Journal article

Publication year: 1979

Pages: 25-33

Journal: Vegetatio

Volume number: 39

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 0042-3106

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055325

Publisher: Kluwer Acad. Publ.

Abstract: 
Plant sociological mapping in the Valdivian rain forest near St. Martin, Chile indicated that this forest should be considered as a variant of the Nothofago-Perseetum with a high abundance of Aextoxicon punctatum. The spectrum of life forms shows clear dominance of phanerophytes, followed by epiphytes; 30% of these are Hymenophyllaceae. The multilayered system of strata within the forest causes quite different light conditions. Nertera granadensis, Senecio cymosus and Chusquea quila require optimal illumination; Rhamnus diffusus, Lapageria and Luzuriaga radicans are satisfied with low light intensities in shady places. Analysis of the most important components of the leaves showed surprisingly high contents of lipids. This and the etheric oils must be responsible for the high caloric value of the Valdivian rain forest which was calculated as an average for 29 spp. This average caloric value is far above that for tropical rain forest but almost agrees with that for mixed forests of the temperate zone. The fumigation value of various life forms differs characteristically. It declines from woody species (trees and bushes) plus lianes to epiphytes and to herbs. In a taxonomic comparison of caloric values of monocotyledons and dicotyledons the Valdivian rain forest agrees fairly well with the caloric value of plant material from other regions. There are higher differences if the comparison of caloric values is limited to distinct plant families.

Harvard Citation style: STEUBING, L., RAMIREZ, C. and ALBERDI, M. (1979) COMPOSITION, LIGHT-ABSORPTION AND CALORIC VALUES OF HERBACEOUS LAYER IN VALDIVIAN RAIN-FOREST IN ST-MARTIN, VEGETATIO, 39(1), pp. 25-33. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055325

APA Citation style: STEUBING, L., RAMIREZ, C., & ALBERDI, M. (1979). COMPOSITION, LIGHT-ABSORPTION AND CALORIC VALUES OF HERBACEOUS LAYER IN VALDIVIAN RAIN-FOREST IN ST-MARTIN. VEGETATIO. 39(1), 25-33. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055325