Abundance Of Epiphytes Research Articles

Invasive feral pigs impact native tree ferns and woody seedlings in Hawaiian forest

Invasive mammals can fundamentally alter native plant communities, especially on isolated islands where plants evolved without them. The globally invasive feral pig (Sus scrofa) can be particularly destructive to native plant communities. Tree ferns are an important understory component in many forests facilitating the establishment of a variety of species. However, the extent and effects of feral pig damage to tree ferns, and associated impacts on plant community regeneration, are largely unknown. We quantified the effect that feral pig damage has on tree fern growth, survival, and epiphytic woody seedling abundance over 1 year on 438 randomly selected tree ferns of three endemic species (Cibotium chamissoi, Cibotium glaucum, and Cibotium menziesii) in a Hawaiian montane wet forest with high tree fern and feral pig densities. Across all tree fern species, feral pigs damaged 13 % of individuals over 1 year. Compared with undamaged tree ferns, moderately- to heavily-damaged individuals had decreases of 4 to 27 % in trunk length increment and lost tenfold more fronds. Tree fern angle (standing, leaning, prone, or semi-prone) and woody seedling abundance co-varied with feral pig damage. Specifically, damaged tree ferns were more often prone or semi-prone and supported more seedlings, but also had annual mortality up to 34 % higher than undamaged tree ferns. Overall, feral pig damage had substantial negative effects on tree ferns by reducing growth and survival. Given the importance of tree ferns as regeneration sites for a variety of native plants, feral pig damage to tree ferns will likely alter future forest composition and structure. Specifically, feral pig damage to tree ferns reduces potential establishment sites for species that either regenerate preferentially as epiphytes or are currently restricted to epiphytic establishment due to ground rooting by feral pigs.

Floristic composition and community structure of epiphytic angiosperms in a terra firme forest in central Amazonia

This survey aimed to describe the floristic composition and structure of the epiphytic community occurring in a terra firme forest in the city of Coari, Brazil, in the Amazon region. Data collection was performed with a 1.5 ha plot method, with which upland, slope and lowland habitats were sampled. All angiosperm epiphytes and their host plants (diameter at breast height > 10 cm) were sampled. We recorded 3.528 individuals in 13 families, 48 genera and 164 species. Araceae was the most prevalent family with regard to the importance value and stood out in all related parameters, followed by Bromeliaceae, Cyclanthaceae and Orchidaceae. The species with the highest epiphytic importance values were Guzmania lingulata (L.) Mez. and Philodendron linnaei Kunth. The predominant life form was hemiepiphytic. Estimated floristic diversity was 3.2 (H'). The studied epiphytic community was distributed among 727 host plants belonging to 40 families, 123 genera and 324 species. One individual of Guarea convergens T.D. Penn. was the host with the highest richness and abundance of epiphytes. Stems/trunks of host plants were the most colonized segments, and the most favorable habitat for epiphytism was the lowlands, where 84.1% of species and 48.2% of epiphytic specimens were observed.

Climatic and Structural Factors Influencing Epiphytic Bromeliad Community Assemblage along a Gradient of Water-Limited Environments in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

There is a lack of knowledge on the factors driving epiphytic community assemblage along water-limited environments. Epiphytic bromeliad and host communities were analyzed in a range of vegetation types, following a precipitation gradient from 500 to 1500 mm y−1. Plots were set up in scrub mangrove, coastal sand dune scrub, deciduous, semi-deciduous and sub-perennial forests within the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Identity and abundance of hosts and epiphytes, as well as host height and seasonal microenvironmental variables, were recorded at each vegetation type. The study found epiphytic bromeliads to be mainly located in the lower canopy strata of all but the wettest site (sub-peren nial forest). Total epiphyte richness (estimated using species accumulation curves) increased with annual precipitation. Bromeliad species density decreased with vapor pressure deficit and increased with host species density. Semi-variograms and kriging analysis showed a high spatial correlation in bromeliad and host species density. The species composition, however, was unrelated to space, according to a Mantel test, but related to host species composition. The current study shows that diversity and structural integrity of the canopy may be as important as climate in the conservation of epiphytic composition in water-limited environments, where epiphytes are found in sheltered, lower canopy strata.

Proliferation of the toxic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata in relation to depth, biotic substrate and environmental factors in the North West Mediterranean Sea

In recent decades, the North West Mediterranean Sea has been seriously affected by the development of the toxic benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata, which is associated with harmful effects on human health and the environment. The present work aims to provide a large overview of the multiple environmental factors assumed to regulate or influence the growth of Ostreopsis. An intensive sampling campaign over a full annual cycle was performed along the French and Italian coasts (in six sites from Cassis to Genoa), to determine patterns of temporal and spatial distributions of both O. cf. ovata epiphytic and planktonic cells. Results highlighted substantial seasonal variations in the abundance of Ostreopsis. These variations correlated to seawater temperature, with an optimum growth temperature ranging from 23°C to 27.5°C. Phosphate concentration, rather than nitrogen or silicate, was also positively associated with Ostreopsis. Decreases in oxygen and increases in chlorophyll a concentrations were recorded during the summer blooming period. The maximal Ostreopsis epiphytic abundance was generally higher on Dictyota spp. than on the other two sampled macroalgae (up to 8.54×106cellsg−1FW), even though statistical analysis did not support a clear substrate preference. Epiphytic abundances were significantly higher at a very shallow depth (0.5m), than at 1 and/or 3m depths. High anthropogenic pressure (related to population density) seems to have promoted the occurrence of blooms in urbanized areas, which could partly explain the strong demarcation in Ostreopsis development between Western and Eastern sampling sites. The ecological niche of Ostreopsis cf. ovata needs precise definition, which will require further in situ and in vitro experimental studies, to determine the relative importance of distinct environmental parameters.

Local Competition and Metapopulation Processes Drive Long-Term Seagrass-Epiphyte Population Dynamics

It is well known that ecological processes such as population regulation and natural enemy interactions potentially occur over a range of spatial scales, and there is a substantial body of literature developing theoretical understanding of the interplay between these processes. However, there are comparatively few studies quantifying the long-term effects of spatial scaling in natural ecosystems. A key challenge is that trophic complexity in real-world biological communities quickly obscures the signal from a focal process. Seagrass meadows provide an excellent opportunity in this respect: in many instances, seagrasses effectively form extensive natural monocultures, in which hypotheses about endogenous dynamics can be formulated and tested. We present amongst the longest unbroken, spatially explict time series of seagrass abundance published to date. Data include annual measures of shoot density, total above-ground abundance, and associated epiphyte cover from five Zostera marina meadows distributed around the Isles of Scilly, UK, from 1996 to 2011. We explore empirical patterns at the local and metapopulation scale using standard time series analysis and develop a simple population dynamic model, testing the hypothesis that both local and metapopulation scale feedback processes are important. We find little evidence of an interaction between scales in seagrass dynamics but that both scales contribute approximately equally to observed local epiphyte abundance. By quantifying the long-term dynamics of seagrass-epiphyte interactions we show how measures of density and extent are both important in establishing baseline information relevant to predicting responses to environmental change and developing management plans. We hope that this study complements existing mechanistic studies of physiology, genetics and productivity in seagrass, whilst highlighting the potential of seagrass as a model ecosystem. More generally, this study provides a rare opportunity to test some of the predictions of ecological theory in a natural ecosystem of global conservation and economic value.

PATRONES DE DIVERSIDAD DE EPÍFITAS EN BOSQUES DE TIERRAS BAJAS Y SUBANDINOS

La revista Colombia Forestal publica manuscritos originales en temáticas del campo forestal y diversos aspectos de los recursos naturales y del medio ambiente, los cuales se discriminan en las categorías de artículo de investigación, de revisión, de reflexión y notas técnicas de acuerdo con lo estipulado por COLCIENCIAS para las publicaciones científicas. De acuerdo a la clasificación de áreas científicas de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (OCDE), la revista Colombia Forestal pertenece al gran área de Ciencias Agrícolas(4), área de Agricultura, Silvicultura y Pesca(4A) y a la disciplina Forestal (4A02).

Epiphytism in a subtidal natural bed of Gracilaria gracilis of southwestern Atlantic coast (Chubut, Argentina)

The diversity of epiphytes, their temporal abundance variation and the anatomical structure of host–epiphyte interfaces were studied in the agarophyte Gracilaria gracilis from a natural bed in Bahia Bustamante, Chubut Province, Argentina. Twenty-nine algal species were recorded as epiphytes during 2 years of monthly sampling (March 2006–February 2008). Total epiphyte density ranged between 0.037 ind. cm−2 (November 2006) and 39.37 ind. cm−2 (April 2007), with higher density values throughout the second sampling year. Ceramiales species were the most abundant epiphytes. The density of Ceramium rubrum ranged from 0.09 ind. cm−2 (52 % of the total amount) in September 2006 to 17.4 ind. cm−2 (44.18 % of the total amount) in April 2007. Epiphyte infection was more dependent on spore recruitment and sporeling development, especially on thalli derived from fragmentation, than on seasonal environmental variations. The different infections were analysed, taking into account the epiphytic attachment strength and invasiveness and the degree of damage inflicted on the host. Calothrix confervicola was one of the most abundant species. This epiphyte, weakly attached to the host surface, generated no host tissue damage. In contrast, C. rubrum, Polysiphonia abscissa and other Ceramiales were the species that caused more damage to the host because their rhizoids penetrated the cortical portion of the host thallus, sometimes reaching the medullary tissue. Some generalisations and characterisations of the different epiphyte groups in relation to their consequences to Gracilaria spp. are presented.

<p><strong>A comparison of three protocols for sampling epiphytic bryophytes in tropical montane rainforest</strong></p>

Several sampling techniques for estimating abundance of non-vascular epiphytes, including bryophytes, have been developed over the past decade. The efficacy of those techniques, however, has never been investigated. The present study examines three sampling techniques: ladder quadrats, 10 x 10 cm quadrats at intervals of 40 cm, and a 10 cm wide strip around the stem. We found the use of 10 x 10 cm quadrats at intervals of 40 cm to be the most effective and efficient sampling method for quantifying bryophyte cover.

Host selection by larvae of a marine insectHalocladius variabilis: nutritional dependency or escape from predation?

Larvae of the Holarctic marine chironomid,Halocladius variabilis(Staeger), have strong fidelity to the tuft-forming brown alga,Elachista fucicola(Velley) Areschoug, an abundant epiphyte on intertidal fucoids of the North Atlantic. We show that larvae are sufficiently motile to select an algal host in a Petri dish within 3–4 cm, and that larvae show differential behaviour with respect to host selection in the presence or absence of a predator. In the absence of predators 53% of larvae found an algal host within 1 hour; however, after 24 hours, there was no significant difference in host selection. When an isopod predator (Idoteasp.) was present, more larvae found a host within 1 hour (81%) andElachistawas chosen over three of the four other hosts. Furthermore, when larvae were present inElachista, predator (Carcinus maenus) success was significantly reduced relative to two other algal hosts. The adaptive significance ofElachistaas a refuge from predation was confirmed by experiments demonstrating that larval growth with other algal hosts was greater than withElachista. These experiments suggest that microhabitat selection by larvae ofH. variabilisreveals important tradeoffs for growth and predator avoidance.

Unique distribution of epiphytic Neosiphonia harveyi (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) along sargassacean hosts

SUMMARYAlthough epiphytism is generally heaviest on older portions of the host thallus and both variation and abundance of epiphytes decrease with proximity to meristematic apices, Neosiphonia harveyi (Bailey) Kim, Choi, Guiry and Saunders was frequently found on upper parts of sargassacean hosts. This study compared density, thallus length and fertility of epiphytic N. harveyi among different regions of Sargassum patens C. Agardh thalli to reveal a unique distribution pattern of this epiphyte. The majority of epiphytic N. harveyi was observed on the upper part of host thalli and was seldom seen near the basal part. Over a 3‐month period, mean epiphyte density was greater on host apices while thallus length and fertility were greater on subapical portions of host thalli, suggesting the colonization by this epiphyte near the apical part of the host. Distribution patterns of this epiphyte were similar among S. patens growing at different depths. Apical portions of S. patens appear to be more suitable substrata for N. harveyi settlement and colonization compared with other portions of the host thallus, regardless of depth.

Biological flora of New Zealand 12: Griselinia lucida, puka, akapuka, akakōpuka, shining broadleaf

Information on the biology and ecology of Griselinia lucida (Forst. f.) (Griseliniaceae) available through published and unpublished sources is assembled and reviewed. G. lucida is a large shrub hemiepiphyte that grows primarily in trees of wet, lowland forests and also in open coastal and rocky outcrop habitats. Large, bright green, glossy leaves and grooved terrestrial roots that descend from the canopy make this species a very conspicuous member of New Zealand's endemic flora. G. lucida requires warm climates and high atmospheric moisture and is found throughout the North Island and in a limited area of the South Island. G. lucida is one of two native members of the Griselinia genus which includes five South American species. G. lucida is frequently associated with diverse and abundant epiphyte communities. The conservation and restoration of both epiphytic and terrestrial populations is important to ensure functionally diverse ecosystems and accordingly, it is recommended that this species be included in future forest ecological restoration.

Fine spatial pattern of an epiphytic lichen species is affected by habitat conditions in two forest types in the Iberian Mediterranean region

Persistence and abundance of species is determined by habitat availability and the ability to disperse and colonize habitats at contrasting spatial scales. Favourable habitat fragments are also heterogeneous in quality, providing differing opportunities for establishment and affecting the population dynamics of a species. Based on these principles, we suggest that the presence and abundance of epiphytes may reflect their dispersal ability, which is primarily determined by the spatial structure of host trees, but also by host quality. To our knowledge there has been no explicit test of the importance of host tree spatial pattern for epiphytes in Mediterranean forests. We hypothesized that performance and host occupancy in a favourable habitat depend on the spatial pattern of host trees, because this pattern affects the dispersal ability of each epiphyte and it also determines the availability of suitable sites for establishment. We tested this hypothesis using new point pattern analysis tools and generalized linear mixed models to investigate the spatial distribution and performance of the epiphytic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria, which inhabits two types of host trees (beeches and Iberian oaks). We tested the effects on L. pulmonaria distribution of tree size, spatial configuration, and host tree identity. We built a model including tree size, stand structure, and several neighbourhood predictors to understand the effect of host tree on L. pulmonaria. We also investigated the relative importance of spatial patterning on the presence and abundance of the species, independently of the host tree configuration. L. pulmonaria distribution was highly dependent on habitat quality for successful establishment, i.e., tree species identity, tree diameter, and several forest stand structure surrogates. For beech trees, tree diameter was the main factor influencing presence and cover of the lichen, although larger lichen-colonized trees were located close to focal trees, i.e., young trees. However, oak diameter was not an important factor, suggesting that bark roughness at all diameters favoured lichen establishment. Our results indicate that L. pulmonaria dispersal is not spatially restricted, but it is dependent on habitat quality. Furthermore, new spatial analysis tools suggested that L. pulmonaria cover exhibits a distinct pattern, although the spatial pattern of tree position and size was random.

Microclimate and habitat heterogeneity through the oil palm lifecycle

The rapid expansion of oil palm cultivation and corresponding deforestation has invoked widespread concern for biodiversity in Southeast Asia and throughout the tropics. However, no study explicitly addresses how habitat characteristics change when (1) forest is converted to oil palm, or (2) through the dynamic 25–30-year oil palm lifecycle. These two questions are fundamental to understanding how biodiversity will be impacted by oil palm development. Our results from a chronosequence study on microclimate and vegetation structure in oil palm plantations surrounding the Pasoh Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia, show dramatic habitat changes when forest is converted to oil palm. However, they also reveal substantial habitat heterogeneity throughout the plantation lifecycle. Oil palm plantations are created by clear-cutting forests and then terracing the land. This reduces the 25 m-tall forest canopy to bare ground with a harsh microclimate. Eight-year-old oil palm plantations had 4 m open-canopies; 22-year-old plantations had 13 m closed-canopies. Old plantations had significantly more buffered microclimates than young plantations. Understory vegetation was twice as tall in young plantations, but leaf litter depth and total epiphyte abundance were double in old plantations. Nonetheless, leaf litter coverage was patchy throughout the oil palm life cycle due to the stacking of all palm fronds. Overall, oil palm plantations were substantially hotter (+2.84 °C) and drier (+0.80 hPa vapor pressure deficit), than forests during diurnal hours. However, there were no nocturnal microclimate differences between forests and plantations. Finally, we describe how the variable retention of old palm trees during crop rotation can retain habitat features and maintain more stable microclimate conditions than clear-cutting senescent plantations. We discuss the implications of habitat changes for biodiversity and introduce three methods to utilize temporal habitat heterogeneity to enhance the quality of the oil palm landscape matrix.

Effects of macrophyte heterogeneity and food availability on structural parameters of the macroinvertebrate community in a Pampean stream

Environmental heterogeneity in natural ecosystems influences several parameters at the population and community levels. In freshwater ecosystems, habitat heterogeneity can be provided by macrophyte species with different structural shapes. Previous studies suggest that aquatic plants with more complex architectures will support higher number, biomass, and taxon richness of macroinvertebrates than plants with simpler shape. We investigated the influence of macrophyte structural heterogeneity (quantified by fractal dimension) and food availability (represented by epiphytic biomass) on several parameters (number of individuals, biomass, body size distribution, taxon richness, and diversity) of the macroinvertebrate community in a Pampean stream. Four submerged macrophyte species (Egeria densa, Elodea ernstae, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Stuckenia striata) and associated macroinvertebrates were sampled in late spring, summer, and autumn. Plants were photographed and fractal dimension was estimated from the images by the box-counting method. Fractal dimension was independent of plant surface area per unit of macrophyte biomass and differed significantly among species. Mean fractal dimension varied between 1.29 and 1.62, and increased following the sequence E. densa → S. striata → E. ernstae → C. demersum. Macrophyte species with higher fractal dimension supported a greater abundance of macroinvertebrates, especially those of small body size (500–1,000 μm); but fractal dimension was unrelated to macroinvertebrate biomass, richness, and diversity. However, overall animal biomass was significantly associated to the epiphytic abundance. Consequently, macrophyte heterogeneity influences macroinvertebrate density and body size distribution, while animal biomass depends on epiphytic food resources provided by plants.

Epiphyte Biomass and Canopy Microclimate in the Tropical Lowland Cloud Forest of French Guiana

Recent work on bryophyte diversity in lowland forests of northern South America has suggested the existence of a new type of cloud forest, the ‘tropical lowland cloud forest’ (LCF). LCF occurs in river valleys in hilly areas with high air humidity and morning fog, and is rich in epiphytes. We explored epiphyte abundance and canopy microclimate of LCF in a lowland area (200–400 m asl) near Saul, central French Guiana. We analyzed the vertical distribution of epiphytic cover and biomass on 48 trees, in LCF and in lowland rain forest (LRF) without fog. Trees in LCF had significantly more epiphytic biomass than in LRF; mean total epiphytic biomass in LCF was about 59 g/m2, and 35 g/m2 in LRF. In all height zones on the trees, total epiphyte cover in LCF exceeded that in LRF, with ca 70 percent mean cover in LCF and ca 15 percent in LRF. During both wet and dry seasons, mean diurnal relative air humidity (RH) was higher in LCF than in LRF, and persistence of high RH after sunrise significantly longer in LCF. We suggest that the prolonged availability of high air humidity in LCF and the additional input of liquid water through fog, enhance epiphyte growth in LCF by shortening the desiccation period and lengthening the period of photosynthetic activity of the plants.

Preserved epiphytes as an archaeological resource in pre-industrial vernacular buildings

The vernacular building tradition is an established source of information about historic woodlands and woodland management in Britain. We build on this resource by recognizing the information content derived from the tree-dwelling epiphyte communities of lichens and mosses, which are preserved on the bark of historic wooden building materials. We report on a first analysis of preserved epiphytes identified from six regions across lowland England. Seventy-eight vernacular buildings were surveyed for the presence of bark and preserved epiphytes. We demonstrate three novel and important findings: the prevalence of bark, substantial preservation of epiphytes, and their application as an archaeological tool for the reconstruction of historic environments. Future analyses will build on epiphyte species composition and abundance data to examine changes in historic environments across lowland England.

Hydrometeorology and structure of tropical montane cloud forests under contrasting biophysical conditions in north‐western Costa Rica

AbstractTropical cloud forests have received increasing attention because of their significance for freshwater supply. This study aimed to understand hydro‐meteorological gradients in relation to spatial changes in forest structure in north‐western Costa Rica. Seven climate stations (measuring rainfall, horizontal precipitation, throughfall, temperature and soil moisture) were installed along a 2·5 km transect between 1200 and 1500 m.a.s.l. on the Atlantic (windward) slope and the Pacific (leeward) slope of the Tilarán mountains. Forest structure was investigated on seven 10 × 50 m plots. Epiphytic vegetation was assessed on six trees at 1450 m and at 1200 m on the Pacific slope. Annual rainfall ranged from 3690 mm on the leeward slope to 6390 mm on the windward side. Horizontal precipitation was 3560 mm at the ridge, where it exceeded rainfall during the dry season, compared to 330 mm and 28 mm at the lowest windward and leeward plots, respectively. Throughfall remained below rainfall on the lower slopes but exceeded rainfall on the ridge. Soil water content ranged between 70% and 80% on the ridge top, where waterlogging occurred frequently. The studied forests were classified as lower montane rain forest, lower montane cloud forest and elfin cloud forest. The greatest canopy heights and basal areas occurred on the leeward slope between 1200 and 1450 m and at the lowest windward plot. Tree heights remained below 15 m on the ridge, where stilt roots occurred frequently. Near the ridge, epiphyte abundance and species richness were greater, compared to the lower leeward slope. These findings prove the importance of horizontal precipitation in the study area, confirm the important role of epiphytes as indicators for moisture gradients and elucidate the variability of forest structure under the given biophysical conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Lichen epiphyte abundance controlled by the nested effect of woodland composition along macroclimatic gradients

Abstract Understanding species climatic sensitivity is a central theme in biodiversity conservation. However, climate, and the response to climate change, is one component in a multiplicity of drivers which interact to control the occurrence of lichens. This paper investigates patterns of lichen species occurrence and abundance (for Degelia spp., Lobaria pulmonaria and Sphaerophorus globosus ) in response to the simultaneous and interacting nested effect of macroclimate and local habitat quality. We show that for a very steep climatic gradient in Scotland occurrence is delimited by a climatic threshold, but also that abundance within a suitable locale is controlled by an interaction with local habitat quality. This interaction between cross-scale drivers – climate and local habitat – provides a powerful conservation tool, enabling predictive management to optimise habitat conditions, in order to offset the possible negative impacts of larger-scale environmental stress (e.g. climate change).

Effect of host-bark extracts on seed germination in Tillandsia recurvata, an epiphytic bromeliad

Abstract:Tree species are potential hosts for epiphytes; however in some forests epiphytes have a biased distribution among hosts. In a tropical dry forest of Mexico, previous research showed that there are trees with few epiphytes. It is possible that the bark of these hosts contain allelochemicals that influence epiphyte seed germination. The aims of this study were (1) to determine whether hosts with low epiphyte abundance (Ipomoea murucoides, I. pauciflora and Lysiloma acapulcense) would inhibit seed germination of Tillandsia recurvata through aqueous and organic bark extracts, (2) to determine whether germination of T. recurvata would differ among the hosts with low epiphyte abundance and a host with high epiphyte abundance (Bursera copallifera) and (3) to relate the chemical composition of organic bark extracts with inhibition of T. recurvata seed germination. Hexanic and dichloromethanic extracts were partially chemically characterized. Total phenolics and flavonoids concentrations of methanolic extracts were analysed. Aqueous and organic bark extracts from hosts with few epiphytes inhibited T. recurvata seed germination. Aqueous and dichloromethanic extracts of B. copallifera inhibited slightly the germination of T. recurvata. There was a positive correlation between concentration of flavonoids and inhibition of seed germination. Results suggest that a combination of compounds may be responsible for affecting the germination of T. recurvata. This study demonstrates the chemical effect of aqueous and organic bark extracts from hosts on germination of an epiphytic bromeliad.

Host preference and host limitation of vascular epiphytes in a tropical dry forest of central Mexico

Abstract:It has been suggested that vascular epiphyte composition and abundance may be influenced by forest host composition. We studied the epiphyte species distribution among host species of a tropical dry forest in Mexico. All the epiphyte stands supported by woody plants (dbh > 3 cm) of ten forest plots (0.1 ha each) were counted. We measured the dbh of all the hosts, noted their bark characteristics (texture and peeling behaviour), and measured the bark thickness of the most abundant host species. Epiphyte distribution was biased toward a high concentration of epiphytes in three host species and a lower abundance of epiphytes on five host species. This was consistent among epiphyte taxa and host species, allowing us to classify hosts as preferred (with more epiphyte stands than expected by chance) and limiting species (with fewer epiphyte stands than expected by chance), at a community level. Host quality did not relate to mean phorophyte size (measured as basal area) or to bark characteristics (peeling behaviour, thickness and texture) between species. For some epiphyte taxa, the observed distribution indicated that the forest contained preferred and limiting host species mainly. Our data suggest that the epiphyte species in the forest studied could be host limited. We concluded that neither host size nor obvious bark characteristics can be used to predict epiphyte distribution and that further research is necessary.