A checklist of vascular epiphytes of El Cometa Lagoon, Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Abstract

This study presents an updated checklist of vascular epiphytes found in the highly-conserved mangrove forest surrounding El Cometa Lagoon inside Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. In order to perform this task, 25 sampling units were established at the study site and were visited at two stages, once in 2014 and next in 2016. Inside each sampling unit, all the epiphyte species found on host trees with a diameter at breast height 10cm were recorded. The complete epiphyte species list included 25 species belonging to 18 different genera. The richest family was Orchidaceae with nine species and the richest genus was Tillandsia with seven species. Additionally, the total epiphyte richness found in this study was among the highest reported for mangrove forests in Mexico. Epiphyte studies in mangrove forests are uncommon; therefore, this list is the first step to identify vascular epiphytes in the region and contribute to its proper conservation.

Keywords

• floristics
• mangrove forest
• orchidaceae
• tabasco
• tillandsia