Contribution to the knowledge of the ecological profile of some Melastomataceae of the Lesser Antilles: the case of Martinique

Abstract

Melastomataceae are particularly diverse in the Neotropical realm. The study of the sylvatic formations of the Lesser Antilles made it possible to identify the dominant floristic corteges associated with the different bioclimates. Although there are many indications that Melastomataceae are not among the species structuring the climax formations of the forests of Martinique, their ecological chorology and profile within these formations can be specified. The analysis of the biodemographic data of eco-units of different bioclimates, obtained during floristic inventories, confirms the indications of the floras of the region. It also makes it possible to provide some specifications concerning the ecological profiles of certain Melastomataceae. Conostegia calyptrata and Conostegia icosandra display a temperament of a heliophilous species of the sylvatic gaps. Clidemia umbrosa is a species affinis of smaller gaps or of trails. Miconia trichotoma is a more forestal species.

Considerations on the ecology of Rubiaceae in Martinique (Lesser Antilles)

“…According to regional floras and floristic inventories carried out in the field, Rubiaceae do occupy a wide range of habitats in Martinique, ranging from dry sub-humid to humid bioclimates. These species are found, for example, in the undergrowth of structured or degraded forests, in transition forests or even in the climax of several forest types (Claude, et al, 2017;Claude, 2020;Fiard, 1992;Fournet, 1978;Howard, 1989;Joseph, 2009;Joseph, et al, 2020;Rollet et al, 2010). According to the scientific literature, in tropical regions Rubiaceae are known to be very sensitive to disturbances and changes in their environment (Davis et al, 2006(Davis et al, , 2009.…”

“…Rubiaceae can be found in various habitat types ranging from coastlines to high peaks, from cliffs to sandy, rocky, swampy areas and even near rivers (Claude, et al, 2017;Claude, 2020;Fournet, 1978;Howard, 1989;Joseph, 1997Joseph, , 2009Joseph, et al, 2020;Rollet et al, 2010). These species participate in several stages of plant succession and belong to the lower and middle strata of our tropical forests (forest undergrowth), very rarely to the upper strata (Joseph, 2009).…”

“…Their ecological temperaments are most often: primary heliophilous, secondary heliophilous, sylvatic gap heliophilous or sciaphilous (Joseph, 2009). Moreover, the two main vectors of dissemination of their fruits are barochory and especially (Claude, et al, 2017), (Source: IGN and IRD). There is a general distinction in ascending order: from 0 to 250 metres altitude, a dry sub-humid bioclimate with average annual precipitation of less than 1500 mm, which conditions the seasonal tropical evergreen forest of lower horizon and xeric facies (formerly xerophytic forest); from 250 to 500 metres, zoochory (Joseph, 2009).…”

“…Professor Philippe JOSEPH has indicated in his work that it is possible that in Martinique we are witnessing an "insularisation" of the flora of mesophilic and hygrophilic environments (flora of moderately humid and humid bioclimates) and a potentiation of species of the flora of xerophilic environments of the secondary dynamic stages (Joseph, 2011). However, the diversity of species in the Rubiaceae family is greater in these mesophilic and hygrophilic environments (Claude, et al, 2017;…”

“…Some authors have stated that in tropical regions, Rubiaceae are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances and are rarely present in secondary forests (Davis, et al, 2006;Davis, et al, 2009). However, these species are very often observed and identified in secondary forests in Martinique (Claude, et al, 2017;Claude, 2020;Joseph, 2009;Joseph, et al, 2015; Table 1. Total number of Rubiaceae identified in the Lesser Antilles and Martinique according to Howard (1989) and Fournet (1978) Rubiaceae Joseph, et al, 2016;Joseph, et al, 2018;Joseph, et al, 2020).…”