PJB-2017-80
Epiphytic bryophyte communities and succession on Platanus orientalis trees in Kadıncık Valley (Mersin/Turkey)
Tülay Ezer
Abstract
In this study, epiphytic bryophytes of old-growth Platanus orientalis gallery forest in Kadıncık Valley (Mersin/Turkey) were studied. In total thirthy-three epiphytic bryophyte species were found (29 mosses, 4 liverworts) in 60 sample plots, each 20 x 20 cm in size. In order to evaluate the relative abundance of bryophyte communities in the epiphytic habitats on trunks, index of ecological significance (IES) was used. Multivariate statistical analyses (TWINSPAN and DECORANA) were also used to classify and to determine the epiphytic bryophyte community structures in successional stages. The multivariate statistical analyses results indicated that the sample plots were divided into two main clusters and five subclusters associated with gradient of successional satages. Vertical (tree height) and horizontal (tree diameter) distribution patterns of epiphytic bryophytes and their life forms were also observed along a gradient of height and the gradient of age of the Platanus orientalis. Orthotrichum diaphanum, Eurhynchium striatum, E. angustirete and Brachythecium albicans were only found on young trees, Brachythecium rutabulum and Cinclidotus riparius were only found on middle-aged trees, and Cirriphyllum crassinervium and Cratoneuron filicinum were only growing on old trees
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