Contribution to the study of the vertical distribution of vascular epiphytes in a wooded one of Junín, Cundinamarca - Colombia

Abstract

The composition and the structure are described and analyzed, as well as the vertical distribution of the vascular epiphytes in property left at death a wooded altoandino of Junín Cundinarnarca, Colombia. In a transecto of 500 m², where the arboreal layer is dominated by Rapanea ferruginea, Clusia grandiflora, Vernonia sp., Myrica pubescens y Abatia parvifolia. 120 trees with 12 species, as which 57 individual serves like forophytes and where Clusia grandiflora selected like the most representative forophyte.

34 species of vascular epiphyte, pertaining to 10 families, 21 sorts and 34 species were registered; 10 species of ferns, 11 species of orchids and 8 species of bromelias. Predominant the geomorphology phenomena in the zone of study cause that the forophytes have degrees of inclination superior to 35 degrees, for such reason zonification the arboreal architecture in nine zones, which influence in the vertical distribution of the vascular epiphytes. This distribution is related to several factors such as the luminance availability, relative humidity, temperature and substrata in each one of the zones of the forophyte.

The presence of Anthurium sp., Vriesea pereziana y Clusia grandiflora in low zones of the fuste and ground showed a relation of such species with the low luminance intensity. The inclined forophytes presented displayed differences in their vertical composition. The low zones, as well as the exposed ones to the light were those that greater number of individuals and species presented/displayed contrasting with the high and not exposed zones to the light.

Of the 34 species of vascular epiphytes six presented displayed a clear vertical distribution; Clusia grandiflora in state to plantular, Polipodium laevigatum, Oncidium sp. and Pleopeltis macrocarpa are located in the low zones, and superior zones Tillandsia biflora and T. complanata.