Persistence of the native species of a Patagonian Austrocedrus chilensis forest in Bariloche, Argentina.

DAMASCOS, MARIA; GHERMANDI, LUCIANA; LADIO,

International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Science

International Scientific Publications

Lugar: New Delhi; Año: 1999 vol. 25 p. 21 - 35

Regeneration strategies of herbs and woody species in patches of the Austrocedm cliilensis forests were studied in the surroundings of an urban area. Species composition, seed banks and vegetative reproduction were analyzed at Ehree levels of disturbance. The dominant woody species (native shrubs and tree saplings) had similar frequency across the three conditions but 67% of the native species showed changes in their cover. The correspondence between standing vegetation and seed bank species was poor. Seeds from soil banks increased with the degree of disturbance. The seed bank contained mainly herbaceous species, and there was no persistent seed bank for the woody species. These latter species regenerate by seeds which germinate shortly after being dispersed (60%) and by re-sprouting (87%). Regeneration of most of the native woody species through root-sprouts and stumpsprouts is the main mechanism against urban disturbance.