Diversity and distribution of epiphyllous bryophytes in Beilschmiedia costaricensis (Mez & Pittier) C.K.Allen (Lauraceae)

Abstract

In tropical montane forests, bryophytes are important in terms of diversity and functioning, in which epiphyllous species grow on tree leaves of trees and shrubs, and they are particularly abundant. The objective of this article was to evaluate epiphyllous bryophyte species richness and community composition in three canopy zones (low, medium, high) of a host tree in “La Amistad” International Park, Panama. From each sampled tree, six random leaves were randomly collected, two per canopy zone. A total of 48 species were recorded, of which 89% belong to Marchantiophyta and 11% to Bryophyta. The Lejeuneaceae family accounted for 70% of the species. Species richness decreased from the lowest to the highest canopy zone, however, species communities were similar between zones. Microclimatic conditions characteristic of the forest understory might have favoured greater species richness in the lower canopy zone. Further research is needed, for taking into account environmental factors and forest structure may lead to a better understanding of the observed changes in diversity.