Macaranga Peltata Research Articles

Assessing Riparian Floristic Diversity and Vegetation Dynamics in the Vamanapuram River Basin, Kerala: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Vamanapuram River Basin (VRB) is home to a diverse range of plant species, including 152 distinct species from 50 botanical families. Poaceae, Leguminosae, Araceae, and Aseraceae are the most abundant, with 13 species. Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, and Rubiaceae also contribute to the biodiversity hotspots. The VRB’s vegetation profile is characterized by a dynamic interplay of plant forms and ecological niches, with 74 herbs, 30 shrubs, 12 grasses, 1 liana, and 35 towering trees. The Poaceae family thrives in this environment due to hydrological factors. The sampling sites P6 and P5 exhibit high relative frequency and density, with key species like Macaranga peltata, Ficus hispida, and Swietenia macrophylla. Diversity indices like the Shannon-Wiener diversity index reaffirm the VRB’s tropical forest character. Beta-diversity patterns reveal unique plant species distribution dynamics among different panchayaths, emphasizing their ecological complexities. The study emphasizes the demand for specialized management and conservation techniques in this environmentally active region.

Anticancer Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Macaranga Peltata Leaves on Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cell Lines: An In Vitro Study

ABSTRACT Cancer is a disease resulting from the disruption of cell cycle regulation, leading to the abnormal and unchecked proliferation of cells. Medicinal plants are rich in various bioactive phytochemicals or nutritional compounds. The aim is to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ethanolic extracts of Macaranga peltata leaves on human oral cancer cell lines. The study setting was centre for Research on Molecular and Applied Sciences, Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research. The study design is a Comparative In Vitro study. Shade dried leaves of Macaranga peltata were subjected to Soxhlet extraction, and ethanolic extract was prepared. In vitro cytotoxic effects on human oral cancer cell lines were evaluated by (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazole-2yl)-2,5–diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) MTT assay, and genotoxic effect was evaluated by comet assay. Untreated cell lines were used as control, and 5-fluorouracil was used as positive control. All experiments were performed in triplicates, and results were represented as Mean+/- SE. One-way ANOVA and Dunnet test were performed to analyze data. ***P < 0.001 compared with the control group. The ethanolic extract of Macaranga peltata exhibited cytotoxicity against oral cancer cells (LC50: 40.193089 μg/ml). There was a concentration-dependent increase in cell death, and at 100 μg/ml, the extract was most effective, causing 50% inhibition of viability. The comet assay showed significant genotoxic effects compared with 5-fluorouracil and untreated oral cancer cell lines. The ethanolic extract of Macaranga peltata leaves was subjected to MTT assay and comet using KB cell lines. The study concludes that the extract gave promising result for the anticancer activity on the KB cell lines producing cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Correction: Green synthesis of laterite iron‑based nanocatalysts using Psidium guajava and Macaranga peltata plant extract for its catalytic application in Fenton’s oxidation of triclosan

Correction: Green synthesis of laterite iron‑based nanocatalysts using Psidium guajava and Macaranga peltata plant extract for its catalytic application in Fenton’s oxidation of triclosan

Green synthesis of laterite iron-based nanocatalysts using Psidium guajava and Macaranga peltata plant extract for its catalytic application in Fenton’s oxidation of triclosan

Green synthesis of laterite iron-based nanocatalysts using Psidium guajava and Macaranga peltata plant extract for its catalytic application in Fenton’s oxidation of triclosan

Pollution resistance assessment of plants around chromite mine based on anticipated performance index, dust capturing capacity and metal accumulation index.

Plant species sustaining under a polluted environment for a long time are considered as potentially resistant species. Those plant species can be considered as an eco-sustainable tool used to bio-monitor and mitigate pollution. This study was carried out on a total of ten commonly available plant species to assess their anticipated performance index (API), dust capturing capacity (DCC), and metal accumulation index (MAI) in chromite mine and control areas. According to the anticipated performance index (API), Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Müll.Arg., Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G.Don and Ficus hispida Roxb. ex Wall. are highly tolerant species while Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn. and Trema orientalis (L.) Blume are intermediate tolerant species. F. hispida was also shown to have the highest dust capturing capacity (5.94 ± 0.43mg/cm2) whereas that of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz (1.03 ± 0.11mg/cm2) was found to be lowest. The metal accumulation index ranged from 17.29 to 4.5 and 6.38 to 1.94 at the mine and control areas, respectively. Two-way ANOVA analysis revealed area-wise significant differences between biochemical and physiological parameters. Also, results showed that the pollution level and heavy metal affected different biochemical and physiological parameters of plant species at the mining area. The plant species with the highest API, DCC, and MAI value could be recommended for greenbelt development in different polluted areas.

Diversity and carbon sequestration capacity of naturally growth vegetation in ex-nickel mining area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Purnomo DW, Prasetyo LB, Widyatmoko D, Rushayati SB, Supriyatna I, Yani A. 2022. Diversity and carbon sequestration capacity of naturally growth vegetation in ex-nickel mining area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1433-1442. Efforts to restore forest integrity on ex-mining lands are essential to improve environmental quality and sequester carbon. One such effort is through revegetation of post-mined land including in ex-nickel mining in Southeast Sulawesi. This research analyzes the diversity of naturally regenerating plant species in the ex-nickel mining area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi and determines several local tree species with the potential for carbon sequestration. Vegetation survey was conducted using a systematic nested sampling method at the post-mined site with three vegetation types: secondary forest, shrubs and bushes, and a reference/control site (i.e., natural forest in the nearby Lamedai Nature Reserve). Different types of vegetation were analyzed based on factors using Discriminant Analysis. Vegetation composition was analyzed using the Importance Value Index. Furthermore, biodiversity indicators were analyzed using Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, Species Evenness Index, and Sorensen Similarity Index. Carbon absorption was measured using the leaf sample method and carbohydrate test. The results showed that the condition of the research site had been disturbed, and the succession process was still ongoing. The species diversity at all plant levels was classified as moderate category and the distribution of the community was unstable. At the tree level, the undisturbed areas had higher diversity. Eradication of Chromolaena odorata was needed to preserve the native vegetation and accelerate forest succession. Tree species recommended for restoring the ex-nickel mining area and carbon sequestration as core plants include Vitex glabrata R.Br., Alstonia macrophylla Wall. ex G.Don, Lithocarpus celebicus (Miq.) Rehder, Callicarpa pentandra Roxb., Dacryodes rugosa (Blume) H.J.Lam, Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson, Glochidion rubrum Blume, Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., and Psychotria calocarpa Ruiz & Pav., and other pioneer plants of Mallotus paniculatus (Lam.) Müll.Arg., Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Müll.Arg., and Macaranga hispida (Blume) Müll.Arg.

Inhibitory action of Macaranga peltata leaves extract on the corrosion of mild steel in 0.5 M sulphuric Acid- Quantum chemical approach

Weight loss and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method were used for testing the corrosion inhibition effect of Macaranga peltata leaves (MPL) extract on corrosion of mild steel in 0.5 M sulphuric acid solution. The inhibitory effect of MPL was studied at various concentrations of the extract and different time of immersion. In all cases an optimal efficiency was found out. Maximum inhibition efficiency was 92.6% for 5%v/v at 5 h. Nyquist and Tafel plots gave a confirmation about the inhibitory action of the plant extract, agreeing with the weight loss method. The surface content of mild steel after immersion was investigated using IR and the inhibition mechanism is suggested as adsorption of the phytochemical constituents from the results. The Quantum chemical energy calculations become an additional support of the suggested mechanism.

Effect of Granite Quarry Mining on Chlorophyll Content of Tropical Plants

The research was conducted in the granite mining sites of Kerala to determine the effect of mining on the health of two tropical plants namely Macarangapeltata and Chromolaenaodorata which were common to the area. The area having high amount of particulate matter in the working hours of the quarry. The plants were severely affected by the mining activities. In this study, it was observed that the quarry dust was affecting the Chromolaenaodorata, as it is having chlorophyll lower than the control sites.Chromolaenaodorata present in the quarry sites having retarded growth compared to control site plants. In the case of Macarangapeltata, samples showed higher concentration of chlorophyll than control to cope up with the stress.

Extraction of natural colorants from Araucaria columnaris, Macaranga peltata and Averrhoa bilimbi for textile coloration

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the feasibility of developing natural dyes from the barks of Araucaria columnaris and leaves of Macaranga peltata, Averrhoa bilimbi. The paper also deals with the application of natural dyes in textile coloration.Design/methodology/approachDye extraction was carried out using the aqueous method. The dyeability of the aqueous extract was assessed on cotton, silk and polyester yarns using different mordants (alum, acetic acid, CuSO4, lemon juice) and without mordant. UV–Visible spectral analysis and pH of different natural dyes were determined. Percent absorption, K/S values, CIELab values and fastness properties of the selected dyed yarns were also assessed.FindingsThe percentage values for dye exhaustion differed with various mordants. The K/S values were found to be influenced by the addition of mordants. Different hues were obtained with the usage of different mordants. Fastness results exhibited good to very good grades.Research limitations/implicationsThe effective application of aqueous method of dye extraction in the study avoids solvent toxicity. The current results proved that the dyeing could be achieved at room temperature for different yarns (cotton, silk, polyester). At present, no report exists in the literature of research work on the extraction of natural dyes from the leaves of M. peltata, A. bilimbi and their dyeing potential on cotton, silk and polyester.Practical implicationsThe present work offers new environment-friendly dye as well as simple dyeing method. Barks and leaves are promising sources of dye. Enormous availability of barks and leaves avoids the exploitation of the plant parts for the extraction of natural dyes.Originality/valueThe important feature of this study was the effective dyeing of natural and synthetic fibers at room temperature. The novel sources of natural dyes would contribute significantly to the existing knowledge of dyeing, and the natural dyes reduce the environmental impact of synthetic dyes.

Aqueous Extract of Macaranga Peltata Leaves—Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Medium

An aqueous extract of Macaranga peltata leaves has been investigated as green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid medium using gravimetric and electrochemical methods. The inhibition efficiency increased with an increase in the inhibitor concentration and temperature. The aqueous extract of Macaranga peltata leaves acts as mixed type of inhibitor. The adsorptions of the inhibitor on the metal surface occurred by chemisorptions and obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The activation and thermodynamic parameters for corrosion and inhibition processed were evaluated.

Assessment of Impacts Caused by Granite Quarries on Vegetation: A Case Study in the Kalutara District

Granite quarrying has become a major business enterprise from which huge economic benefits are gained while neglecting the damage on the environment. In this study we investigated the effect of small and large scale granite quarries (n=2 each) on neighboring individual plants and their communities. We compared foliar anatomy and stomata conductance of Macaranga peltata(MP) and Melastomamalabathricum(MM) sampled (n=6) from the edge and ~700 m away from the quarries. Floristic details of the vegetation were enumerated using three 200 m transects at each site in which three plots (10x10 m2) were set at the edge, 100 m and 200 m away from the quarry. Each plot had three 1x1 m2 sub-plots to determine the herbaceous cover, soil physical properties and seed bank. Ecological dominance of species was determined using the Important Value Index (IVI) and the floral diversity was assessed using standard biodiversity indices. Statistics (t-test) using SPSS (16.0) was applied where appropriate. Wind-blown granite dust was a major problem which affected the foliar anatomy and physiological performance. Stomatal conductance (MP-113.17 & 131.75 mmol.m-2.s-1 and MM- 149.00 & 144.75 mmol.m-2.s-1 in large and small quarries respectively) was lower compared to unaffected leaves (MP-419.67 and MM-432.40 mmol.m-2.s-1). Stomatal size was small in affected leaves (MP-62.87 & 62.81 μm2 and MM-47.87 & 47.05 μm2 in large and small quarries respectively, compared to MP-115.37 and MM-74.27 μm2) but had an increased stomatal density (MP-1502.78, 1419.44 stomata/mm2 and MM-3113.89, 3244.44 stomata/mm2 in large and small quarries respectively, compared to MP-846.67 and MM-875.56 stomata/mm2).IVI indicatedTremaorientalisand Macarangapeltatadominate in the neighbourhood. Diversity indices increased at a distance from the quarry (Shannon Weiner diversity index - 0.601, 0.733, 1.298 in large quarries and 0.655, 1.127, 1.687 in small quarries for edge, 100 m and 200 m respectively) indicating the limited species richness in the immediate neighbourhood. Establishment of invasive alien species Clidemiahirta, Panicum maximum, Dilleniasuffruticosaand Alstoniamacrophyllaat quarry edge also reflected the negative impacts of disturbances to the site. Soil seed banks of weeds exhibited the highest density at the edge and decreased towards the outside. Quarry edge had high soil temperature, low moisture content, low conductivity and acidic pH. Impacts to the vegetation were similar irrespective of the category of granite quarries (small or large) as quarrying activity highly influenced the stomatal functions, and affect establishment of natural plant communities while adding weeds and invasive alien species. Keywords: Quarrying activity, Impacts, Plants, Community

Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic, and Antiviral Activity of Plants Traditionally Used for Treating Infectious Disease in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India.

In the present study, we tested in vitro different parts of 35 plants used by tribals of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR, Mayurbhanj district, India) for the management of infections. From each plant, three extracts were prepared with different solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone) and tested for antimicrobial (E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans); anthelmintic (C. elegans); and antiviral (enterovirus 71) bioactivity. In total, 35 plant species belonging to 21 families were recorded from tribes of the SBR and periphery. Of the 35 plants, eight plants (23%) showed broad-spectrum in vitro antimicrobial activity (inhibiting all three test strains), while 12 (34%) exhibited narrow spectrum activity against individual pathogens (seven as anti-staphylococcal and five as anti-candidal). Plants such as Alangium salviifolium, Antidesma bunius, Bauhinia racemosa, Careya arborea, Caseria graveolens, Cleistanthus patulus, Colebrookea oppositifolia, Crotalaria pallida, Croton roxburghii, Holarrhena pubescens, Hypericum gaitii, Macaranga peltata, Protium serratum, Rubus ellipticus, and Suregada multiflora showed strong antibacterial effects, whilst Alstonia scholaris, Butea monosperma, C. arborea, C. pallida, Diospyros malbarica, Gmelina arborea, H. pubescens, M. peltata, P. serratum, Pterospermum acerifolium, R. ellipticus, and S. multiflora demonstrated strong antifungal activity. Plants such as A. salviifolium, A. bunius, Aporosa octandra, Barringtonia acutangula, C. graveolens, C. pallida, C. patulus, G. arborea, H. pubescens, H. gaitii, Lannea coromandelica, M. peltata, Melastoma malabathricum, Millettia extensa, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, P. serratum, P. acerifolium, R. ellipticus, S. multiflora, Symplocos cochinchinensis, Ventilago maderaspatana, and Wrightia arborea inhibit survival of C. elegans and could be a potential source for anthelmintic activity. Additionally, plants such as A. bunius, C. graveolens, C. patulus, C. oppositifolia, H. gaitii, M. extensa, P. serratum, R. ellipticus, and V. maderaspatana showed anti-enteroviral activity. Most of the plants, whose traditional use as anti-infective agents by the tribals was well supported, show in vitro inhibitory activity against an enterovirus, bacteria (E. coil, S. aureus), a fungus (C. albicans), or a nematode (C. elegans).

Biomass production, carbon sequestration and nutrient characteristics of 22-year-old support trees in black pepper (Piper nigrum. L) production systems in Kerala, India

Diverse kinds of fast growing multipurpose trees are traditionally grown as support trees (standards) for trailing black pepper vines in the humid tropics of India. Apart from differential black pepper yields, such trees exhibit considerable variability to accumulate biomass, carbon and nutrients. An attempt was made to assess the biomass production, carbon sequestration potential (tree + soil) and nutrient stocks of six multipurpose tree species (age: 22 years) used for trailing black pepper vines (Acacia auriculiformis, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Grevillea robusta, Macaranga peltata, Ailanthus triphysa and Casuarina equisetifolia). Results indicate that G. robusta showed the highest total biomass production (365.72 Mg ha−1), with A. triphysa having the least value (155.13 Mg ha−1). Biomass allocation among tissue types followed the order stemwood > roots > branchwood > twigs > leaves. Total C stocks were also highest for G. robusta (169 Mg C ha−1), followed by A. auriculiformis (155 Mg C ha−1). Mean annual carbon increment also followed a similar trend. Among the various tissue fractions, stemwood accounted for the highest N, P and K stocks, implying the potential for nutrient export from the site through wood harvest. All the support trees showed significantly higher soil carbon content compared to the treeless control. Soil N, P and K contents were higher under A. auriculiformis than other species. Nitrogen fixation potential, successional stage of the species, stand age and tree management practices such as lopping may modify the biomass allocation patterns and system productivity.

Patterns of Herbivory on Macaranga peltata , a Pioneer Species in the Mid-Elevation Forests of the Western Ghats, India

The spatial complexity in plant-herbivore dynamics has been identified as an area requiring more detailed studies. Among the key attempts to explain relationships between plant diversity and herbivore populations, from the herbivores' point of view, Elton's 'enemies hypothesis' states that less diverse plant communities undergo greater herbivory due to presence of fewer predators in contrast to complex communities.

Species diversity, regeneration and dominance as influenced by canopy gaps and their characteristics in tropical evergreen forests of Western Ghats, India

Canopy gaps play a significant role in maintaining structure and composition of tropical forests. This study was carried out in tropical evergreen forests of central Western Ghats in India to understand the influence of canopy gap size and the relationship of gap regime attributes to diversity measures and regeneration. The average gap size in the study area was found to be 396 m2 and around half of gaps were 4–8 years old. Gaps created by natural single tree fall were smaller in size but significantly higher in number. Diversity and regeneration of woody species were compared with canopy gaps and intact vegetation. Species richness and diversity was higher in gaps than in intact vegetation. Macaranga peltata, a shade intolerant species dominated gaps while intact vegetation was dominated by shade tolerant Kingiodendron pinnatum. Gap size significantly influenced species diversity and regeneration. Gap area and age were significantly and negatively correlated with diversity measures but positively correlated with regeneration. Among all the attributes of gaps, regeneration was significantly positively correlated with light intensity. Gaps maintained species diversity and favored regeneration of woody species. In addition to gap size and age, other gap ecological attributes also affected species diversity and regeneration.

Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using <I>Macaranga peltata</I>:A Potential Plant for Phytoremediation

The concentration of heavy metals in the environment is increasing at an alarming rate due to the high rate of industrialisation and intensive agricultural practices over the past few decades. Since most of the heavy metals are persistent and toxic in nature, they significantly reduce agricultural productivity and pose severe threat to human beings through food chain contamination. In recent years, phytoremediation has gained considerable attention as a solar driven green technology for the removal of heavy metals. In the present study we examined the Cadmium (Cd) removal potential of Macaranga peltata - one of the woody species emerging in early successions ‐ found very common in Kerala. The experiment was conducted in batch mode for a period of 20 days in three different concentrations of Cd (0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mg/L) in two different mediums (distilled water and 10% Hoagland nutrient solution). The percentage removals of Cd by M. peltata from three treatments in distilled water were 98, 93 and 89% respectively, where as in the case of Hoagland nutrient medium it was 90, 89 and 82% respectively. The results show higher removal efficiency in distilled water as compared to Hoagland nutrient medium. The analysis of the plants revealed that most of the Cd was accumulated in the roots followed by stem and leaf. Cd accumulation also affected the chlorophyll content of the plant at higher concentrations. The study shows that M. peltata is a promising plant for the phytoremediation of Cd. Since most of the earlier studies on phytoremediation were carried out using smaller plants with less biomass production and growth rate, the use of M. peltata -one of the fastest growing tree species in the present study receives special attention.

Use of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Organic Amendments to Enhance Growth of Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Müll. Arg. in Iron Ore Mine Wastelands

Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Mull. Arg. is a disturbance tolerant plant species with potential in mine wasteland reclamation. Our study aims at studying the phyto-extraction potential of M. peltata and determining plant-soil interaction factors effecting plant growth in iron ore mine spoils. Plants were grown in pure mine spoil and spoil amended with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Vermicompost (VC) along with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species Rhizophagus irregularis. Pure and amended mine spoils were evaluated for nutrient status. Plant growth parameters and foliar nutrient contents were determined at the end of one year. FYM amendment in spoil significantly increased plant biomass compared to pure mine spoil and VC amended spoil. Foliar Fe accumulation was recorded highest (594.67μg/g) in pure spoil with no mortality but considerably affecting plant growth, thus proving to exhibit phyto-extraction potential. FYM and VC amendments reduced AM colonization (30.4% and 37% resp.) and plants showed a negative mycorrhizal dependency (–30.35 and –39.83 resp.). Soil pH and P levels and, foliar Fe accumulation are major factors determining plant growth in spoil. FYM amendment was found to be superior to VC as a spoil amendment for hastening plant growth and establishment in iron ore mine spoil

Enhancement of seed germination in Macaranga peltata for use in tropical forest restoration

We used pre-sowing treatments viz., soaking seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid (CSA), gibberellic acid (GA), combined treatment of CSA + GA and mechanical scarification to overcome seed dormancy and enhance synchronous germination of Macaranga peltata seeds. We analysed percent seed germination data by logistic regression and confirmed that except in GA treatment, time and acid concentration together were crucial for enhancing germination. The combination treatment of CSA and GA resulted in higher percent germination (up to 74%) than either treatment used separately, but produced defective seedlings (26%). Mechanical scarification of seed coat had the greatest impact in enhancing germination (78%) and reducing imbibition time (6 days) against the control (0%). Germination studies and SEM analysis confirmed that seed germination in M. peltata was inhibited by seed coat dormancy.

Sun-Shade Plasticity in Leaf Traits of Early and Late-Successional Tree Species in a Low Land Rain Forest South West Sri Lanka

Light is one of the most limiting resources for plant growth and survival in lowland rainforests. Leaf morphology and leaf chemical characteristics have proven to be importantfeatures that adjust continuously to the changing light environment. The objective of thestudy was to investigate the plasticity of leaf traits of early and late-successional species, andto compare the plasticity differences in leaf traits of sun and shade leaves of these twogroups. Ten species were selected for the study: five early-successional species; Alastoniamacrophylla, Trema orientalis, Macaranga peltata, Wendlandia bicuspidate andSchumacheria castaneifolia and five late-successional species; Shorea congestiflora, Mesuanagassarium, Dipterocarpus zeylanicus, Shorea disticha and Shorea cordifolia.Sun and shade leaves of fully matured trees were collected from three sample locations.Measured chemical attributes are leaf nutrients (leaf Nitrogen and Phosphorus) and leafchlorophyll content. Chlorophyll: Nitrogen ratio was calculated using these values. Measuredmorphological attributes are leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and leaf dry /fresh weight andderived parameters are leaf dry matter content and specific leaf area. Leaf trait plasticity wascalculated for each species based on the mean leaf trait values in the sun and shade.Most of the leaf chemical and morphological characteristics varied between sun and shadeleaves of early and late successional groups. Specific leaf area was higher in shade leavesthan sun leaves (p > 0.05). In early- successional species, leaf trait plasticity was higher inspecific leaf area (19%), Nitrogen content (23%), Phosphorus content (31%) and it wasrelatively low in leaf area (5.7%), leaf length (4.2%) and leaf width (4.6%). In latesuccessionalspecies, leaf trait plasticity was higher in specific leaf area (10.3%), Nitrogencontent (16.4%) and Phosphorus content (21%) and plasticity was relatively low in leaf area(3.5%) and leaf length (4%).Early -successional species have shown a higher plasticity thanlate-successional species.

Differences in Survival and Growth Among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneer Tree Seedlings in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory

AbstractAlthough differences in canopy openness, herbivory and their interaction may promote species coexistence, how these factors affect pioneer tree species and potentially limit growth, and survival has been poorly studied, particularly in tropical South Asia. We monitored the effect of canopy openness and herbivore damage on seedling survival and growth of 960 individuals of six pioneer tree species: Dillenia triquetra, Macaranga indica, Macaranga peltata, Schumacheria castaneifolia, Trema orientalis, and Wendlandia bicuspidata. Seedlings were placed in four gap‐understory positions—center, outer gap edge, inner forest edge, and understory—in four large, natural gaps within the Sinharaja World Heritage Reserve, Sri Lanka. Canopy openness positively affected survival probability beyond the 550‐d experiment, while herbivory decreased survival and was highest in understory conditions. The relative order of species survival stayed fairly consistent between gap‐understory positions and followed their known shade tolerance rankings. When averaged across all experimental conditions, T. orientalis had the lowest survival probability estimate beyond the 550‐d experiment (0.05), but the greatest capacity for growth where it successfully established, while the species with highest averaged survival probability (0.79), D. triquetra, showed the lowest growth. One species, W. bicuspidata, responded positively to herbivory by re‐sprouting. Coexistence of D. triquetra, T. orientalis, and W. bicuspidata can be explained by a trade‐off among species in survival, growth, and response to herbivory. In addition to variation in canopy light environment, herbivory may be important in determining pioneer species distribution through fine‐scale niche partitioning and should be carefully considered in reforestation efforts.