plants with architectural and phenological features that are favorable for their establishment (Graham and Andrade 2004, Zotz and Schultz 2008, Cach-Pérez et al 2013). Since epiphytes are sensitive to human impact and climate change, the structure of epiphytic communities has been. The Bromeliaceae is a rich family of vascular plants, with about 3160 species, of which more than 60% are epiphytes (Zotz 2013). The composition and distribution of epiphytic bromeliads are influenced by the characteristics of hosts. The substrate offered by each host tree promotes specificity to the epiphyte-host relationship

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