Camacho-López, Yahaida

Profile Picture

Filters

20171
Reset filters

Settings

Citations

Publication Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Ecological studies of the tree fern Alsophila amintae D.S.Conant (CYATHEACEAE) in the cloud forest of Puerto Rico
    (2017) Camacho-López, Yahaida; Chinea-Rivera, Jesús D.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Kolterman, Duane A.; Vélez Gavilán, Jeanine; Department of Biology; Wessel-Beaver, Linda
    Alsophila amintae D.S.Conant (Cyatheaceae) is an endangered tree fern endemic to the central mountains of Puerto Rico. It was previously known from three populations in Monte Guilarte, Monte Jayuya and Cerro Rosa. The objectives of this study were to determine the abundance and geographical distribution, characterize the habitat, find other possible localities, study the phenology, identify and quantify hybrids and document the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances of A. amintae. Surveys were conducted in Monte Guilarte, Monte Jayuya and Cerro Rosa in 2014. A total of 149 individuals were found during 2014 to 2017 at elevations ranging from 1050 to 1325 m. A new population was found in the location of Tres Picachos. This species was not found in its type locality of Monte Cerrote, Peñuelas. It grows on inclined slopes up to 55°, soil humidity levels higher than 51% and with an optimal canopy openness of 16 – 17%. The peak for production of new fronds was observed in July. It produced sori throughout the year, with a highest peak of sori production in January. A higher leaf mortality and turnover occurred in September. No hybrids were found with sori; therefore, their fertility could not be determined. Invasive plants such as Hypolepis nigrescens, Gleichenella pectinata and Arthrostylidium sarmentosum affect A. amintae’s growth. The populations of Cerro Maravilla, Cerro Punta and Monte Jayuya are threatened by communication antennas and their maintenance. In conclusion, A. amintae has a limited distribution along the Central Cordillera, within strands of Sierra Palm forest and extant populations are reproducing healthily. It is recommended that A. amintae remain listed as endangered species, and that management recommendations be taken into consideration to conserve the species.