ECOLOGY OF LIANOID EPIPHYTIC COMMUNITIES IN COASTAL PODOCARP RAIN-FOREST, HAAST ECOLOGICAL DISTRICT, NEW-ZEALAND

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.