Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2010, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (11): 1283-1293.DOI: 10.3773/j.issn.1005-264x.2010.11.005

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Diversity and distribution of vascular epiphytes in the tropical natural coniferous forest of Hainan Island, China

LIU Guang-Fu1,2, DING Yi1, ZANG Run-Guo1,*(), XU Yang-Yu3, LIN Chong4, LI Xiao-Cheng3   

  1. 1Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
    2Research Institute of Resources Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China
    3Hainan Bawangling National Nature Reserve Conservancy, Changjiang, Hainan 572722, China
    4Hainan Bawangling Forestry Bureau, Changjiang, Hainan 572722, China
  • Received:2010-03-15 Accepted:2010-07-27 Online:2010-03-15 Published:2010-10-31
  • Contact: ZANG Run-Guo

Abstract:

Aims As one of the most distinctive components of tropical forests, vascular epiphytes play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The diversity and distribution of vascular epiphytes in tropical natural coniferous forest are reported systematically for the first time in this study. Our objective was to explore species richness, abundance, distribution patterns, and relationship between vascular epiphytes and host trees in the only Pinus latteri natural forest with large area in China.
Methods Twelve plots of 10 m × 50 m were established in the tropical natural coniferous forest in Bawangling National Nature Reserve, Hainan Island, China. We recorded species, individuals and height of attachment of vascular epiphytes on each tree ≥ 5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). Based on two datasets (individuals in each subplot of 10 m × 10 m and on each host tree), the horizontal distribution pattern of vascular epiphytes was analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Variance-to-mean Ratio. Based on species and individuals at 5 m intervals from the forest bottom to the top, the vertical structure of vascular epiphyte assemblages was analyzed. The relationship between vascular epiphytes and host tree size was assessed using Spearman correlation.
Important findings We recorded 769 individual vascular epiphytes belonging to 27 species, 17 genera and 7 families in the total sample 0.6 hm 2. The Orchidaceae and Asclepiadaceae were dominant. The vascular epiphytes were clumped horizontally. Vertically, 49.3% were at intermediate heights (10-20 m) and 19.0% at 0-5 m, but only 7.2% were at >25 m. Most vascular epiphytes showed no preference for host trees, but a few species, e.g., Phlegmariurus fordii, Eria rosea, Dischidia chinensis and Hoya pottsii had higher occurrence rates on the host tree of Pinus latteri. Vascular epiphyte abundance and species richness were both significantly positively correlated with host tree size.

Key words: distribution, diversity, epiphyte, Hainan Island, Pinus latteri natural forest, tropical coniferous forest