Abstract
Multivariate methods were used to examine epiphytic species composition on the lower trunk of Acer macrophyllum at five sites in south-coastal British Columbia, Canada. Differences in species composition and abundance between sites were attributed mainly to variation in relative humidity and light conditions. Bark chemistry differences accounted for only a small portion of the observed variation in epiphytic composition between sites. Within sites, compositional variation was examined over 0.5–5 m from ground level on the upper, vertical, and lower trunk surfaces of leaning trees. Compositional variation of the epiphytic vegetation with height and inclination tended to be more strongly developed at drier sites. Furthermore, at all sites compositional variation tended to be greater on upper (wetter) than on lower (drier) surfaces. Particular epiphytic species tended to occur in similar locations on the trunk surface at different sites, suggesting that some microhabitat specialization has occurred. Observed distributional shifts of epiphytic species appeared to be greatest among sites differing widely in prevailing microenvironmental conditions.
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