Sahut Chantanaorrapint and Jan-Peter Frahm

pp. 625 - 632

Abstract

Biomass of epiphytic bryophytes was investigated along three altitudinal transects in southern Thailand: Tarutao
National Park (25-700 m), Khao Nan National Park (400-1,300 m), and Khao Luang National Park (400-1,500 m). The dry weight
of epiphytic bryophytes per surface area increased from 1.15 g/m²
 in the lowland to a maximum 199 g/m² at the lower montane
forests. The estimation of dry weight per hectare increased along transect from 2.4 to 620 kg. The water storing capacity of
epiphytic bryophytes was about 1.2 to 2.4 times as dry weight and was generally higher in the lower montane forest (up to
1,500 l/ha) than in the lowland forests. The bark pH of host trees range between 3.19 and 6.84, and show negative correlation
with the altitude (r=-0.635, p<0.05). Air temperature gradually decreases with the increasing altitude ca 0.6°C per 100 m elevation. 

Keywords

• altitudinal belts
• biomass
• epiphytic bryophytes
• tropical rain forest
• Thailand