Distribution of epiphytic bryophytes in Wroclaw in relation to urban-use complexes

Abstract

Studies on epiphytic bryophyte species richness and diversity in various urban-use complexes in Wroclaw (excluding urban forests) were conducted in 2013-2016 to check the research hypothesis that, in spite of the observed phenomenon of return of bryophytic epiphytes to cities, urban parks still favor species richness and the diversity of bryophytic epiphytes in built-up areas. Epiphytes (38 species) were recorded in all distinguished urban-use complexes but with strongly differentiated frequency, and 64% of all the trees colonized with epiphytes were situated either along streets or inside urban green areas (32% in each). It was shown that the highest species richness (89% of all the species found), bryophyte total coverage and values of the diversity indices referred to the latter complex. 20 species revealed preferences to occur mostly or exclusively on trees situated in urban parks. The second urban-use complex, which visibly affected the distribution of epiphytes, was the complex of streets; Tortula muralis occurred only on trees along streets and six other species occurred more frequently in these complexes than in others: Orthotrichum diaphanum, O. pumilum, O. pallens, Ceratodon purpureus, Syntrichia virescens, Bryum argenteum. In general, epiphytes – which were recorded on more than 20 trees – colonized a large number of phorophytes, from 12 to 33. They also showed some tendencies to occupy trunks of some host tree species more frequently than others. Detailed data are provided.

A pilot study on improve the functioning of extensive green roofs in city centers using mosses

“…Ceratodon purpureus is a worldwide distributed ruderal moss occurring commonly in all urban habitats (Fudali, 1996(Fudali, , 2001). The species is resistant to moisture changes and has wide ecological amplitude in relation to the substrate reaction and trophy (Dierßen, 2001).…”

New distributional data on bryophytes of Poland and Slovakia, 12

“…Sciuro-hypnum reflexum shows in Poland a visible concentration of localities in mountain regions, where it is classified as common or frequent (steBel 2006b, Fudali 2013), and occurs on various types of substratum: rocks, stones, bark of living trees, decaying logs and, sometimes, ground. In lowland areas its localities seem to be dispersed, and species occurrence is often limited to the bark of living deciduous trees (wilczyńska & koła 1974-1975a, Fudali 1996, sanderska et al 2003 or decayed wood (steBel 1997a). In northern Poland it was also recorded on erratic stones and boulders (rusińska 1981).…”

Epiphytic Bryophytes in an Urban Landscape: Which Factors Determine Their Distribution, Species Richness, and Diversity? A Case Study in Wroclaw, Poland

“…Bryofloristical data gathered over the last two decades of the 20th century noted that epiphytic bryophytes in urban areas only occurred in large parks and urban forests [6]. Presumably, therefore, epiphytic bryophytes were not taken into account in the context of research on the influence of plants on the air condition in cities, although the ability of mosses to accumulate heavy metals from the dust deposition was already well-known and studied [7].…”

“…Although interest in studies on the urban epiphytic bryoflora is increasing, still little is known about what factors determine their current distribution in cities. Only a few studies have examined the effects of anthropogenic environmental factors such as the variability of land management methods [6,11,12] or distance from sources of air pollution [8,9] on the distribution of urban epiphytic bryophytes. To date, urban heat islands (UHIs) have not yet been studied as potential drivers of epiphytic bryophyte occurrence in cities.…”