ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 5399
Poster No. = 1439


CHANGES ON TREE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE WITH PROXIMITY TO PATCHES OF AN INVADER FERN


Suazo, I., and M. Martínez-Ramos, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Morelia, Mich. México, Departamento de Ecología de los Recursos Naturales


We evaluated the relation between the invader species Pteridium aquilinum and the adjacent tree community, in Chajul, Chiapas. We explored changes on tree community structure in relation to distance from P. aquilinum patches. Overall, we did not find significant differences in abundance, basal area, and species diversity of seedlings, saplings and large trees in respect to distances from the patch edge. However, individual species showed negative, positive or independent density change with proximity to fern patch. Presence of a species rich and abundant advanced regeneration along patch edges suggests that the tree community is contracting fern patches. Shade produced by trees limit light availability and growth of fern populations, and may allow the expansion of the tree community.


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