The Effect of Leaf Litter on Early Seedling Establishment in a Tropical Forest

摘要: The presence of leaf litter different depths within a tropical forest creates many microsites for plant establishment. amount and distribution can influence patterns In this study, we de- termined the spatial variability in understory, investigated how (bare, 1, 6, 12 cm) affected establishment several tree species both growth house (sun shade) field (gap understory) experiments semideciduous Barro Colorado Island, Panama. used study (Aspidospermum cruenta, Ceiba pentandra, Cordia alliodora, Gustavia superba, Luehea seemannii, Ochroma pyrimidale) were chosen to represent range seed masses gradient light requirement species. was not correlated between adjacent sampling points suggesting that environment seedlings, with respect litter, is highly variable at scales 1-20 m. five six species, but nature magnitude effect specific. smaller seeded shade-intolerant had fewer seedlings establishing under than on bare ground. ranged from strongly negatively (Luehea) moderately (Cordia, Ochroma) only by extreme amounts (Ceiba). influenced Gustavia, one larger shade-tolerant did affect Aspidospermum, other depended environment. more sun, no shade. Differences among they mass. Data our consistent results shade- intolerant Additional data indicated these similar habitat requirements differed developmental stage which litter. seeds germinating while two Cordia, after germination. Interspecific comparisons done each level depth caused reversals relative ranking success. For example, preferentially established relatively deep sun where could establish. conclusion, potentially increase seedling diversity creating heterogeneity envi- ronment causing species' rankings.