LAI AND LEAF SIZE DIFFERENCES IN 2 RED MANGROVE FOREST TYPES IN SOUTHFLORIDA

Leaf area indices (LAI) were evaluated for two different red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.) forest types (basin and dwarf) in southeast Flo rida using the plumb line and canopy light interception methods. LAI a nd leaf size (length, width and area) were found to be significantly d ifferent in the two forest types. The basin forest type had the highes t LAI (5.7), lowest light transmissions (7.2 percent of ambient) and t he largest leaf dimensions in contrast to the dwarf type (LAI 3.0, per cent light 17.2). The results reflect different environmental forces a cting upon each location and reinforce the practical ecological value of the classification of mangrove forest types.