Journal article
Patterns of growth and reproduction of Geonoma congesta, a clustered understory palm
Biotropica, Vol.24(1), pp.43-51
1992
Abstract
Clone structure, growth characteristics, and reproductive behaviour of individual ramets and clones were investigated over a three year period for Geonoma congesta, an abundant understory palm of the Atlantic lowland forest in Costa Rica. The 0.6 ha study area contained 123 clones. Mean clone size was 7.1 ramets; only 3% of the clones sampled had >20 ramets. Within a clone, new ramets are produced sporadically, 1-4 ramets at a time. Ramet mortality is often associated with physical damage from falling trees, lianas, and branches. Less than 30% of the ramets with stems were erect. Ramets produced on average 10.1 new leaves and abscised 9.7 leaves in three years. Rates of leaf production and leaf abscission did not vary significantly among ramet stage classes. Stem elongation was greatest in shorter, younger ramets. In taller, older ramets, leaf size and number decreased over the study period. Reproductive clones comprised 64% of the clones in 1986, whereas only 24% of individual ramets reproduced. Ramets thast reproduced every year had significantly larger leaves and substantially greater crown leaf area than the other reproductive classes. Stage clases with the greatest frequency of reproduction exhibited the greatest decrease in both crown size and leaf size. Indidivual ramets live an average of 60-70 yr; clones may persist for ≥100 yr. The growth form of G. congesta ensures that clones persist despite a high incidence of ramet mortality and damage. At least one ramet within a clone is likely to reproduce every year, although individual ramets may not reproduce every year. Patterns of growth and reproduction are consistent with the hypothesis that the growth of young, deeply shaded sprouts is supplemented by production from older, taller stems. -from Author
Details
- Title
- Patterns of growth and reproduction of Geonoma congesta, a clustered understory palm
- Authors
- Robin L Chazdon (Author) - University of Connecticut, United States
- Publication details
- Biotropica, Vol.24(1), pp.43-51
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
- Date published
- 1992
- DOI
- 10.2307/2388472
- ISSN
- 0006-3606
- Organisation Unit
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450343002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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