Diversity patterns of vascular and non-vascular epiphytes along tropical dry forest / Patrones de diversidad de epífitas vasculares y no vasculares a lo largo del bosque seco tropical

Abstract Introduction: Epiphytes (vascular and non-vascular) are one of the most diverse groups in the Neotropics, but despite their importance in the functioning of many ecosystems, much of their taxonomy and ecology is still unknown in the dry forest of Colombia. Objective: To compare the diversity patterns and species composition of vascular and non-vascular epiphytes along tropical dry forest remnants of Cauca Valley, Colombia. Methods: Ten permanent plots (50 x 20 m2) were established in tropical dry forest remnants. The epiphytes were sampled in 40-50 trees per plot. Alpha and gamma diversity were calculated using the richness (q0) and Shannon index (q1) (alpha was estimated as the average for phorophytes). Beta diversity was measured using the Whitaker index. To evaluate the relationship between diversities and environmental variables, GLM analysis was used. Results: We found 50 morphospecies of vascular epiphytes, 77 of bryophytes and 290 of lichens. The 𝛼 and 𝛾 diversity of bryophytes from each remnant was significantly explained by temperature. The abundance of lichens per tree was significantly related with the DBH and tree height of each remnant. The 𝛼 diversity of vascular epiphytes shown can be explained by temperature and precipitation. The 𝛾 diversity was strongly influenced by the beta diversity in bryophytes and lichens. This pattern is because the sites with high disturbance present a lower diversity, as a consequence of a homogenizing effect, that is, a low turnover of species between sampling units. Conclusions: Precipitation and temperature affected the diversity of bryophytes and vascular epiphytes, while it did not show a relationship with the lichen's diversity, for which there is not a high congruence between the diversity and composition of these epiphytes.

Resumen Introducción: Los epífitos (vasculares y no vasculares) son uno de los más diversos grupos de plantas en el Neotrópico, pero a pesar de su importancia para el funcionamiento de varios ecosistemas, existen grandes vacíos en su conocimiento taxonómico y ecológico en el bosque seco de Colombia. Objetivo: Comparar los patrones de diversidad y composición de especies de epífitas vasculares y no vasculares a lo largo de remanentes de bosque seco tropical del Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Métodos: Se establecieron diez parcelas permanentes (50 x 20 m2) en remanentes de bosque seco tropical. Las epífitas se muestrearon en 40-50 árboles por parcela. La diversidad alfa y gamma se calculó utilizando la riqueza (q0) y el índice de Shannon (q1) (alfa se estimó como el promedio para los forófitos). La diversidad beta se midió utilizando el índice de Whitaker. Para evaluar la relación entre diversidades y variables ambientales se utilizó el análisis GLM. Resultados: Se encontraron 50 morfoespecies de epífitas vasculares, 77 de briófitas y 290 de líquenes. La diversidad de 𝛼 y 𝛾 de briófitas de cada remanente fue explicada significativamente por la temperatura. La abundancia de líquenes por árbol se relacionó significativamente con el DAP y la altura del árbol de cada remanente. La diversidad 𝛼 de epífitas vasculares que se muestra puede explicarse por la temperatura y la precipitación. La diversidad 𝛾 estuvo fuertemente influenciada por la diversidad beta en briófitas y líquenes. Este patrón se debe a que los sitios con alta perturbación presentan una menor diversidad, como consecuencia de un efecto homogeneizador, es decir, un bajo recambio de especies entre unidades de muestreo. Conclusiones: La precipitación y la temperatura afectaron la diversidad de briófitas y epífitas vasculares, mientras que no mostró relación con la diversidad de líquenes, por lo que no existe una alta congruencia entre la diversidad y composición de estas epífitas.

Bryophyte and lichen biomass and nitrogen fixation in a high elevation cloud forest in Cerro de La Muerte, Costa Rica.

Cloud forests have been found to lose more nitrogen in stream discharge than they gain from atmospheric deposition. They also support a large diversity and biomass of tree epiphytes, predominately composed of cryptogams. Since cryptogam epiphytes harbor nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria, they may help make up for the nitrogen loss from ecosystems. We assessed cryptogam biomass on the ground, boles and branches in Quercus costaricensis dominated stands near the tree line in the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Nitrogen fixation was assayed using 15N2 uptake. Total cryptogam biomass was 2 977 kg ha-1, with 67% being found on the lower branches. Bryophytes and chlorolichens made up 53% and 44%, respectively, of the biomass. Half of the bryophyte mass was composed of the liverwort Plagiochila heterophylla, and 66% of the chlorolichen of Lobariella pallida. There were no significant differences in nitrogen fixation rates between the cryptogam species, with a mean rate of 5.04 µg N g-1 day-1 during the predominantly wet condition in the forest. The overall nitrogen input from fixation was 6.1 kg N ha-1 year-1, of which 78% came from bryophytes, 18% from chlorolichens, and 4% from cyanolichens. Only 2.0% of the fixation occurred in cryptogams on the ground, whereas 67%, 24%, and 7% occurred on the lower branches, boles, and upper branches, respectively. These results show that tree epiphytes constitute a significant source of nitrogen for these forests, due to the trees' large surface area, and can make up for the nitrogen lost from these ecosystems.

Briófitos en los troncos de árboles como indicadores de la alteración en bosques montanos de Panamá / Bryophytes on tree trunks as indicators of montane forest disturbance in Panama

Introducción: Los bosques montanos tropicales se caracterizan por una alta riqueza y endemismo de briófitos. Sin embargo, la diversidad es altamente sensible a cambios microclimáticos relacionados con alteraciones antrópicas. Objetivo: En este estudio, se evaluó la riqueza y composición de briófitos epífitos en los troncos de árboles de bosques montanos alterados y bosques no alterados ubicados en la ladera occidental del Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. Métodos: Los bosques no alterados mostraron alta humedad, mientras que los bosques alterados mostraron altos niveles de luz y temperatura. En cada árbol evaluamos la presencia y cobertura de briófitos epífitos en 160 cuadrantes de 20 × 30 cm. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 86 especies (49 hepáticas y 37 musgos). La riqueza fue positivamente influenciada por la alteración antrópica, donde los bosques alterados presentaron un mayor número de epífitos de sol. La composición de las comunidades difiere entre los dos tipos de bosques, donde las epífitas de sombra fueron restringidas a bosques no alterados, mientras que las epífitas de sol a zonas alteradas. Conclusiones: Las comunidades de briófitos fueron indicadores efectivos de la alteración de los bosques montanos del Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. Por lo tanto, la conservación de los bosques no alterados garantizará la conservación de una rica y diversa comunidad de briófitos epífitos.

Introduction: Tropical montane forests are characterized by high species richness and endemism of bryophytes. However, this diversity is highly sensitive to microclimatic changes related to anthropogenic disturbance. Objective: In this study, we assessed the richness and composition of epiphytic bryophytes on the trunks of trees in undisturbed and disturbed montane forests on the Western slope of the Baru Volcano National Park. Methods: Undisturbed forests were highly humid, while disturbed forests showed high light levels and temperature. In each tree we measured the presence and cover of epiphytic bryophytes in 160 quadrants of 20 × 30 cm. Results: In total, we recorded 86 species (49 liverworts and 37 mosses). Bryophytes richness was positively influenced by disturbance, with disturbed forests showing a high number of sun epiphytes. Bryophyte community composition was different in each forest type, with shade epiphytes confined to primary forests and sun epiphytes restricted to disturbed sites. Conclusions: Bryophyte communities were effective indicators of montane forests disturbance on the Baru Volcano. Thus, protection of the undisturbed forests remnants might help to preserve a rich and diverse community of epiphytic bryophytes.

Volatile Metabolites in Liverworts of Ecuador.

Volatile metabolites from Frullania brasiliensis Raddi, Herbertus juniperoideus (Sw.) Grolle, Leptoscyphus hexagonus (Nees) Grolle, and Syzygiella anomala (Lindenb. & Gottsche) Steph collected in the south of Ecuador were investigated. Volatile secondary metabolites were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Sixty-seven volatile compounds were identified in the four species, which represent between 80.12-90.17% of the total chemical composition. The major components were τ-muurolol (32.14%) and Germacrene-D (11.98%) in the essential oil of F. brasiliensis, bicyclogermacrene (18.23%), and Caryophyllene oxide (15.29%) in the oil of H. juniperoideus, Cabreuva oxide D (33.77%) and Elemol (18.55%) in the oil of Leptoscyphus hexagonus, and Silphiperfola-5,7(14)-diene (25.22%) and Caryophyllene oxide (8.98%) in the oil of Syzygiella anomala. This is the first report on volatile compounds for the species Herbertus juniperoideus, Leptoscyphus hexagonus, and Syzygiella anomala.

Bryophyte community diversity and structure associated with Asplenium auritum fern (Aspleniaceae) in a Brazilian Atlantic forest fragment / Diversidad y estructura de la comunidad de briófitos asociada con el helecho Asplenium auritum (Aspleniaceae) en un fragmento del bosque atlántico brasileño

Introducción: Los filtros ambientales locales ejercen influencia en la diversidad y en la estructura de las comunidades de briófitas, pero existen pocos estudios que analicen cómo las relaciones bióticas influyen en estas comunidades. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia de la cobertura del helecho Asplenium auritum sobre los cambios en la riqueza de especies y la composición de las comunidades briófitos, en un bosque remanente semideciduo en Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: Seleccionamos un transecto de 300 m en cada una de las seis áreas donde A. auritum estaba presente. En cada transecto, estimamos la cubierta vegetal en 39 parcelas de 10 × 10 cm distribuidas al azar. Comparamos la riqueza estimada de especies y la composición de briófitos entre los niveles de cobertura del helecho. Resultados: Encontramos 60 especies en 35 géneros y 23 familias. Las formas de vida más representativas fueron las de tipo trama y estera. Los diferentes niveles de cobertura del helecho no mostraron efecto significativosobre la riqueza de especies y la composición de las comunidades de briófitos. Conclusiones: La cobertura de briófitos parece favorecer el desarrollo del helecho, podría promover la coexistencia de varias especies de briófitos y podría predecir variaciones en la riqueza de especies e impulsar el ensamble de especies en esta comunidad.

Introduction: Local environmental filters have shown the influence on the bryophyte diversity and structure communities, but there are limited studies that analyze how biotic relationships filters influence these communities. Objective: To evaluate whether the influence of fern Asplenium auritum cover determine changes in species richness and composition of bryophyte communities, in a semideciduous remnant forest, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: We selected one transect of 300 m in each of six areas where Asplenium auritum was present. In all transect we estimated plant cover in 39 10 × 10 cm plots randomly distributed. We compare the estimated species richness and composition of bryophyte between fern coverage levels. Results: We found 60 species in 35 genera and 23 families. Weft and mat were the most represented life-forms. Fern cover had no significant effect on bryophyte species richness and composition. Conclusions: Bryophyte cover appears to improve fern development and promote the coexistence of several bryophyte species. Bryophyte cover probably predicts variations in species richness and drives the species assemblage in this community.

Growth supression of plant pathogenic fungi using bryophite extracts / Supressão de crescimento de fungos patogênicos de plantas usando extratos de briófitas

Chemicals are often used in attempts to control diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi during food production. However, chemicals can have adverse effects not just on food, but they also remain active for a long time within ecosystems, and thus are not environmentally friendly. Therefore,development of bio-treatment and avoiding use of chemicals are urgently needed. With the aim of studying and developing new environmentally-friendly treatments, we tested extracts from selected bryophyte species(Porella platyphylla, Cinclidotus fontinaloides and Anomodon viticulosus) on five plant pathogenic fungi under controlled conditions. The fungi (Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phomopsis viticola, Calosphaeria sp., Colletotrichum acutatum and Monilinia laxa) were selected based on common diseases they cause on fruits and grapevine. They were isolated in cultures and treated with bryophyte extracts. Bryophyte extracts were shown to be effective in suppression of certain plant pathogenic fungi growth and to have a huge potential in development of novel biotechnological treatments and biofungicides. The best results were achieved in inhibition of B. dothidea, P. viticola and Calosphaeria sp.

Fungos fitopatogênicos são controlados com produtos químicos para combater doenças causadas por eles durante a produção de alimentos. Tais produtos são ruins não apenas para a alimentação, mas também podem permanecer por muito tempo nos ecossistemas, portanto, não são ecologicamente corretos. Desta forma, os biotratamentos e a prevenção de usos químicos são urgentemente necessários no futuro próximo. Com o objetivo de estudar e desenvolver nova alternative decontrole de doenças de plantas, testamos os extratos de espécies de briófitas selecionadas (Porella platyphylla, Cinclidotus fontinaloides e Anomodon viticulosus) em cinco fungos fitopatogênicos (Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phomopsis viticola, Calosphaeria sp., Colletotrichum acutatum e Monilinia laxa) em condição controlada. Estes fungos, selecionados com base nas doenças que causam em frutos e videiras, foram isolados em culturas puras e tratados com os respectivos extratos de briófitas. Os extratos de briófitas demonstraram ser eficazes na supressão de certos fungos fitopatogênicos e têm um enorme potencial no desenvolvimento de novos biofungicidas e tratamentos biotecnológicos. Os mais interessantes resultados foram obtidos na inibição de B. dothidea, P. viticola eCalosphaeria sp.

Bryophyte stable isotope composition, diversity and biomass define tropical montane cloud forest extent.

Liverworts and mosses are a major component of the epiphyte flora of tropical montane forest ecosystems. Canopy access was used to analyse the distribution and vertical stratification of bryophyte epiphytes within tree crowns at nine forest sites across a 3400 m elevational gradient in Peru, from the Amazonian basin to the high Andes. The stable isotope compositions of bryophyte organic material (13C/12C and 18O/16O) are associated with surface water diffusive limitations and, along with C/N content, provide a generic index for the extent of cloud immersion. From lowland to cloud forest δ13C increased from -33‰ to -27‰, while δ18O increased from 16.3‰ to 18.0‰. Epiphytic bryophyte and associated canopy soil biomass in the cloud immersion zone was estimated at up to 45 t dry mass ha-1, and overall water holding capacity was equivalent to a 20 mm precipitation event. The study emphasizes the importance of diverse bryophyte communities in sequestering carbon in threatened habitats, with stable isotope analysis allowing future elevational shifts in the cloud base associated with changes in climate to be tracked.

On the diversity and richness of understory bryophytes at Nectandra Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: A survey of the understory bryophytes in the Nectandra Cloud Forest Preserve yielded 1083 specimens distributed among 55 families, represented by 74 genera of mosses, 75 genera of liverworts and 3 of hornworts. We studied and analyzed the bryophytic distribution on six types of substrates: 1) corticolous, 2) epiphyllous, 3) saxicolous, 4) terricolous, 5) aquatic and 6) lignicolous. The richness and composition of bryophyte genera are compared to those of other previous bryophyte surveys from 4 other sites with different oceanic exposures, climatic and geographic conditions in Costa Rica. NEW INFORMATION: This is a report of the first extensive general survey of bryophytes at the Nectandra Reserve, a premontane cloud forest located on the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica, an area much less studied compared to the Monteverde cloud forest on the Pacific slope.

Quantitative morphological analysis of 2D images of complex-shaped branching biological growth forms: the example of branching thalli of liverworts.

BACKGROUND: Many organisms such as plants can be characterized as complex-shaped branching forms. The morphological quantification of the forms is a support for a number of areas such as the effects of environmental factors and species discrimination. To date, there is no software package suitable for our dataset representing the forms. We therefore formulate methods for extracting morphological measurements from images of the forms. RESULTS: As a case study we analyze two-dimensional images of samples from four groups belonging to three species of thalloid liverworts, genus Riccardia. The images are pre-processed and converted into binary images, then skeletonized to obtain a skeleton image, in which features such as junctions and terminals are detected. Morphological measurements known to characterize and discriminate the species in the samples such as junction thickness, branch thickness, terminal thickness, branch length, branch angle, and terminal spacing are then quantified. The measurements are used to distinguish among the four groups of Riccardia and also between the two groups of Riccardia amazonica collected in different locations, Africa and South America. Canonical discriminant analysis results show that those measurements are able to discriminate among the four groups. Additionally, it is able to discriminate R. amazonica collected in Africa from those collected in South America. CONCLUSIONS: This paper presents general automated methods implemented in our software for quantifying two-dimensional images of complex branching forms. The methods are used to compute a series of morphological measurements. We found significant results to distinguish Riccardia species by using the measurements. The methods are also applicable for analyzing other branching organisms. Our software is freely available under the GNU GPL.

Species richness and composition of epiphytic bryophytes in flooded forests of Caxiuanã National Forest, Eastern Amazon, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the richness and composition of the epiphytic bryoflora between várzea and igapó forests in Caxiuanã National Forest, Brazilian Amazon. Bryophytes were collected on 502 phorophytes of Virola surinamensis. Average richness per phorophyte and composition between forests and between dry and rainy periods was tested by two-way analysis and by cluster analysis, respectively. In total, 54 species of 13 families were identified. Richness was greater in igapó forest (44 species) compared to várzea forest (38 species). There was no significant difference in the number of species between the studied periods. Cluster analysis showed the bryoflora composition was different between várzea and igapó, but not between dry and rainy periods. Results did not corroborate the hypothesis that várzea forests harbor higher species richness than igapó forests.

Bryophytes in fragments of Terra Firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil 1 Part of Master's Dissertation of the first author / Briófitas em fragmentos florestais de terra firme na região da Volta Grande do Xingu, Pará, Brasil

Microclimatic conditions of tropical forest favour the high richness of bryophytes, which by being sensitive to environmental changes, are important indicators of habitat conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the richness and species composition of the bryophyte flora in fragments of terra firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil. The collections were made in August and September 2012 in 14 fragments, in which were installed two plots per fragment, one at the edge and one inside, measuring 10 × 10 m each. The results showed 77 species in 45 genera and 18 families. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce and Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. are new records for Pará state. The richness families in this study were the ones typically found in tropical forest surveys. A high richness of rare species in comparison to common ones, a pattern usually observed for plants in tropical forests was not reported in this study, probably due to historical fragmentation and disturbance in the area. The richness and species composition were determined mainly by the physiognomic characteristics of the studied forest fragments.(AU)

As condições microclimáticas das florestas tropicais favorecem elevada riqueza de briófitas, que por serem sensíveis às alterações ambientais, são importantes indicadoras das condições dos habitats. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a riqueza e a composição florística da brioflora de fragmentos florestais de terra firme na região da Volta Grande do Xingu, Pará, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas em Agosto e Setembro de 2012, em 14 fragmentos e em cada um destes foram plotadas duas parcelas, uma na borda e outra no interior, medindo 10 × 10 m (cada). Foram registradas 77 espécies, distribuídas em 45 gêneros e 18 famílias. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce e Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. são novos registros para o Pará. As famílias mais ricas neste estudo foram aquelas tipicamente encontradas em levantamentos em florestas tropicais. A elevada riqueza de espécies raras em comparação às comuns, padrão comumente reportado para plantas em florestas tropicais, não foi observada, provavelmente devido ao histórico de fragmentação e distúrbios na área de estudo. A riqueza e a composição de espécies foram determinadas principalmente pelas características fisionômicas dos fragmentos estudados.(AU)

Bryophytes in fragments of Terra Firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil 1 Part of Master's Dissertation of the first author.

Abstract Microclimatic conditions of tropical forest favour the high richness of bryophytes, which by being sensitive to environmental changes, are important indicators of habitat conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the richness and species composition of the bryophyte flora in fragments of terra firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil. The collections were made in August and September 2012 in 14 fragments, in which were installed two plots per fragment, one at the edge and one inside, measuring 10 × 10 m each. The results showed 77 species in 45 genera and 18 families. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce and Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. are new records for Pará state. The richness families in this study were the ones typically found in tropical forest surveys. A high richness of rare species in comparison to common ones, a pattern usually observed for plants in tropical forests was not reported in this study, probably due to historical fragmentation and disturbance in the area. The richness and species composition were determined mainly by the physiognomic characteristics of the studied forest fragments.

Resumo As condições microclimáticas das florestas tropicais favorecem elevada riqueza de briófitas, que por serem sensíveis às alterações ambientais, são importantes indicadoras das condições dos habitats. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a riqueza e a composição florística da brioflora de fragmentos florestais de terra firme na região da Volta Grande do Xingu, Pará, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas em Agosto e Setembro de 2012, em 14 fragmentos e em cada um destes foram plotadas duas parcelas, uma na borda e outra no interior, medindo 10 × 10 m (cada). Foram registradas 77 espécies, distribuídas em 45 gêneros e 18 famílias. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce e Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. são novos registros para o Pará. As famílias mais ricas neste estudo foram aquelas tipicamente encontradas em levantamentos em florestas tropicais. A elevada riqueza de espécies raras em comparação às comuns, padrão comumente reportado para plantas em florestas tropicais, não foi observada, provavelmente devido ao histórico de fragmentação e distúrbios na área de estudo. A riqueza e a composição de espécies foram determinadas principalmente pelas características fisionômicas dos fragmentos estudados.

Bryophytes in fragments of Terra Firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil 1 Part of Master's Dissertation of the first author / Briófitas em fragmentos florestais de terra firme na região da Volta Grande do Xingu, Pará, Brasil

Microclimatic conditions of tropical forest favour the high richness of bryophytes, which by being sensitive to environmental changes, are important indicators of habitat conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the richness and species composition of the bryophyte flora in fragments of terra firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil. The collections were made in August and September 2012 in 14 fragments, in which were installed two plots per fragment, one at the edge and one inside, measuring 10 × 10 m each. The results showed 77 species in 45 genera and 18 families. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce and Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. are new records for Pará state. The richness families in this study were the ones typically found in tropical forest surveys. A high richness of rare species in comparison to common ones, a pattern usually observed for plants in tropical forests was not reported in this study, probably due to historical fragmentation and disturbance in the area. The richness and species composition were determined mainly by the physiognomic characteristics of the studied forest fragments.

As condições microclimáticas das florestas tropicais favorecem elevada riqueza de briófitas, que por serem sensíveis às alterações ambientais, são importantes indicadoras das condições dos habitats. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a riqueza e a composição florística da brioflora de fragmentos florestais de terra firme na região da Volta Grande do Xingu, Pará, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas em Agosto e Setembro de 2012, em 14 fragmentos e em cada um destes foram plotadas duas parcelas, uma na borda e outra no interior, medindo 10 × 10 m (cada). Foram registradas 77 espécies, distribuídas em 45 gêneros e 18 famílias. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce e Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. são novos registros para o Pará. As famílias mais ricas neste estudo foram aquelas tipicamente encontradas em levantamentos em florestas tropicais. A elevada riqueza de espécies raras em comparação às comuns, padrão comumente reportado para plantas em florestas tropicais, não foi observada, provavelmente devido ao histórico de fragmentação e distúrbios na área de estudo. A riqueza e a composição de espécies foram determinadas principalmente pelas características fisionômicas dos fragmentos estudados.

Bryophytes in fragments of Terra Firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil 1 Part of Master's Dissertation of the first author. / Briófitas em fragmentos florestais de terra firme na região da Volta Grande do Xingu, Pará, Brasil

Abstract Microclimatic conditions of tropical forest favour the high richness of bryophytes, which by being sensitive to environmental changes, are important indicators of habitat conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the richness and species composition of the bryophyte flora in fragments of terra firme forest on the great curve of the Xingu River, Pará state, Brazil. The collections were made in August and September 2012 in 14 fragments, in which were installed two plots per fragment, one at the edge and one inside, measuring 10 × 10 m each. The results showed 77 species in 45 genera and 18 families. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce and Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. are new records for Pará state. The richness families in this study were the ones typically found in tropical forest surveys. A high richness of rare species in comparison to common ones, a pattern usually observed for plants in tropical forests was not reported in this study, probably due to historical fragmentation and disturbance in the area. The richness and species composition were determined mainly by the physiognomic characteristics of the studied forest fragments.

Resumo As condições microclimáticas das florestas tropicais favorecem elevada riqueza de briófitas, que por serem sensíveis às alterações ambientais, são importantes indicadoras das condições dos habitats. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a riqueza e a composição florística da brioflora de fragmentos florestais de terra firme na região da Volta Grande do Xingu, Pará, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas em Agosto e Setembro de 2012, em 14 fragmentos e em cada um destes foram plotadas duas parcelas, uma na borda e outra no interior, medindo 10 × 10 m (cada). Foram registradas 77 espécies, distribuídas em 45 gêneros e 18 famílias. Lejeunea setiloba Spruce e Marchesinia brachiata (Sw.) Schiffn. são novos registros para o Pará. As famílias mais ricas neste estudo foram aquelas tipicamente encontradas em levantamentos em florestas tropicais. A elevada riqueza de espécies raras em comparação às comuns, padrão comumente reportado para plantas em florestas tropicais, não foi observada, provavelmente devido ao histórico de fragmentação e distúrbios na área de estudo. A riqueza e a composição de espécies foram determinadas principalmente pelas características fisionômicas dos fragmentos estudados.

Estratificación vertical de briófitos epífitos encontrados en Quercus humboldtii (Fagaceae) de Boyacá, Colombia / Vertical stratification of epiphytic bryophytes found on Quercus humboldtii (Fagaceae) from Boyacá, Colombia

Oak forest represents an ecologically important plant formation in Colombia, partly due to the large amount of epiphyte flora that harbors, especially non-vascular plants which have been poorly studied in Colombia. One of the biggest oak forests in the country is the one found in the Parque Natural Municipal “Robledales de Tipacoque” (PNMRT), in Boyacá, municipality of Tipacoque. The epiphyte bryoflora was evaluated in Q. humboldtii, using canopy climbing techniques and dividing the trees (25 individuals sampled) each into five layers (base, trunk, inner canopy, middle and outer canopy). A total of 365 samples were collected: 29% liveworts and 71% mosses. Hepatics represented 10 families, 16 genera and 26 species; mosses 11 families, 26 genera and 49 species. Considering the tree layers, the most diverse one was the base with 51 species, followed by the trunk with 43; in the canopy, the inner canopy was found the most diverse with 28 species, and was followed by the middle canopy with 18, and the outer canopy with 15. A species similarity index shows that the trunk and the middle canopy were the most closely related (0.42) in terms of species composition. The results showed that non-vascular plants were mostly found in lower layers (base and trunk), where the diversity was greater, richer (species number), and this might be caused by the microclimatic conditions in these places, such as higher humidity, lower light intensity and shade. Thus, some species are considered shade epiphytes (ombrophiles) because they are unique to these areas, like Bazzania gracilis and Taxilejeunea pterigonia, among others. Likewise, Jungermannia sp. is considered a sun epiphyte (heliophilous) because it is found only in the outer canopy. We concluded that Q. humboldtii could be considered as a potential host for the conservation of non-vascular epiphytes in Colombian forests. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 719-727. Epub 2014 June 01.

Los bosques de roble representan una formación vegetal de importancia ecológica, debido a la cantidad de plantas epífitas que pueden llegar a albergar; estas han sido muy poco estudiadas en Colombia, especialmente las no vasculares. Para el país, uno de los robledales de mayor extensión es el Parque Natural Municipal “Robledaes de Tipacoque” (PNMRT), que se encuentra ubicado en Boyacá, en el municipio de Tipacoque. Se evaluó la brioflora epífita en Quercus humboldtii, mediante técnicas de ascenso a dosel y división de cada uno de los árboles (25 individuos muestreados) en cinco estratos cada uno (base, tronco, dosel interno, dosel medio y dosel externo). Se recolectaron en total 365 muestras, 29% pertenecen a hepáticas y 71% a musgos. Las hepáticas se distribuyeron en 10 familias, 16 géneros y 26 especies, mientras que los musgos se distribuyeron en 11 familias, 26 géneros y 49 especies. La base del árbol es el estrato con mayor diversidad de especies (51), seguida del tronco (43), mientras que en el dosel, la parte interna fue la más diversa con 28 especies, seguida del dosel medio con 18 y el dosel externo con 15. Los análisis de similitud muestran una baja relación entre los estratos, donde la mayor afinidad esta entre el tronco y el dosel medio con el 0.42. Los resultados muestran que las plantas no vasculares prefieren los estratos inferiores (base y tronco), donde la diversidad es mayor, debido a las condiciones microclimáticas que éstas zonas presentan, como mayor humedad, menor intensidad lumínica y sombra; además, algunas especies se consideran como epífitas de sombra (hombrófilas) al ser exclusivas de éstas zonas, como Bazzania gracilis y Taxilejeunea pterigonia, entre otras. El caso contrario, Jungermannia sp. Se considera epífita de sol (heliófila) al encontrarse únicamente en el dosel externo. Se concluye que Q. humboldtii puede ser un hospedero potencial para la conservación de epífitas no vasculares en bosques colombianos.

Checklist de briófitas (Antocerotophyta, Bryophyta e Marchantiophyta) do estado de São Paulo / Bryophytes checklist (Antocerotophyta, Bryophyta and Marchantiophyta) of São Paulo State

Foram revisadas todas as publicações que citam amostras do estado de São Paulo e excluídos 10 nomes de ocorrência incerta. Foram incluídos os táxons que possuíam amostras provenientes do estado de São Paulo que e apresentavam espécimes depositadas em herbários indexados. Foram encontradas 1.324 espécies de briófitas incluindo nove em Antocerotophyta (9), Bryophyta (740) e Marchantiophyta (575). Foram conferidas as identificações de 1.000 dos táxons citados e 324 baseando-se em literatura. Dos táxons reconhecidos nesta listagem 139 apresentam como única citação para o conhecimento científico da espécie a localidade-tipo dentro do estado de São Paulo. As perspectivas de pesquisa para as briófitas nos próximos 10 anos estão principalmente relacionadas a formação de recursos humanos para a confecção da flora de briófitas do estado, proporcionando assim uma ferramenta indispensável para a realização dos estudos que utilizam a unidade taxonômica (espécie) como objeto para inúmeros trabalhos.

All publications mentioning samples from state of São Paulo were revised and 10 names of uncertain occurrence were excluded. All taxa included had samples from the state of São Paulo and are deposited in indexed herbaria. We found 1,324 bryophytes species, including nine Antocerotophyta, 740 to Bryophyta and 575 to Marchantiophyta. We checked at last one sample of these 1,000 names and 324 taxa was cited based on literature. One hundred thirty nine of the taxa recognized in this list have a single citation to present knowledge of the species, this is the type locality in the state of São Paulo. Prospects for bryophytes research in the next 10 years are mainly related to training of human resources for the preparation of the state bryophyte flora, providing tools for studies that use the taxonomic unit (species) as an object.

Contribuição para o conhecimento da taxonomia, ecologia e fitogeografia de Briófitas da Amazônia Oriental

This paper presents the floristic survey of Bryophytes from Ferreira Penna Scientific Station (ECFPn), located in the FLONA Caxiuanã (1º42'30"S - 51º31'45"W), Melgaço - Pará, that was undertaken in the first stage of the Residence Program in Amazonian Studies, a project of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Mosses and liverworts were collected in non-flooded forest (terra firme), flooded forest (várzea and igapó), secondary forest and savanna ecosystems. They were analyzed for composition, richness and diversity. One thousand eighty one occurrences of 120 Bryophytes species (79 liverworts and 41 mosses) were recorded; and among them eight liverworts are new references from the state of Pará. The richest and most frequently encountered families were Lejeuneaceae (58 spp.), Calymperaceae (13 spp.), Sematophyllaceae (9 spp.) and Plagiochilaceae (7 spp.). The most representative communities were the epiphytic (97 species/ 565 occurrences) and epixylic (65 spp./ 242 ocurr.), followed by foliicolous (27 spp./ 174 ocurr.) and terricolous (15 spp./ 96 ocurr.); and the richest and most diverse ecosystem was the terra firme forest. The composition analysis of the surveyed substrates showed a gradual inversion in the richness ratio between liverworts/mosses, where the liverworts were strongly dominant in leaves, slightly dominant in live and dead trunks and the mosses were dominant in the others substrates. The results of this study, like the new references, contribute for understanding patterns of richness and diversity in Amazonia and increase the bryophyte flora of Pará.

O presente trabalho documenta o inventário da brioflora da Estação Científica Ferreira Penna (ECFPn), localizada na FLONA Caxiuanã (1º42'30"S - 51º31'45"W), Melgaço - Pará, realizado por ocasião da primeira chamada do Programa de Residência em Estudos Amazônicos, iniciativa do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Musgos e Hepáticas foram amostrados nos ecossistemas de mata de terra firme, várzea, igapó, capoeiras e campina, e analisadas quanto à composição, riqueza e diversidade. Foram registradas 1081 ocorrências de briófitas de 120 espécies, sendo 79 hepáticas e 41 musgos, das quais oito hepáticas são novas referências para o Estado do Pará. As famílias de maior riqueza e assiduidade foram Lejeuneaceae (58 spp.), Calymperaceae (13 spp.), Sematophyllaceae (9 spp.) e Plagiochilaceae (7 spp.). As comunidades que melhor se fizeram representar foram a epífita (97 espécies/ 565 ocorrências) e a epíxila (65 spp./ 242 ocorr.), seguidas pelas comunidades epífila (27 spp./ 174 ocorr.) e terrícola (15 spp./ 96 ocorr.) e o ecossistema que apresentou maior riqueza e diversidade foi mata de terra firme. Quanto à composição nos substratos inventariados, foi observada uma inversão gradativa na proporção de riqueza entre hepáticas/musgos, sendo as primeiras fortemente dominantes em folha, moderadamente dominantes em tronco vivo e morto, ao passo que musgos predominaram nos demais. Os resultados obtidos neste inventário, inclusive as novas referências para o Estado, contribuem para o entendimento dos padrões de riqueza e diversidade na Floresta Amazônica e enriquecem a flora conhecida para o Estado do Pará.

Contribuição para o conhecimento da taxonomia, ecologia e fitogeografia de Briófitas da Amazônia Oriental

This paper presents the floristic survey of Bryophytes from Ferreira Penna Scientific Station (ECFPn), located in the FLONA Caxiuanã (1º42'30"S - 51º31'45"W), Melgaço - Pará, that was undertaken in the first stage of the Residence Program in Amazonian Studies, a project of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Mosses and liverworts were collected in non-flooded forest (terra firme), flooded forest (várzea and igapó), secondary forest and savanna ecosystems. They were analyzed for composition, richness and diversity. One thousand eighty one occurrences of 120 Bryophytes species (79 liverworts and 41 mosses) were recorded; and among them eight liverworts are new references from the state of Pará. The richest and most frequently encountered families were Lejeuneaceae (58 spp.), Calymperaceae (13 spp.), Sematophyllaceae (9 spp.) and Plagiochilaceae (7 spp.). The most representative communities were the epiphytic (97 species/ 565 occurrences) and epixylic (65 spp./ 242 ocurr.), followed by foliicolous (27 spp./ 174 ocurr.) and terricolous (15 spp./ 96 ocurr.); and the richest and most diverse ecosystem was the terra firme forest. The composition analysis of the surveyed substrates showed a gradual inversion in the richness ratio between liverworts/mosses, where the liverworts were strongly dominant in leaves, slightly dominant in live and dead trunks and the mosses were dominant in the others substrates. The results of this study, like the new references, contribute for understanding patterns of richness and diversity in Amazonia and increase the bryophyte flora of Pará.

O presente trabalho documenta o inventário da brioflora da Estação Científica Ferreira Penna (ECFPn), localizada na FLONA Caxiuanã (1º42'30"S - 51º31'45"W), Melgaço - Pará, realizado por ocasião da primeira chamada do Programa de Residência em Estudos Amazônicos, iniciativa do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Musgos e Hepáticas foram amostrados nos ecossistemas de mata de terra firme, várzea, igapó, capoeiras e campina, e analisadas quanto à composição, riqueza e diversidade. Foram registradas 1081 ocorrências de briófitas de 120 espécies, sendo 79 hepáticas e 41 musgos, das quais oito hepáticas são novas referências para o Estado do Pará. As famílias de maior riqueza e assiduidade foram Lejeuneaceae (58 spp.), Calymperaceae (13 spp.), Sematophyllaceae (9 spp.) e Plagiochilaceae (7 spp.). As comunidades que melhor se fizeram representar foram a epífita (97 espécies/ 565 ocorrências) e a epíxila (65 spp./ 242 ocorr.), seguidas pelas comunidades epífila (27 spp./ 174 ocorr.) e terrícola (15 spp./ 96 ocorr.) e o ecossistema que apresentou maior riqueza e diversidade foi mata de terra firme. Quanto à composição nos substratos inventariados, foi observada uma inversão gradativa na proporção de riqueza entre hepáticas/musgos, sendo as primeiras fortemente dominantes em folha, moderadamente dominantes em tronco vivo e morto, ao passo que musgos predominaram nos demais. Os resultados obtidos neste inventário, inclusive as novas referências para o Estado, contribuem para o entendimento dos padrões de riqueza e diversidade na Floresta Amazônica e enriquecem a flora conhecida para o Estado do Pará.

Novas ocorrências de briófitas para vários estados do Brasil / New records of bryophytes in the states of Brazil

Cento e dezesseis espécies de briófitas são relatadas como novas ocorrências em vários estados do Brasil, sendo 62 de musgos, 53 de hepáticas e uma de antóceros. Estas espécies pertencem a 67 gêneros e 36 famílias. Para cada uma das espécies são apresentados dados quanto à distribuição geográfica no Brasil, localidade-tipo, basiônimo, bem como comentários sobre o substrato e as associações com outras espécies, quando pertinente. As espécies Acrolejeunea heterophylla (Evans) Grolle & Gradst., Brachymenium wrightii var. mnioides (Besch.) Florsch., Cheilolejeunea myriantha (Nees & Mont.) Schust., Cololejeunea nigerica (E.W. Jones) Schust., Lejeunea filipes Spruce, Leucodon julaceus (Hedw.) Sull., Macromitrium clavatum Grout, Plagiochila asplenioides (L.) Dumort., Polytrichum brachymitrium C. Muell. e Pylaisiadelpha tenuirostris (Bruch & Schimp. ex Sull.) Buck estão sendo referidas pela primeira vez para o Brasil.

One hundred and sixteen (116) species of bryophytes are reported as new records for certain Brazilian states, distributed in 62 mosses, 53 liverworts and one hornworts. Those species are distributed among 67 genera and 36 families. Geographical distribution in Brazil, type locality, basyonym, comments on substrate, and about association with other bryophytes, when possible. The species Acrolejeunea heterophylla (Evans) Grolle & Gradst., Brachymenium wrightii var. mnioides (Besch.) Florsch., Cheilolejeunea myriantha (Nees & Mont.) Schust., Cololejeunea nigerica (E.W. Jones) Schust., Lejeunea filipes Spruce, Leucodon julaceus (Hedw.) Sull., Macromitrium clavatum Grout, Plagiochila asplenioides (L.) Dumort., Polytrichum brachymitrium C. Muell. and Pylaisiadelpha tenuirostris (Bruch & Schimp. ex Sull.) Buck are new records for Brazil.

Novas ocorrências de briófitas para vários estados do Brasil

One hundred and sixteen (116) species of bryophytes are reported as new records for certain Brazilian states, distributed in 62 mosses, 53 liverworts and one hornworts. Those species are distributed among 67 genera and 36 families. Geographical distribution in Brazil, type locality, basyonym, comments on substrate, and about association with other bryophytes, when possible. The species Acrolejeunea heterophylla (Evans) Grolle & Gradst., Brachymenium wrightii var. mnioides (Besch.) Florsch., Cheilolejeunea myriantha (Nees & Mont.) Schust., Cololejeunea nigerica (E.W. Jones) Schust., Lejeunea filipes Spruce, Leucodon julaceus (Hedw.) Sull., Macromitrium clavatum Grout, Plagiochila asplenioides (L.) Dumort., Polytrichum brachymitrium C. Muell. and Pylaisiadelpha tenuirostris (Bruch & Schimp. ex Sull.) Buck are new records for Brazil.

Cento e dezesseis espécies de briófitas são relatadas como novas ocorrências em vários estados do Brasil, sendo 62 de musgos, 53 de hepáticas e uma de antóceros. Estas espécies pertencem a 67 gêneros e 36 famílias. Para cada uma das espécies são apresentados dados quanto à distribuição geográfica no Brasil, localidade-tipo, basiônimo, bem como comentários sobre o substrato e as associações com outras espécies, quando pertinente. As espécies Acrolejeunea heterophylla (Evans) Grolle & Gradst., Brachymenium wrightii var. mnioides (Besch.) Florsch., Cheilolejeunea myriantha (Nees & Mont.) Schust., Cololejeunea nigerica (E.W. Jones) Schust., Lejeunea filipes Spruce, Leucodon julaceus (Hedw.) Sull., Macromitrium clavatum Grout, Plagiochila asplenioides (L.) Dumort., Polytrichum brachymitrium C. Muell. e Pylaisiadelpha tenuirostris (Bruch & Schimp. ex Sull.) Buck estão sendo referidas pela primeira vez para o Brasil.