Keywords
tropical rain forests
genera
principal components analysis
forest ecology
flora
tropical regions
vertical distribution
woody vines
How to Cite
Abstract
The epiphytic flora of Brazilian tropical rainforest is poorly known. The aims of this study are to list the bromeliad genera that occur in high altitude rainforest in the Macaé de Cima region and to study their distribution on phorophytes. The frequency of bromeliads on phorophytes within 20 sample plots was determined using the observation from distance method recording: 1) clumps, 2) height above ground, and 3) location. Bromeliad genera height, percent of epiphytism/diameter at breast height (DBH), size, class and percent of epiphytism of all individuals were determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine significance, correlations and epiphytic-vegetational gradient on host trees. A total of 122 phorophytes representing 20 families and 46 species supported epiphytes. Five genera of Bromeliaceae were found: Vriesea, Nidularium, Billbergia, Tillandsia and Quesnelia. Concerning vertical distribution, two levels were found. The establishment of bromeliads apparently depended on phorophyte species. DBH was not correlated with bromeliad frequency, and multivariate analysis showed three-way attachment of bromeliads on the phorophytes. The genera could be classified as selective, preferential, indifferent and accidental.
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