Where Are the Bromeliads? A Study on Different Trails in the Ecological Reserve of Guapiaçu, RJ

Abstract

Bromeliaceae are important in ecological restoration, showing easy adaptation to different environments, and constantly interacting with each other through ecological relationships, whose effects may or may not benefit the species involved. The hypothesis tested whether the population density of Hohenbergia augusta is higher in areas at a more advanced successional stage (brown trail), since the species is typical of more structured forest environments, occurring especially in the lower strata of the forest. Six plots of 10 meters (6 × 10 m) were installed, parallel to the brown and yellow trails, and with a distance of 5 m from the edge. Plots were allocated alternately between the two sides of the trail, 10 meters apart from each other when on the same side. In each plot, all H. augusta (Vell.) E. Morren bromeliads were sampled, without a minimum inclusion criterion, provided they were epiphytic phorophytes. The logarithm of the value was used for data normalization and later, the data were tested in a student's t-test. The study pointed out that the highest population density of H. augusta occurred in the brown trail because the area is in a more advanced successional stage.

Each Epiphyte on Its Branch: A Comparative Study between Different Phorophytes

“…The NMDS result showed that the individuals phorophyte species formed homogeneous and separate groups (Figure 4 influence the establishment and development of this flora. According to Marchiori et al [8], this fact corroborates the discovery of a higher population density of bromeliad epiphytes in areas of more advanced successional stage, due to the presence of a more closed environment with higher humidity. In Brazil, the types of vegetation with the highest number of epiphyte and hemiepiphyte species were forests and campiness with fifty-four and six species, respectively [9].…”

What Do Seedlings Like? The Relationship between Seedling Richness and Abundance with Abiotic Factors

“…This emphasizes the importance of the quality of the luminous environment for the initial phase of establishing natural regeneration. Epiphytes are an example of bioindicator plant species present in forests that can indicate environmental disturbances [11], accumulate chemical elements taken from the atmosphere and absorb moisture directly from leaves and stems, become more exposed to pollution, and are useful for assessing the damage caused by pollutants, in addition to being sensitive to burning and deforestation [12].…”