Seeking for Habitat Characteristics Which Determine Epixylic Liverwort Fuscocephaloziopsis catenulata Occurrence in Old Boreal Forests in North-Eastern Poland

Abstract

Gorski, P., Romanski, M. & Tomaszewski, D. 2019. Seeking for habitat characteristics which determine epixylic liverwort Fuscocephaloziopsis catenulata occurrence in old boreal forests in north-eastern Poland. – Herzogia 32: 172–182.The aim of the study was to establish habitat properties that determine the occurrence of an epixylic liverwort Fuscocephaloziopsis (= Cephalozia) catenulata, and to disclose the reasons for its rarity in forest communities. Observations were conducted in a primeval forest in Wigry National Park (NE Poland). We performed hourly measurements of temperature and humidity on selected logs covered and not covered with F. catenulata. We also determined light parameters (direct and diffuse solar radiation) of the investigated sites. The study showed that Fuscocephaloziopsis catenulata prefers habitats with more stable temperature and humidity throughout a day. We demonstrated significant preference of the species for log spots with higher direct solar radiation caused by canopy disturbances. The reason for F. catenulata rarity may be a required combination of stable thermal and humidity conditions and increased light access.