Rethinking the Ecosystem Functions of Dicranopteris, a Widespread Genus of Ferns

Abstract

Dicranopteris is an ancient and widespread genus of ferns in pantropical regions. Some species of the genus can form dense thickets, and dominate the understory, which are common and key species in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. However, they were mostly cut or burned in forest management because of forming dense thickets which were considered to interfere with forest regeneration and succession. In the current review, we argue that the Dicranopteris species which are able to rapidly colonize barren areas may contribute to ecosystem recovery, resistance to environmental stress, and succession control. Rapid colonization involves prolific spore production, rapid clonal growth, the generation of high surface cover, and the ability to fill gaps; stress resistance includes resistance to abiotic stress, and the ability to reduce soil erosion from rainfall, alien species invasion, and soil contamination and toxicity; and succession facilitation consists of carbon and nutrient sequestration in soil, moderation of the microclimate, alteration of the soil microbial and faunal communities, and determination of which plant species to be established in the next successional stage. All of these ecosystem functions may be beneficial to ecosystem resilience. We expect that the distribution of Dicranopteris will expand in response to global warming, changes in precipitation patterns, increases in soil pollution, deforestation, and land degradation. We recommend that Dicranopteris, as a pioneer fern and a valuable component of tropical and subtropical ecosystems, needs more attention in future research and better management practices to promote forest regeneration and succession.

Leaf nutrient resorption differs among canopy and understory plant species in subtropical Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations

“…B. orientale is a native fern in the Family Blechnaceae; it grows widely in southern China. D. dichotoma is a heliophyte in the fern family Gleicheniaceae; it is widely distributed in subtropical plantations where it forms a dense layer in the understories (Yang et al, 2021).…”

Effects of Understory or Overstory Removal on the Abundances of Soil Nematode Genera in a Eucalyptus Plantation

“…In the same study site and during the same experimental period, UR significantly increased monthly mean soil temperature, decreased soil water content and decreased litter decomposition rate; and the effects of UR were stronger than the overstory removal (Zhao et al, 2012). In addition, the Dicranopteris-dominated understory worldwide is considered as an ecosystem driver having abilities in maintain soil micro-climate (Yang et al, 2021).…”

“…Because of their rapid growth and high productivity, eucalyptus trees have been widely planted and intensively managed for pulpwood production in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Chen et al, 2011). Although eucalyptus plantations are considered monocultures, in the subtropics they commonly contain understory vegetation that is often dominated by the fern Dicranopteris sp., which forms monospecific thickets (Zhao et al, 2012;Yang et al, 2021). Understory vegetation is thought to compete with target trees for soil water and nutrients and has traditionally been removed by farmers.…”

Variation on morphology and spore characters of Dicranopteris and Sticherus (Gleicheniaceae) from Rokan Hulu District, Riau, Indonesia

“…Dicranopteris linearis, known as a scrambling fern, is one of species used as ornamental plants (De Winter and Amoroso 2003). Dicranopteris also has important ecological functions due to its rapid clonal growth ability to fill gaps after disturbance and to facilitate habitat succession, and able to reduce soil erosion due to rainfall (Yang et al 2021). With these various biological roles, it is very interesting to study the species diversity in the Gleicheniaceae family.…”