Vertical distribution of epiphytic ferns based on variation host tree characters in Tahura Raden Soerjo, Mojokerto Regency

Abstract

Vertical distribution of epiphytic fern can describe the tolerance level of fern species at each zoning of the growing point on the host tree. Data collection of epiphytic ferns was carried out by the transect method along the host tree trunk as high as 2 m and dividing the zonation of growing points into basal, trunk, and canopy. Data analysis was performed descriptively. We found 23 species of epiphytic ferns and 13 species of a host tree. Davallia trichomonoides BI. and Polypodium plectolepis (Fée) Hook are evenly distributed species that can be found from the basal, trunk, and canopy. These two species of fern have a high tolerance for extreme condition of light intensity, humidity, and temperature. Prunus arborea (Blume) Kalkman is a species of host tree that contains 20 species of epiphytic ferns, It has a rough trunk texture and linear rounded bumps that form gaps in the trunk. Casuarina junghuhniana Miq. is the type of host that contains the least species of epiphytic fern, only two species, this host tree has a rough texture and has deep gaps in the trunk of a tree, has deep gaps in the trunk, but the bark tends to dry.