Heath Forest Research Articles

SISTEM NILAI DAN SIKAP MASYARAKAT TERHADAP KONSERVASI S. belangeran DARI HUTAN KERANGAS

Shorea belangeran is one type of tree in heath forest. IUCN red list classifying S. belangeran in the critically endangered. The aim of this study are 1) to analyze the public attitudes towards conservation of S. belangeran, 2) to determine management chosen for S. belangeran in heath forest 3) to develop an implementation strategy of conservation for S. belangeran in heath forest as material sources of natural medicine. Data collecting of public attitudes conducted by semi-structured interviews on local communities in the field. Identifying the attitude of society through 1) characterizing the value system of the community toward S. belangeran. 2) Disclosure of S. belangeran from kerangas forest. There is four value system toward S. belangeran from heath forest, namely the economic, socio-cultural values, socio-cultural values and religious values. Ethnobotany knowledge of community about the use of S. belangeran is a traditional ecological knowledge. S. belangeran is not only seen in the knowledge of their medicinal properties but more complex includes a trust or confidence. Unfortunately, the system of values in society are not properly transferred to the next generation. The attitude of the community to actively participate in the S. belangeran are weak. The weakness of community attitudes toward S. belangeran and the rupture of value systems of S. belangeran are the issues of conservation that must be resolved.

Bioprospecting of Kerangas Forest as Natural Medicine Material Sources: Screening Phytochemistry Compound of Kerangas Forest Tree Species

Bioprospecting is an effort to create a value for biodiversity. Bioactivity identification of tree species is an important step to get high economic value from Kerangas forest. Screening bioactivity of plants was conducted by ethnobotanical survey and qualitative phytochemistry compound tests. Data collection in the ethnobotanical survey was conducted using a structured interview. Dried leaves and barks of selected trees from Kerangas forest were tested for qualitative phythochemistry compound. Qualitative phytochemistry analyzed by detected of color visualization. There are a total of 42 plants located in heath forest, 38 species of which are used by the people as a medicine (90.48%). There are 10 species of tree that is always found in various locations all in heath forest. 8 tree species are commonly used as a medicine by community. Result showed that parts of selected trees from Kerangas forest had various phythochemistry compounds. It can be concluded that methanol extract of Kerangas tree species have potential bioactivities. Phytochemical content of some trees species may have potential as antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiinflamation, antioxidant, anti-plasmodium, asthma treatment and vitality.

Nutrient allocation among plant organs across 13 tree species in three Bornean rain forests with contrasting nutrient availabilities.

Allocation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) among plant organs is an important factor regulating growth rate, which is a key ecological process associated with plant life-history strategies. However, few studies have explored how N and P investment in photosynthetic (leaves) and non-photosynthetic (stems and roots) organs changes in relation to depletion of each element. We investigated nutrient concentrations of plant organs in relation to whole-plant nutrient concentration (total nutrient weight per total biomass) as an index of nutrient status of each individual using the saplings of the 13 species in three tropical rain forests with contrasting N and P availabilities (tropical evergreen forests and tropical heath forests). We found a steeper decrease in foliar N concentration than foliar P concentration with decreasing whole-plant nutrient concentration. Moreover, the steeper decrease in foliar N concentration was associated with relatively stable N concentration in stems, and vice versa for P. We suggest that the depletion of N is associated with a rapid dilution of foliar N because the cell walls in non-photosynthetic organs function as an N sink. On the other hand, these species can maintain foliar P concentration by decreasing stem P concentrations despites the depletion of P. Our results emphasize the significance of non-photosynthetic organs as an N sink for understanding the variation of foliar nutrient concentrations for the tree species in the three Bornean rain forests with different N and P availabilities.

Distinctive Tropical Forest Variants Have Unique Soil Microbial Communities, But Not Always Low Microbial Diversity.

There has been little study of whether different variants of tropical rainforest have distinct soil microbial communities and levels of diversity. We compared bacterial and fungal community composition and diversity between primary mixed dipterocarp, secondary mixed dipterocarp, white sand heath, inland heath, and peat swamp forests in Brunei Darussalam, Northwest Borneo by analyzing Illumina Miseq sequence data of 16S rRNA gene and ITS1 region. We hypothesized that white sand heath, inland heath and peat swamp forests would show lower microbial diversity and relatively distinct microbial communities (compared to MDF primary and secondary forests) due to their distinctive environments. We found that soil properties together with bacterial and fungal communities varied significantly between forest types. Alpha and beta-diversity of bacteria was highest in secondary dipterocarp and white sand heath forests. Also, bacterial alpha diversity was strongly structured by pH, adding another instance of this widespread pattern in nature. The alpha diversity of fungi was equally high in all forest types except peat swamp forest, although fungal beta-diversity was highest in primary and secondary mixed dipterocarp forests. The relative abundance of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi varied significantly between forest types, with highest relative abundance observed in MDF primary forest. Overall, our results suggest that the soil bacterial and fungal communities in these forest types are to a certain extent predictable and structured by soil properties, but that diversity is not determined by how distinctive the conditions are. This contrasts with the diversity patterns seen in rainforest trees, where distinctive soil conditions have consistently lower tree diversity.

The Amphibians, Reptiles and Fishes of the 2012 Bukit Pagon Expedition, Brunei Darussalam

Abstract In July 2012, 22 people representing eight institutions from six countries conducted a six-day expedition to the submontane heath forest near Bukit Pagon in Brunei Darussalam. Base camp was located at an elevation of 862 masl about 200 m from the Brunei-Sarawak border and 9 km from the peak of Bukit Pagon. The herpetology and ichthyology portion of the survey resulted in the collection of 61 specimens, representing 30 species, with 4 additional species documented by photograph but not collected. One additional taxon, Tropidophorus brookei, was seen but neither collected nor photographed. Nearly half of the species found are endemic to Borneo. The findings of this brief expedition shed light on the distribution of many endemic taxa in one of the world's greatest biodiversity hot spots. Despite its small size, Brunei supports a rich vertebrate fauna that is understudied compared with neighboring Sarawak and nearby Sabah.

Different pitcher shapes and trapping syndromes explain resource partitioning in Nepenthes species.

Nepenthes pitcher plants display interspecific diversity in pitcher form and diets. This species-rich genus might be a conspicuous candidate for an adaptive radiation. However, the pitcher traits of different species have never been quantified in a comparative study, nor have their possible adaptations to the resources they exploit been tested. In this study, we compare the pitcher features and prey composition of the seven Nepenthes taxa that grow in the heath forest of Brunei (Borneo) and investigate whether these species display different trapping syndromes that target different prey. The Nepenthes species are shown to display species-specific combinations of pitcher shapes, volumes, rewards, attraction and capture traits, and different degrees of ontogenetic pitcher dimorphism. The prey spectra also differ among plant species and between ontogenetic morphotypes in their combinations of ants, flying insects, termites, and noninsect guilds. According to a discriminant analysis, the Nepenthes species collected at the same site differ significantly in prey abundance and composition at the level of order, showing niche segregation but with varying degrees of niche overlap according to pairwise species comparisons. Weakly carnivorous species are first characterized by an absence of attractive traits. Generalist carnivorous species have a sweet odor, a wide pitcher aperture, and an acidic pitcher fluid. Guild specializations are explained by different combinations of morpho-functional traits. Ant captures increase with extrafloral nectar, fluid acidity, and slippery waxy walls. Termite captures increase with narrowness of pitchers, presence of a rim of edible trichomes, and symbiotic association with ants. The abundance of flying insects is primarily correlated with pitcher conicity, pitcher aperture diameter, and odor presence. Such species-specific syndromes favoring resource partitioning may result from local character displacement by competition and/or previous adaptations to geographically distinct environments.

POPULASI DAN HABITAT Nepenthes ampullaria Jack. DI CAGAR ALAM MANDOR, KALIMANTAN BARAT

Nepenthes ampullaria Jack. is a species which adapted on the nutrient-poor areas in Mandor nature reserve. Its could be increasing the quality of Mandor nature reserve as protected area. This research aims to study the population and habitat of N. ampullaria in the Mandor nature reserve. This study was conducted at two habitats, heath forest and peat swamp forest. Observations were made on, population abundance and habitat factors of N. ampullaria. The results showed that the highest population density of N. ampullaria was in heath forest. Their are growth in groups. Vegetation analysis showed that constituent species habitat of N. ampullaria consist of 69 species from 39 familly. Result of identification to insects showed Formicidae is dominant family that trapped in pitcher of N. ampullaria. Temperature and humidity in N. ampullaria’s habitat has been switable for requirements growth of pitcher plant. Rainfall during the study was normally. Ratio of sand and soil on both affected the improvement of individual N. ampullaria in Mandor nature reserve. Keywords: habitat, Mandor nature reserve, Nepenthes ampullaria Jack, population

MAMMALIAN DIVERSITY IN THE SAVANNA FROM PERU, WITH THREE NEW ADDICTIONS FROM COUNTRY

Bahuaja Sonene National Park protects the unique sample of subtropical humid savannas in Peru, which are known as “Pampas del Heath” with 6,136 hectares of area. Many endangered species and/or endemic from savannas occur there, however studies about the diversity of mammals in Pampas del Heath are limited and only three assessments there have been carried out since mid‑1970s. Therefore we surveyed mammals in three habitat types of the Pampas del Heath (savanna, ecotonal area and forest) during late 2011. We used several methods of record for the different mammal groups including 1) capture techniques with mist nets, snap traps, Sherman traps, Tomahawk traps and pitfall traps, 2) and detection techniques direct by means of camera traps, visualization of mammals during long walk, observation of tracks and interviews to local people. Total capture efforts totalized 6,033 trap/nights, 136 mist-net/nights and 108 cameras/nights. Sixty-nine species of mammals were recorded: 33 in savanna, 33 in ecotonal area and 38 in forest. Sixteen species are new records for the Pampas del Heath and three are new records from Peru (Cryptonanus unduaviensis, Rhogeessa hussoni and Rhogeessa io). Analyses on the sampling effort, relative density, diversity and community structure of small mammals were made for the three habitats types. Moreover eight species are Threatened and 24 are listed in CITES. The new records here presented elevated the previous known mammal species richness in Peru from 538 to 541, and show the importance to conduct inventories to describe the biodiversity in remote areas, like the Pampas del Heath.

Modelling the coverage and annual variation in bilberry yield in Finland

The coverage of bilberry (L.) was modelled as a function of site and stand characteristics using the permanent sample plots of the National Forest Inventory (NFI) (Model 1). The sample sites consisted of mineral soil forests as well as fells and peatland sites. Annual variation in the bilberry yield (Model 2) was analysed based on measurements over 2001–2014 in the permanent sample plots (so-called MASI plots) in various areas of Finland. We derived annual bilberry yield indices from the year effects of Model 2 and investigated whether these indices could be used to estimate annual variation in bilberry crops in Finland. The highest bilberry coverage was found in mesic heath forests and fell forests. On peatlands the coverage was, on average, lower than on mineral soil sites; the peatland sites with most bilberry coverage were meso-oligotrophic and oligotrophic spruce mires and oligotrophic pine mires. Our bilberry yield indices showed similar variation to those derived from the mean annual berry yields reported and calculated earlier using the MASI plots; the correlation between the indices was 0.795. This approach to calculating annual berry yield indices is a promising way for estimating total annual bilberry yields over a given period of time. Models 1 and 2 can be used in conjunction with the Miina et al.’s (2009) bilberry yield model when bilberry coverage, average annual yield and annual variation in the yield are to be predicted in forest planning.Vaccinium myrtillus

Studi Variasi Tingkat Keanekaragaman Jenis Burung pada Berbagai Tipe Habitat di Areal Konservasi Perkebunan Sawit PT.MSM, Wilmar Plantation, Kalteng

High Conservation Value Areas (HCVA) in palm oil plantation is one of the efforts to reduce the negative impoct of oil palm plantations on biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to to identify bird species in dffirent types of habitats in the conserration area of oil palm plantations, calculate and compare the diversity of bird species and how is the relations with vegetation as habitat componen\ the study location at PT. MSM, Wilmar Plantation Central Kalimantan. The results showed the diversity value of birds and vegetation hos a positive relationship. Forested habitat v,ith heterogeneous vegetation presenting a higher value of diversity bird species than homogeneous vegetation hobitat. The highest diversity of
 bird species is the habitot of swampforests (H'3,70) lowland forest (H'3,69), heath forest (H'3,59) and the lowest is the habitat of palm plantatioru (H' 2,60).

Variation in the aboveground stand structure and fine-root biomass of Bornean heath (kerangas) forests in relation to altitude and soil nitrogen availability

Borneo’s tropical heath (kerangas) forest has limited soil nutrient availability, and high variation in aboveground structure and fine-root biomass. This variation depends on altitude and soil nitrogen availability. To elucidate the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the variation in fine-root biomass (FRB, <2 mm diameter) of trees growing under nutrient-poor environments in Sabah, North Borneo, we investigated FRB in different forests with varying soil nitrogen (N) availability. We selected two study sites at different altitudes: the Maliau Basin (ca. 1000 m asl) and Nabawan (ca. 500 m asl). Both sites included tropical heath (kerangas) forest, on infertile soils (podzols) with a surface organic horizon overlying a bleached (eluviated) mineral horizon, and taller forests on more fertile non-podzolic soils. FRB was obtained from each plot by soil coring (to a depth of 15 cm). FRB increased with decreasing soil inorganic N content (NH4–N and NO3–N), tree height, and aboveground biomass. Thus, higher proportions of carbon resources were allocated to fine-roots in stands with lower N availability. FRB was significantly greater at the Maliau Basin than at Nabawan, reflecting lower soil N availability at higher altitude. Our results demonstrate high variation in FRB among the heath forests, and suggest that fine-root development is more prominent under a cooler climate where N availability limits tree growth owing to slower decomposition. The variation in N availability under the same climate (i.e., at the same altitude) appears to be related to the extent of soil podzolization.

Epiphytic macrolichen cover, richness and composition in young successional boreal forest: A comparison of fire and logging disturbance

Epiphytic macrolichens are indicators of environmental quality and forest heath. Stand-replacing disturbances such as wildfire and harvesting may have different impacts on epiphytic macrolichens, but previous studies have confounded the effects of disturbance origin with those of stand age. It remains unknown whether epiphytic macrolichens respond differently to fire vs. harvesting. We examined the temporal dynamics of epiphytic macrolichen cover, richness, and composition as affected by disturbance origin, time since disturbance, and forest type over 33-year chronosequences in Ontario, Canada. Epiphytic macrolichens were absent 7years after fire or logging, but their cover and richness thereafter increased with stand age for all overstory types in both fire and logged stand. While macrolichen cover and species richness did not differ in stands ⩽15years old between the two disturbance origins, post-logged stands had lower macrolichen cover in conifer and mixedwood stands, but similar species richness compared with post-fire stands after 33years. More pronounced was the compositional difference of epiphytic lichens among overstory types, stand ages, and disturbance origins. Our results demonstrate that epiphytic macrolichen cover and richness increase with stand age and logging reduced macrolichen cover compared with fire. Furthermore, logging resulted in epiphytic macrolichen communities different from fire. The differences in macrolichen cover, richness, and composition between logging vs. fire could be attributed to several stand-level differences including initial stand composition, regeneration density, and tree species diversity.

Traits associated with nutrient impoverishment and shade-tolerance in tree juveniles of three Bornean rain forests with contrasting nutrient availability

Abstract:In this study, we tested the hypothesis that functional traits associated with nutrient impoverishment contribute to enhancing shade-tolerance (survival at low light) for the juveniles of canopy tree species in Bornean rain forests. To test the hypothesis, survival and functional traits (biomass allocation, leaf dynamics and foliar nutrient concentration) were investigated as a function of light conditions for saplings of 13 species in three forests with different levels of nutrient availability. As predicted by the hypothesis, the species in the severely nutrient-poor site (a tropical heath forest on nutrient-poor soils) showed greater shade-tolerance (&gt;91% survival for 8 mo at 5% global site factor) than in the other two sites (mixed dipterocarp forests) (54–87% survival). Across the species, greater shade-tolerance was associated with a higher biomass allocation to roots, a slower leaf production and a higher foliar C concentration, which are considered as C-conservation traits under nutrient impoverishment. These results suggest that the juveniles of the canopy species occurring on nutrient-poor soils can enhance shade-tolerance by the same mechanisms as the adaptation to nutrient impoverishments. Tree species in nutrient-poor environments may be selected for surviving also in shaded conditions.

Water balance, nutrient and carbon export from a heath forest catchment in central Amazonia, Brazil

AbstractCarbon storage values in the Amazon basin have been studied through different approaches in the last decades in order to clarify whether the rainforest ecosystem is likely to act as a sink or source for carbon in the near future. This water balance, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrient export study were carried out in a micro‐scale heath forest (Campina) catchment in central Amazonia, Brazil. For a 1‐year study period (18 March 2007 until 19 March 2008), rainfall amounted to 3054 mm; of which, 1532 mm was evaporated by the forest (4.1 mm day−1). Rainfall interception loss amounted to 15.6% of gross rainfall. Surface runoff amounted to 485 mm, whereas another 1071 mm was discharged as regional groundwater outflow. Accumulated DOC exports in surface runoff amounted to 15.3 g m−2 year−1, whereas the total carbon exported was 55.9 g m−2. This is much higher than that observed for a nearby tall rainforest catchment in central Amazonia (DOC export &lt; 20 g m−2). As Campina heath forest areas cover a significant proportion of the Amazon Basin, these differences in ecosystem hydrological carbon exports should be taken into account in future studies assessing the carbon budget for the Amazon Basin. Macro‐nutrient exports were low, but those of calcium and potassium were higher than those observed for tall rainforest in the Amazon, which may be caused by a lower retention capacity of the heath forest ecosystem. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Soil Seed Bank of An Exotic Acacia sp. Plantation and An Adjacent Tropical Heath Forest in Brunei Darussalam

We compared seedling emergence and soil seed bank composition under an Acacia mangium plantation and an adjacent tropical heath forest in the Andulau Forest Reserve, Brunei Darussalam. Soil samples were collected from ten 20 x 20 m plots set up in three contrasting habitats: the Acacia plantation, the adjacent heath forest, and the transition zone in-between. Soil samples were subjected to smoke and heat treatments, following which seedling emergence was observed daily over a 12-week period. In a parallel investigation, variations in species richness, seed density and seed viability of the soil seed banks of the ten plots were investigated. Seedling emergence was significantly highest in the plantation and lowest in the heath forest plots respectively. However, no significant differences among treatments, and no significant treatment-habitat interactions were detected. Species richness, seed density and seed viability in the plantation plots were significantly lower than the transition zone and intact heath forest plots. A. mangium seeds were not recorded in the heath forest soil seed banks but were detected in the plantation and transition zone plots. Lower native plant species richness, seed density and viability in the A. mangium plantation could imply higher regeneration potential for the heath forest habitat if severe habitat destruction was to occur in this forest reserve. We suggest that proper plantation management practices and close monitoring of soil seed banks are the best mechanisms that could be adopted to minimize the gradual spread of invasive Acacias into natural tropical heath forests of Borneo.

The Comparison of Soil Properties in Heath Forest and Post-tin Mined Land: Basic for Ecosystem Restoration

Heath forest is a restricted forest ecosystem in the world. In Indonesia, heath forest degradation caused by tin mining activity on Belitung Island emerges biodiversity lost and soil properties lost. In fact, they play important role as main aspect for rehabilitiation. This study aims to describe soil properties and vegetation in heath forest and two different ages of tin mined land. The result shows thatin 3 year tailing contains very high amount of sand, low organic matter, low CEC which effect to desertification that hindered plant to grow. Indeed, low organic matter affects low water absorbtion. Meanwhile, 130 year tailing results lower amount of sand than 3 year tailing. Adequate organic matter closes to organic matter in the forest and appropriate CEC. Soil development in tin tailing soil takeshundreds years to slightly improve naturally. Several soil amendments could be implemented to improve sandy soil, such by adding organic matterial, following with polymer fertilizer. Heath forest restorationby natural succession approach should select local species which well adapted as pioneer and apply seedbank from forest floor as seed source of native species.

Tree Diversity and Community Composition of the Tutong White Sands, Brunei Darussalam: A Rare Tropical Heath Forest Ecosystem

Bornean heath (Kerangas) forests are a unique and increasingly rare tropical forest ecosystem that remains little studied. We quantified tree floristic diversity inKerangasforests in the Tutong White Sands, Brunei Darussalam, and investigated the influence of soil and environmental variables on community composition. Six 20 m × 20 m plots were established, where all trees of ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were identified and measured to determine stem diameter and basal area. We determined pH, gravimetric water content, and concentrations of total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in topsoil, as well as litter depth and percentage canopy openness. A total of 296 trees were recorded, representing 78 species in 59 genera and 38 families. Stem diameter, basal area, species richness, and species diversity differed significantly among the six plots. The NMDS ordination revealed that differences in tree community compositions were significantly associated with total N concentrations and percentage canopy openness. Despite the small sampling area, we recorded several Bornean endemic tree species (16/78 tree species; 20.5%), including several IUCN Red List endangered and vulnerable species. Our results illustrate the potentially high conservation value of theKerangasforests in the Tutong White Sands and highlight the urgent need to protect and conserve this area.

Modelling bilberry and cowberry yields in Finland: different approaches to develop models for forest planning calculations

The aim of this research was to create yield models for the two most significant wild berry species in Finland, namely, the bilberry and the cowberry. In particular, the aim was to develop models applicable to multi-objective forest planning calculations. The models were developed using approaches based on both expertise and empirical measurements. In expert-knowledge-based studies, different methods of data collection were used: experts evaluated berry production of different forest stands (i) from slides, (ii) visually in the field and (iii) using a questionnaire. Data for empirical studies were also collected using different methods: measurements (i) of systematically placed sample plots and (ii) of forest stands found to be advantageous with respect to berry production. Statistical analyses of data and modelling techniques varied from study to study. Thus, another aim was to test different methods of data collection and different modelling techniques and also assess their usability. According to the results, the best bilberry yield can be found in a mature stand which is not too dense and is located on a mineral soil site of medium or rather poor fertility. It is also obvious that pine-dominated heath forests of rather poor or poorer fertility have the highest cowberry yields. A stand suitable for cowberry picking should not be dense. These results are very much in line with previous studies on the effects of site and stand characteristics on berry production. However, it is concluded that there is still a need to for further research to explore the dependence of cowberry crops on stand characteristics on poor mineral soil sites. Comparisons of the results of this thesis with empirical berry yield studies and also with earlier berry models indicate that modelling expertise is a reasonable way to create production functions for different wild berry species. This finding encourages the utilization of expertise in other applications for the development of models for different non-wood forest products. In particular, the method based on visual assessments conducted in the field was found to be a promising one.

THE DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF GROUND HERBS IN LOWLAND MIXED DIPTEROCARP FOREST AND HEATH FOREST IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

ZAINI, N. H. &amp; SUKRI, R. S. 2014. The diversity and abundance of ground herbs in lowland mixed dipterocarp forest and heath forest in Brunei Darussalam. Reinwardtia 14(1): 73 – 78. ?Herbaceous plants are important components of total plant species richness in tropical forests. Ground herb diversity and abundance were studied in a lowland Mixed Dipterocarp forest (Andulau) and a heath forest (Bukit Sawat) in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo. At each site, all ground herbs in twenty randomly selected 10 x 10 m subplots within a one hectare permanent plot were censused and identified. The study recorded a total of 20 families and 32 genera of ground herbs, with the family Zingiberaceae as the most abundant at both sites. Thirteen genera were recorded only at Andulau and 7 genera were exclusive to Bukit Sawat, with twelve genera common to both sites. Ground herb species richness appear higher at Andulau than Bukit Sawat (37 vs. 29), but this difference was not statistically significant at the subplot level. However, ground herb abundance and density were significantly higher at Bukit Sawat than Andulau (n = 846 vs. 385; 4230 vs. 1925 individuals ha-1). The more open canopy at Bukit Sawat may provide higher light availability here than at Andulau, which is characterised by a closed canopy. We suggest that light availability is the most important environmental factor influencing ground herb density and abundance at these sites.

Controls on foliar nutrient and aluminium concentrations in a tropical tree flora: phylogeny, soil chemistry and interactions among elements.

Foliar elemental concentrations are predictors of life-history variation and contribute to spatial patterns in biogeochemical cycling. We examined the contributions of habitat association, local soil environment, and elemental interactions to variation in foliar elemental concentrations in tropical trees using methods that account for phylogeny. We sampled top-soils and leaves of 58 tropical trees in heath forest (HF) on nutrient-poor sand and mixed dipterocarp forest (MDF) on nutrient-rich clay soils. A phylogenetic generalized least squares method was used to determine how foliar nutrient and aluminium (Al) concentrations varied in response to habitat distribution, soil chemistry and other elemental concentrations. Foliar nitrogen (N) and Al concentrations were greater for specialists of MDF than for specialists of HF, while foliar calcium (Ca) concentrations showed the opposite trend. Foliar magnesium (Mg) concentrations were lower for generalists than for MDF specialists. Foliar element concentrations were correlated with fine-scale variation in soil chemistry in phylogenetically controlled analyses across species, but there was limited within-species plasticity in foliar elemental concentrations. Among Al accumulators, foliar Al concentration was positively associated with foliar Ca and Mg concentrations, and negatively associated with foliar phosphorus (P) concentrations. The Al-accumulation trait and relationships between foliar elemental and Al concentrations may contribute to species habitat partitioning and ecosystem-level differences in biogeochemical cycles.