The structure and function of dry weather mangroves on the Pacific Coast of Central America,with emphasis onAvicennia bicolor forests |
| |
| Authors: | Jorge A Jiménez |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Escuela Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional, 3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
|
| |
| Abstract: | Mangrove forests along the Pacific Coast of Central America cover around 4,000 km2. Most of this coast is occupied with tropical dry forest mangroves where basal areas range between 6 and 20 m2 ha?1 and canopy heights rarely exceed 20 m. Rainfall and runoff alter structure and floristic composition from site to site. Reproductive phenology and mortality appear to be related to soil water availability.Avicennia bicolor forests reach a density of 4,350 plants that are taller than 0.50 m ha?1, with 769 trees above 5 cm diameter at breast height A total basal area of 41 m2 ha?1 together with a canopy height of about 23 m place these forests among the most developed in the western hemisphere. Growth rate (0.38 m2 ha?1 yr?1) is surprisingly high for mangrove forests under a seasonal dry climate. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
