Structure and floristics of secondary and old-growth forest stands in lowland Costa Rica

摘要: We characterized stand structure and floristic composition of woody life forms in three, 16–18 yr old secondary stands that regenerated after pasture abandonment, three nearby old-growth tropical rain forest lowland Costa Rica. Basal area stem density for each four plant size classes (seedlings, saplings, treelets, trees) were similar among types, but adult canopy palms (individuals ≥ 10 cm DBH), was lower the stands. estimate 15% basal stems DBH correspond to remnant trees our The observed rapid regrowth compared other published studies neotropics, can be attributed moderate land use possibly, influence nutrient-rich volcanic soils study area. Overall, species richness stands, this difference less pronounced smallest saplings). Median percent similarity all pairwise comparisons showed saplings (stems 1 m tall 5 DBH) more between than DBH). Because potential value forests conserving diversity appears highest young classes, we suggest further on composition, especially those addressing dynamics understory component, are needed refine understanding role natural resource maintenance biodiversity disturbed landscapes.