The distribution of epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species in relation to phorophyte characters in Latvian natural old-growth broad leaved forests

Abstract

Epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species distribution was studied in representative natural old-growth broad leaved forests in Latvia. Overall 120 epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species were found in 13 forest stands. Seven Latvian red-listed bryophyte (Antitrichia curtipendula, Lejeunea cavifolia, Metzgeria furcata, Neckera complanata, Neckera pennata, Dicranum viride, Jamesoniella autumnalis) and four red-listed lichen species (Lobaria pulmonaria, Opegrapha viridis, Pertusaria pertusa, Thelotrema lepadinum) were recorded. The relationships of total epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species richness and red-listed epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species richness with substrate factors (phorophyte species, DBH (diameter at breast height), tree bark crevice depth and tree bark pH) were evaluated.