Composition and Distribution of Vascular Epiphytes in Different Areas in Obafemi Awolowo, Nigeria

Abstract

Composition and distribution of vascular epiphytes were studied in three different areas at Obafemi Awolowo University estate, Nigeria. Each plot, in the selected area, was used for identification of host and epiphytes. Trees were carefully examined. Presence, positions on the host plants and life-forms of all the epiphytes were recorded. Diameter at breast height of the hosts, bark characteristics and height were determined. The climatic data of the areas were measured to determine the relationship between them and epiphytes distributions. Result showed 41 epiphytes belonging to 14 genera and 11 families were identified. Open area had the highest number of epiphytes ( 22) followed by forest patches ( 14) then secondary forest (five). The epiphytes were not host specific except epiphytic ferns and Ficus vogelii. Diameter at breast height has effect on the epiphytes distribution and composition. The distribution of epiphytes and environmental factors were lowest in the secondary forest. Moraceae was the most dominant host family (44.8%) while Nephrolepis undulata and Nephrolepis biserrata were the most common species of epiphytes. Most epiphytes preferred sub-canopy level, few occurred in the canopy level but none at emergent level. Climatic factors, diameter at breast height and bark characteristics of the host plants are useful in determining compositions and distributions of these epiphytes.

Diversity and spatial distribution of epiphytic flora associated with four tree species of partially disturbed ecosystem in tropical rainforest zone

“…By contrast, Axonopus compressus, Commelina benghalensis and Nephrolepis biserrata appeared the least at the study site, as each of these epiphytic species was found just once on Peltophorum pterocarpum, Peltophorum pterocarpum and Nephrolepis biserrata, respectively. The observation for Nephrolepis biserrata is rather contrary to Oloyede et al (2014) who reported it as one of the most common species in Obafemi Awolowo University Estate in southwestern Nigeria. According to this author, Nephrolepis biserrata is host-specific and is associated with Elaeis guineensis (palm tree) whose characteristics are different from those of the tree species of the present study.…”

“…These results suggest that light availability and intensity are major factors in epiphyte location within the microhabitat. Similar results have been reported by Akinsoji (1990), Oloyede et al (2014) and Zhao et al (2015). According to Richter (1991), epiphytes are very sensitive to direct solar radiation and changes in climatic conditions.…”

“…Peltophorum pterocarpum with the second lowest number has a dense and spreading crown, but a smooth bark which does not support epiphyte establishment (Akinsoji, 1990). The remaining two tree species, Mangifera indica and Terminalia catappa, with higher number of epiphytes have features such as rough bark, tall height, large trunk and large canopy that support abundance and high occurrence of epiphytes (Akinsoji, 1990;Andama et al, 2003;Oloyede et al, 2014;Zhao et al, 2015).…”

Diversity and host preferences of ferns and lycopods epiphytes on palm trees

“…and Attalea insignis. Oloyede et al (2014) stated that N. biserrata was host-specific as most of the plants were found on the E. guineensis. However, this data proved that N. biserrata is not host-specific as this species can grow and make a thicked on many species of palm trees, although this species is a common epiphytic fern growing on oil palm plantation (E. guineensis) (Sofiyanti 2013;Adeleye et al 2017;Harmida et al 2018).…”

Keanekaragaman Dan Kelimpahan Anggrek Epifit Di Kaki Gunung Liangpran, Kalimantan Timur

“…Jenis-jenis anggrek yang dilaporkan dalam penelitian ini dijumpai pada pohon inang dari Pada penelitian ini, inang anggrek lebih menyukai pohon yang memiliki tekstur kulit batang agak kasar (intermediet), sehingga mempengaruhi distribusi anggrek dan epifit lain pada pohon inang. Pada habitat terbuka distribusi epifit tertinggi pada jenis pohon yang memiliki karakteristik kulit batang kasar dan berlekah, sedangkan distribusi yang paling rendah adalah pada jenis pohon yang memiliki karakteristik kulit batang yang halus (Johansson, 1974;Oloyede et al, 2014). Pohon yang memiliki karakteristik permukaan kulit batang yang kasar dan berlekah banyak dijumpai anggrek epifit dibandingkan dengan pohon inang yang memiliki permukaan kulit batang yang halus (Migenis dan Ackerman, 1993;Atmaja dan Pamuji, 2015).…”