Vascular Epiphytes Diversity at Pusat Sejadi, Kawang Forest Reserve, Sabah Malaysia

Abstract

Vascular epiphyte category as well as diversity of epiphytic was studied in Pusat Sejadi, Kawang Forest Reserve Papar Sabah. Five randomly sampling plots of 50m x 40m (0.2 ha) were presented for 1 ha of the forest for the purposed of data collection. The result showed that 3 types of phorophytes (host tree) on which the vascular epiphyte attached to: standing tree, dead standing tree and fallen tree (deadwood). The standing and dead standing tree were subdivided into 3 zones which known as basal part, trunk and canopy to analyse the species richness. A total of 137 numbers of individual species with 2 groups (Angiosperm and Pteridophyte), 7 families and 15 species were found growing epiphytically on the phorophytes. According to the Shannon -Weiner biodiversity index analysis, it showed (H') was 0.98 which the vascular epiphytes were diverse, although they were not equally abundant based on the calculated value of Evenness Index (E=0.36). The species richness also less with I Margalef = 2.8. Pteridophytes (ferns) contributed more significantly to species diversity. Vascular epiphytes were more diverse in standing and fallen tree. In standing tree, fewer species were found on the tree trunk (4 species) than in the basal (5 species) and crown or canopy (5 species). Aspleniaceae and Polypodiaceae were 2 families consisted of more species which each of it had 4 species. Four species were found presented on all types of phorophytes: Asplenium nidus, Nephrolepis spp, Arcypteris irregularis and Microsorum musifolium. Asplenium nidus was the commonest species presented in all plots with good adaptations in any conditions of the forest whether in shady, partially or fully sun.

Vascular Epiphytes in Doshke and Kurpaye: A Comparative Study, Gamo Gofa, Ethiopia

“…Accordingly, those epiphytes occurring in dense stands were counted as a single individual. The vertical distribution of vascular epiphytes on the phorophytes was studied following Mojiol et al [18] zonation. Accordingly, host trees were partitioned into three zones: (1) basal region, from the ground to the diameter at breast height (at or below 3 m above ground level); (2) trunk region, from diameter at breast height (to the first branch/above 3 m and below the first branch); and (3) canopy region, from first branch to tip of the tree.…”

Habitat Ecology of Epiphytic & Terrestrial Orchids in Langchenphu, Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan

“…To validate further Chi-square correlation test was performed which showed a significant correlation with epiphytic orchids Frequency Growth Zone preferring trunk and canopy (X 2 (1) = 14.76, p< .05). As per Mojiol et al (2009), the zonation method of epiphytic orchids reveals that species is abundant in the canopy zone than at the base and trunk of the host tree. Furthermore, (Sillet,1999;Doverspike, 2017), reported that the presence of branches in the canopy layer may result in an accumulation of dust, which encourages epiphytes to grow.…”

“…host tree and growth zones) on host trees were also recorded. The epiphyte's growth position on the host tree was determined by using the zonation method where the host trees were partitioned into three zones: Zone (1) = Basal, from the ground to the diameter at breast height (dbh), Zone (2) = Trunk (from the dbh to the first branch and Zone) (3) = Canopy, (from the first branch to the tip of the tree) (Mojiol et al, 2009). The site factors like latitude, longitude, altitude, aspect, slope, bark texture, and canopy cover were also recorded.…”

“…Figure 2. Zonation of epiphytic orchids on the host tree (Adapted from Mojiol et al, 2009). Canopy coverage was graded into three criteria based on the degree of the canopy cover; dense for the canopy coverage with > 70%open for the canopy coverage < 70% and very open for solitary (Wangdi, 2016).…”