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Free keywords:
floodplain forest; várzea; growth strategy; pioneer; Senna reticulata; Cecropia latiloba
Abstract:
Two species of evergreen pioneer trees, Senna reticulata and Cecropia latiloba, colonize open areas very successfully, and form monospecific stands in the whitewater floodplains of the Amazon river. They both have typical features of pioneer species, but the different growth patterns and flood tolerance allow colonization of different habitats. Senna reticulata has fast initital growth and intense lateral growth, and outshades plants competing for space and light, but does not tolerate total submersion. Cecropia latiloba grows more slowly but constantly, and its high flood tolerance allows vertical evasion from concurring species. The strategy of Cecropia latiloba is efficient in várzea environments with average to long periods of flooding. With shorter periods of flooding, and high nutrient availability (e.g. n abandoned pastures), the strategy of Senna reticulata is more efficient and leads to its complete dominance.
