Natural regeneration under canopy of Aegiphila bogotensis, Persea mutisii and Prunus buxifolia in The Sabana de Bogotá Highland forests, Colombia

Abstract

Aegiphila bogotensis, Persea mutisii and Prunus buxifolia natural regeneration were studied under their canopies. All seedlings (>30 cm) and sapling (>30cm < 150cm) were recorded under their canopy in plots of 2x2 m every 10 m in a transept from the base of the tree up to 30 m following the direction of slope. Analysis were carried out on species-distance establishment, cospecific regeneration capacity, NMS and indicator species. Aegiphila bogotensis was the most abundant specie under its own canopy. P. mutisii presented high seedling regeneration but not saplings, natural regeneration of other plant species was over 75%. Seedling abundance and richness of P. mutisii was higher under canopy and decreased with distance from it. Saplings abundance were concentrated 10 m from the canopy, but richness is higher under the canopy. Prunus buxifolia presented a high number of seedlings under the canopy related to the few saplings plants. The greater seedling abundance occurred 10 m from the canopy edge. Seedling and saplings richness was high under the canopy and 10 m away from it. Tree species presented specific spatial distribution patterns under and outside the canopy of parental plants, and became relevant recruitment tree species center for the conservation of highland Andean forests. Research results are directed associated to key elements in restoration, recovery and maintenance of tree populations.