Facilitative effects of tree species on natural regeneration in an endangered biodiversity hotspot

Abstract

Canopy species can act changing abundance, survival and spatial distribution of other species below. The present study investigated the potential of four native species from the Atlantic Forest (Bixa arborea Huber, Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd., Joannesia princeps Vell. and Senna multijuga var. verrucosa (Vogel) H.S. Irwin & R.C. Barneby) at two spacings (2 9 2 and 3 9 3 m) in facilitating natural regeneration in areas undergoing forest restoration in southeastern Brazil. Circular plots were established under the canopies of each individual of these species and in open areas. All regenerating tree species were counted and identified. Joannesia princeps and S. multijuga var. verrucosa supported a greater richness of species under their canopy compared to the control area, but did not differ from the other species. The richness of regenerating trees under Bixa arborea and Inga laurina canopy did not differ from the control area. A greater abundance of regenerating trees was found below Inga laurina, Joannesia princeps and S. multijuga var. verrucosa. Trees planted at 2 9 2 m spacing sheltered a greater richness of regenerating tree species than at 3 9 3 m spacing. The species Joannesia princeps and S. multijuga var. verrucosa and the use of 2 9 2 m spacing are therefore recommended for accelerating the natural succession of degraded areas. Knowledge of the best combinations of species and spacing schemes to use to restore Atlantic rain forest is valuable because this design can guide the structuring and composition of regenerated forests.

Flora of Espírito Santo, Brazil: Bixaceae

“…Specimens of Bixa atlantica have often been referred to as Bixa arborea Huber, an Amazonian species that clearly differs from B. atlantica in having spineless fruits . This misidentification was reproduced in published articles (e.g., Vieira Neto et al 2012;Klippel et al 2015;Spadeto et al 2017), and only recently resolved . The species was evaluated as Near Threatened due to its endemic distribution in the forest physiognomies of Espírito Santo, Bahia and Minas Gerais, a distribution pattern that links its conservation with the conservation of the Atlantic Forest, a domain under severe threats due to habitat loss by agriculture and urbanization (Rezende et al 2018).…”

Scientific literature on Inga (Fabaceae) from Santa Catarina state, Southern Brazil (1983-2017)

“…Patterns between morphological parameters of birds and flowers of Inga suggests a close mutualistic and complex relationship of pollination and environment (Githiru, Lens, Bennur, & Ogol, 2002;Cruz-Neto, Machado, Duarte Jr, & Lopes, 2011). I. marginata also stood out in ecological approaches, exhibiting potential as a facilitator of natural regeneration in the Atlantic Forest, with the highest number of species growing under its individuals (Spadeto, Wilson Fernandes, Negreiros, & Kunz, 2017) as well as I. edulis and I. vera. Besides that, I. marginata has potential for phytoremediation, being used for ecological restoration, especially in environments contaminated by herbicides (Cabral et al, 2017).…”

Análise dos jovens regenerantes em área de mata ciliar de caatinga degradada em riacho intermitente no Cariri Paraibano

“…Assim, a abundância de espécies que toleram sombra se fortalece à medida que a sucessão avança em uma determinada área com a elevação da umidade no sub-bosque, enquanto as que não toleram o sombreamento diminuem (CHAZDON, 2016; MUNIZ-CASTRO; WILLIAMS-LINERA; MARTÍNEZ-RAMOS, 2012). vários estágios que ocorrem em uma floresta, a regeneração natural tem como função primordial garantir a continuidade das espécies, sendo parâmetro de sustentabilidade dos modelos de exploração, tornando-se alvo de estudos voltados para o futuro das áreas manejadas (ALMEIDA, 2014; RIBEIRO, 2013).Vários fatores têm sido apresentados como determinantes para o sucesso da regeneração natural, sendo uns dos principais, a estrutura do dossel (GANDOLFI;SPADETO et al, 2017). As árvores que compõem o dossel não só atuam sobre a quantidade de luz por intermédio de suas copas(MEJÍA- DOMÍNGUEZ et al, 2011), mas também influenciam outros processos importantes, como é o caso das propriedades físicas e químicas do solo (GARBIN; ZANDAVALLI; DILLENBURG, 2006) e dos microrganismos que nele vivem(LAMBAIS et al, 2006).…”