Experimental Tree Assemblages on the Ecological Rehabilitation of a Cloud Forest in Veracruz, Mexico

background

This research evaluates the survival of 10 native tree species planted in a heavily degraded montane forest in Veracruz, Mexico.

Research Goals & Methods

The tree species were planted in mixed plantations of four different assemblages A) Erythrina americana, Cornus disciflora, Quercus sp., Ulnus mexicana, B) Liquidambar macrophylla, Carpinus caroliniana, Podocarpus guatemalensis, Clethra macrophylla, C) Platanus mexicana, Magnolia dealbata, Quercus sp., Cornus disciflora, and E) all ten species. Trees were 1 year old when planted and were monitored for 24 months. Quercus sp. and U. mexicana had the highest survival (above 89%) and C. disciflora and M. dealbata had the lowest survival (below 12%).

Conclusions & Takeaways

For C. caroliniana and P. mexicana, the survival was significantly higher in assemblage E which was the most diverse. Otherwise, assemblage had little affect on the overall high survival rates.