Substrate preferences of epiphytic bromeliads: an experimental approach

Zotz, Gerhard; Vollrath, Birgit

doi:10.1016/s1146-609x(02)01139-6

Cited by 30 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Our results differ from those found for the bromeliads Guzmania monostachya (L.) Rusby ex Mez, Tillandsia fasciculata Sw., and Werauhia sanguinolenta (Cogn. & Marchal) J.R. Grant, in which first-year-seedling survival was the same throughout the crown of Annona glabra L. (Annonaceae) (Zotz and Vollrath 2002). In these species and in the epiphytic orchid Tolumnia variegata (Sw.) Braem, the distribution of different-sized plants was similar throughout the host crowns (Ackerman et al 1996;Zotz 1997), suggesting that mortality is similar throughout the crown.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The relationship between bark peeling rate and the distribution and mortality of two epiphyte species

2008

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Tree bark characteristics influence epiphyte establishment and survival and consequently the way in which epiphytes are distributed on trees. Tree species with peeling bark have been reported as poor epiphyte hosts. We analyzed the distribution and seedling mortality of two Tillandsia species (Bromeliaceae) in relation to rate of bark peeling of Bursera fagaroides (Burseraceae). The highest peeling rate (0.12% per day) took place on the trunk and the lowest rate on twigs (0.04% per day; branches B2 cm in diameter). The highest proportion of Tillandsia plants appeared on twigs. The distributions of juvenile and adult plants on twigs were higher than those expected based on the distribution of first-year seedlings, suggesting that on twigs, survival could be greater than on trunks and branches, canopy areas where peeling is faster. On the trunk and branches, in contrast, the proportion of juveniles and adults were similar to or less than that expected for first-year seedlings. The main cause of mortality was peeling and the area of minor overall mortality was the trunk, suggesting that this area should be favored as the main distribution area for the Tillandsia species but is not. Our results show that the peeling rate of B. fagaroides depends on branch size and suggest that the Tillandsia distribution depends not only on peeling rate but also on seed dispersion. We suggest that to colonize B. fagaroides epiphytes would either have adaptations to counteract the peeling rate or should occur in the areas of lowest peeling rate located in the exterior crown of trees.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The relationship between bark peeling rate and the distribution and mortality of two epiphyte species

2008

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“…The arboreal perches occupied by epiphytic bromeliads, however, are inherently unstable sites due to periodic windstorms and heavy showers that often knock down the plants to the forest floor, and frequently cause death (Hietz, 1997;Pett-Ridge and Silver, 2002). Thus the canopy habitat is formed by a mosaic of suitable and unsuitable microhabitats for tank bromeliads, mediated by factors such as branch diameter, angle or height, bark texture, microclimate, relative position in the tree, and firmness of root attachment (Zotz and Vollrath, 2002;Winkler et al, 2005). As a consequence, from an ant colony's standpoint, life inside an epiphytic bromeliad can be risky and colony longevity may depend on the plant's capacity to withstand the harsh conditions of the canopy environment.…”

Section: Ecological Setting and Study Organismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nesting patterns, ecological correlates of polygyny and social organization in the neotropical arboreal ant Odontomachus hastatus (Formicidae, Ponerinae)

2010

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Queen number varies in the population of O. hastatus in SE Brazil. Here, we evaluate how nesting ecology and colony structure are associated in this species, and investigate how reproduction is shared among nestmate queens. Queen number per colony is positively correlated with nesting space (root cluster of epiphytic bromeliads), and larger nest sites host larger ant colonies. Plant samplings revealed that suitable nest sites are limited and that nesting space at ant-occupied bromeliads differs in size and height from the general bromeliad community. Dissections revealed that queens in polygynous colonies are inseminated, have developed ovaries, and produce eggs. Behavioral observations showed that reproduction in polygynous colonies is mediated by queen-queen agonistic interactions that include egg cannibalism. Dominant queens usually produced more eggs. Field observations indicate that colonies can be initiated through haplometrosis. Polygyny in O. hastatus may result either from groups of cofounding queens (pleometrosis) or from adoption of newly mated queens by established colonies (secondary polygyny). Clumping of bromeliads increases nest space and probably adds stability through a strong root system, which may promote microhabitat selection by queens and favor pleometrosis. Rainstorms that frequently knock down bromeliads can be a source of colony break-up and may promote polygyny. Bromeliads are limited nest sites and may represent a risk for young queens leaving a suitable nest, thus favoring secondary polygyny. Although proximate mechanisms mediating queen number are poorly understood, this study suggests that heterogeneous microhabitat conditions probably contribute to the coexistence of variable forms of social structure in O. hastatus.

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“…Even when correlations of host-epiphyte interactions have been widely documented, field experiments in which epiphytes have been manipulated to examine host-specific interactions are rare (Callaway et al, 2002;Zotz and Vollrath, 2002). Furthermore, the effects of epiphyte presence upon biological attributes of host trees have been scantily studied (Montaña et al, 1997;Vergara-Torres, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental evidence of an increased leaf production in Prosopis after removal of epiphytes (Tillandsia)

Soria¹,

Torres²,

Galetto³

2014

Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants

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Substrate preferences of epiphytic bromeliads: an experimental approach

Cited by 30 publications

References 17 publications

The relationship between bark peeling rate and the distribution and mortality of two epiphyte species

The relationship between bark peeling rate and the distribution and mortality of two epiphyte species

Nesting patterns, ecological correlates of polygyny and social organization in the neotropical arboreal ant Odontomachus hastatus (Formicidae, Ponerinae)

Experimental evidence of an increased leaf production in Prosopis after removal of epiphytes (Tillandsia)

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