Germination of Epiphytic Bromeliads in Forests and Coffee Plantations: Microclimate and Substrate Effects

This study explores whether differences in germination ability shape habitat distributions among closely related epiphytic species, particularly in the context of the ability to colonize disturbed habitats. We compared the germination of three epiphytic bromeliad species differing in their ability to colonize secondary arboreal vegetation in natural forests, and in old and young coffee plantations. We asked if germination is related to their distribution within the canopy and between habitats, and the extent to which the substrate (branch) or microclimate affects germination success. Tillandsia viridiflora, a species that is largely restricted to closed forests, had highest germination success in natural forests, Tillandsia juncea, a pioneer species, germinated best in young coffee plantations, and Tillandsia heterophylla, an intermediate species, equally in forests and young plantations. Surprisingly germination rates of all three species were lowest in old plantations. Bryophyte cover on branches had a positive effect on germination of T. viridiflora and T. heterophylla, but T. juncea germination rates were largely independent of climate and substrate. These results show that germination can limit the ability of species to colonize disturbed habitats and also contributes to within-canopy distribution.