Abstract

BAEZ-HERNANDEZ, Arturo et al. Allometric relationships of 19 mountain tropical rain forest tree species. Bot. sci [online]. 2016, vol.94, n.2, pp.209-220. ISSN 2007-4476.  https://doi.org/10.17129/botsci.252.

Tree architecture is an important component that determines height and canopy cover, traits that allow species to explore the vertical and horizontal gradients of the forest canopy. In this study, we compared the allometry of 19 tree species of evergreen tropical forests of Mexico. We evaluated maximum tree height, maximum tree cover, and evaluated their variation between species by allometry. The trunk diameter at breast height, height and average cover showed differences between species. The average trunk diameter at breast height vs. height and average tree canopy cover was linearly related and also the height vs. average coverage. Interspecific allometry of the diameter-height and diameter-coverage showed the different coefficients of association and trajectories of size tree species under the canopy. The maximum tree height of trees was also associated with the maximum tree cover of the crown, which explains part of the functional differences between species in terms of the costs and benefits of investment in vertical and horizontal growth of trees. Also, distribution of height and cover sizes was disproportionally represented in the 15-25 m height range and we only found few dominant species in the upper canopy. The size and architecture of the 19 tree species reflected the different strategies of growth on the vertical and horizontal gradients and their coexistence in the evergreen forest.

Keywords : allometry; coexistence; evergreen tropical forest; maximum height; size; tree architecture.