Abstract
Abstract The aim of this research was to evaluate the survival and growth of native tree saplings planted in a drained Mauritia flexuosa palm swamp (vereda) in southeastern Brazil, and to identify suitable species for restoration projects in these hygrophilous environments. Total sapling survival at one-year post-planting was 48%. The species with highest sapling survival and growth were Croton urucurana, Cecropia pachystachya, Erythroxylum citrifolium, Hirtella gracilipes and Tapirira guianensis. Lowest survival and growth were found in Mauritia flexuosa, Piper aduncum, Calophyllum brasiliense, Calyptranthes brasiliensis, Myrsine umbellata, Ladenbergia cujabensis and Ficus sp. We indicate the high-survival species for the restoration of these environments. Typical wetland species attained low survival and growth, indicating the negative influence of anthropization on this ecosystem’s resilience, and highlighting the importance of studies investigating suitable strategies to restore them.
Highlights
Mauritia flexuosa palm swamps are wetlands established in partially or permanently flooded hydromorphic or peat soils in areas of groundwater discharge (Ávila et al, 2016; Fagundes and Ferreira, 2016)
The aim of this research was to evaluate the survival and growth of native tree saplings planted in a drained Mauritia flexuosa palm swamp in southeastern Brazil, and to identify suitable species for restoration projects in these hygrophilous environments
Lowest survival and growth were found in Mauritia flexuosa, Piper aduncum, Calophyllum brasiliense, Calyptranthes brasiliensis, Myrsine umbellata, Ladenbergia cujabensis and Ficus sp
Summary
Mauritia flexuosa palm swamps (known as veredas in Brazil) are wetlands established in partially or permanently flooded hydromorphic or peat soils in areas of groundwater discharge (Ávila et al, 2016; Fagundes and Ferreira, 2016). What distinguishes the veredas from other wetlands in Brazil (Fagundes and Ferreira, 2016) and characterizes them as structured hygrophilous forests is the presence of a dense arboreal layer bordering the areas of water table discharge (Bahia et al, 2009; Ávila et al, 2016) The protection of these ecosystems and maintenance of downstream watercourses depends on the maintenance of the veredas’ water-soil and vegetation systems (Maruyama et al 2013; Moreira et al 2015). The typically hydromorphic and water-saturated vereda soils directly influence plant community composition and distribution in these environments (Ávila et al, 2016; Fagundes and Ferreira, 2016) This constant presence of water confers floristic specificity to vereda sites, where only adapted species are able to successfully establishment (Fagundes, 2014). Because flood-adapted species require wetter soils to establish, water deficit may hamper their survival or slow down their growth (Caspersen and Kobe, 2001)
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