Potential harvesting of fallen vascular epiphytes in a tropical montane cloud forest at Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

The abundance of epiphytic plants fallen by natural causes in humid tropical forests suggests their high potential for sustainable harvesting. Since fallen vascular epiphytes (FVE) are destined to die, their collection from the forest floor has no impact on the populations in the canopy. However, few studies have explored the supply of FVE. Here, we evaluated the richness, abundance, diversity and potential use of FVE in a tropical montane cloud forest on the volcano San Martín Tuxtla, Veracruz, Mexico. Eight plots each of 100 m2 were established and sampled monthly for 1 year. All species collected were identified and their health condition recorded. In total, 66 different species were found, belonging to 34 genera and 11 families. A high abundance was estimated (41,050 ± 1,905 plants ha/year), of which 72.9% plants were in a viable condition for cultivation. Based on the recorded abundances of FVE, proportion of viable specimens and reported or observed uses, we determined that 5 species have a high potential for regional use. This study shows that there is a high richness and abundance of FVE, which can be harvested from the cloud forest of Los Tuxtlas.