Growth rate of Clethra mexicana, Juglans pyriformis, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Trema micrantha in secondary cloud forest

Abstract

Secondary cloud forests (SCF) play a valuable role in regulating the hydrological cycle, providing habitat for biodiversity and resources for local livelihoods in cloud forest landscapes. At present, there is limited information on the potential of SCF for timber production. In this study, we determined the growth rates of 4 common SCF tree species, relative to tree size, crown exposure to light, and basal area of neighbouring trees. We used dendrometric bands to measure annual diameter growth in 375 individuals for 2 years, in SCF in Veracruz, Mexico. Average diameter growth rates were: Clethra mexicana = 0.53 ± 0.04 cm y-1, Juglans pyriformis = 0.41 ± 0.03 cm y-1, Liquidambar styraciflua = 0.41 ± 0.03 cm y-1, and Trema micrantha = 0.22 ± 0.04 cm y-1. Tree size was a significant predictor of diameter growth rate; diameter growth rate increased with tree size in all 4 species. Trees with crown laterally illuminated showed higher growth than trees without direct illumination in L. styraciflua. The basal area of neighbouring trees did not affect diameter growth in any species. The results indicate that young trees have high growth potential.