Resumen

GARCIA-LUNA, Cecilia; CARRILLO-BASTOS, Alicia; CUTZ-POOL, Leopoldo Q.  y  GONZALEZ-SALVATIERRA, Claudia. Composition of vascular epiphytes associated with the riparian mangrove in the community of Ramonal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Madera bosques [online]. 2024, vol.30, n.spe, e3042616.  Epub 11-Nov-2024. ISSN 2448-7597.  https://doi.org/10.21829/myb.2024.3042616.

Mangroves are biologically rich ecosystems. Although it is rare to find epiphytes on mangrove trees, some orchids, bromeliads, cacti, and aroids have been recorded; however, studies on species diversity of vascular epiphytes in mangrove ecosystems are scarce. The objective of this work was to determine the floristic composition and vertical distribution of vascular epiphytes associated with the riparian mangrove phorophytes in the community of Ramonal, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo. The relationship between height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of the phorophytes with epiphyte richness was evaluated, along with the colonization height in the phorophyte. Epiphytes and phorophytes wer2e also counted and measured. Epiphyte diversity analysis was performed using the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson indices. A total area of 769.3 m was assessed, where five phorophyte species were recorded (n = 60). The main phorophyte was Rizophora mangle. The epiphyte family with the most species was Orchidaceae (five), followed by Bromeliaceae (three), Araceae (two), and finally Cactaceae (one), similar to findings in other Neotropical ecosystems. Diversity indices suggest a medium diversity of vascular epiphytes. Epiphyte colonization was more frequent in R. mangle stems and roots, probably influenced by its bark, microclimate, abundance, and architecture, facilitating their establishment. So far, this study represents the most comprehensive record for this valuable ecosystem, so it could be an important tool to integrate conservation and management strategies.

Palabras llave : abundance; conservation; diversity; structure; phorophyte; riparian zone.

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