Kjm. Dickinson et al., ECOLOGY OF LIANOID EPIPHYTIC COMMUNITIES IN COASTAL PODOCARP RAIN-FOREST, HAAST ECOLOGICAL DISTRICT, NEW-ZEALAND, Journal of biogeography, 20(6), 1993, pp. 687-705
Complex patterning of lianoid/epiphytic communities is objectively est
ablished using multivariate analyses of quantitative sampling data fro
m throughout a representative single emergent conifer (Dacrycarpus dac
rydioides: Podocarpaceae) in perhumid coastal rain forest in southwest
ern New Zealand. An apparent world record of twenty-eight vascular spe
cies, together with several bryophytes and lichens, are characterized
in terms of microhabitats (microclimates, substrate, salt spray) and p
lant associations on the phorophyte. Thirteen communities are recognis
ed and mapped, and grouped into four associations: the upright Main Tr
unk Association, supporting abundant lianes of Myrtaceae with negligib
le duff, the Branch Underside Association on near-horizontal branches
close to the lower tree centre with an abundance of ferns rooted in de
ep humus; the Central Branch-Platform Association from the relatively
shaded branch-platform system near the tree centre, with a diverse flo
ra of mostly prominent vascular plants growing in deep humus; and the
generally sparsely vegetated Peripheral Association from the exposed d
istal zone of the canopy where bark epiphytes, particularly lichens, b
ryophytes and some small orchids and ferns, achieve their greatest imp
ortance. The first three habitats support mostly skiophytes, the latte
r typical photophytes. Zonation in communities is confirmed only for t
he outer canopy. Subtleties in microclimate, combined with other envir
onmental variables such as branch orientation and humus depth lead to
complex patterning of communities within the crown. Subtle but consist
ent differences in temperature, humidity and radiation are identified
between either side of the canopy (N-S) and for different branch orien
tations. A regime of important factors governing pattern in epiphytic/
lianoid communities is proposed.