Figs and Vines |
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Carsten, L. D., F. A. Juola, T. D. Male, and S.
Cherry. Host Associations of lianas in a southeast Queensland
rainforest.
Abstract:
Lianas are abundant in tropical forests around the
world yet little is known about their ecology.
In this study we report the results of a survey of
the presence or absence
of ten common liana species on 27 tree species in Cooloola National Park,
Queensland, Australia. We found
significant positive and negative associations between some liana and tree
species. Our results indicate
that host tree diameter is the best predictor of the likelihood of any
particular association. Host
tree fruit type was an important factor for several vine types. Roughness and flakiness of bark interacted with each other to
select for high numbers of vines at intermediate levels of both variables.
Although we established associative patterns between vine species and
these variables, the model suggested that other unidentified variables may
also be important in determining presence/absence of vine species.
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