Abstract
Populations of Acer grandidentatum Nutt. (Bigtooth maple, Aceraceae = Sapindaceae) in central Texas are mostly found in isolated, deep, relatively remote, limestone canyons. Acer grandidentatum is found with a few other mostly deciduous species. Recruitment of juveniles has been reported to be lacking. One population of A. grandidentatum juveniles was found in a limestone canyon in a State Natural Area in Central Texas. Fifty juveniles were located. Wire enclosures were placed around half of the seedlings with half left in the open. In an adjacent canyon, 50 juvenile seedlings were planted in a similar habitat with adult A. grandidentatum trees nearby. Half were in enclosures and half in the open. Plant survival was followed for four growing seasons until November 2019. At the end of that time when survivals were compared between plants in enclosures and those in the open in both canyon communities, there was a significant difference in survival in both communities (χ2, P Odocoleus virginianus).
Highlights
IntroductionDynamics of woodland or forest communities have been difficult to understand
One population of A. grandidentatum juveniles was found in a limestone canyon in a State Natural Area in Central Texas
Population dynamics cannot be understood unless light, nutrient and water levels are understood in addition to effects of competitors, herbivores and carnivores [9] [10] [11] [12]
Summary
Dynamics of woodland or forest communities have been difficult to understand. Populations or communities of relic or isolated woody plants are more difficult to understand than herbaceous communities because of the long lives of the woody species and they are usually isolated with low density [3] [4]. In private property states, trying to determine species or community dynamics is more difficult, because with changing ownership, management changes and temporal effects are difficult to follow especially with long-lived species [5]. In addition to recent changing management strategies, long term changes in North American plant communities have been occurring at least over the last 20,000 years caused by warming temperatures, glacial re-treat [6], the presence of Native Americans [7] and the arrival of the Europeans and their animals [8]. Population dynamics cannot be understood unless light, nutrient and water levels are understood in addition to effects of competitors, herbivores and carnivores [9] [10] [11] [12]
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