The regenerative capacity of eight mangrove species based on propagule traits in Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan Province, China

Abstract

Mangroves are woody plant communities distributed in the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical coastal areas. Due to human activities, mangrove wetland is considered to be one of the most threatened ecosystems in tropical areas, and the natural regeneration of mangrove species plays an important role in mangrove ecosystem stability. To evaluate the regenerative capacities of the eight most prominent mangrove species in Dongzhai harbor, Hainan province, China, an evaluation method was developed based on propagules, including the measurement of (i) propagule production period; (ii) floating ability of propagules; (iii) tolerance of propagules to immersion in saltwater; and (iv) germination rate, and these four indices were measured for each species using a variety of methods. Then, according to the weight coefficient of each index obtained by expert scoring, a comprehensive evaluation of regenerative capacity was made. The results showed that the regenerative capacity of the eight species was as follows: Aegiceras corniculatum > Kandelia obovata > Rhizophora stylosa > Ceriops tagal > Bruguiera sexangula > Bruguiera gymnorrhiza > Bruguiera sexangula var. rhynchopetala > Avicennia marina , and the regenerative capacity of the eight species were negatively correlated with their weight. The propagules with strong regenerative capacity can be used as pioneer species in afforestation projects. In consequence, the results in our study have broad application to plant ecology and restoration.

Keywords

• Production period
• Floating ability
• Tolerance of immersion
• Germination rate