Mangrove recruitment after forest disturbance is facilitated by herbaceous species in the Caribbean
-
Published source details
McKee K.L., Rooth J.E. & Feller I.C. (2007) Mangrove recruitment after forest disturbance is facilitated by herbaceous species in the Caribbean. Ecological Applications, 17, 1678-1693.
Published source details McKee K.L., Rooth J.E. & Feller I.C. (2007) Mangrove recruitment after forest disturbance is facilitated by herbaceous species in the Caribbean. Ecological Applications, 17, 1678-1693.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
|
Introduce tree/shrub seeds or propagules: brackish/saline wetlands Action Link |
 |
-
Introduce tree/shrub seeds or propagules: brackish/saline wetlands
A replicated study in 2001–2003 on coastal salt marsh and sediment in Belize (McKee et al. 2007) reported 80–100% survival of planted red mangrove Rhizophora mangle propagules over two years, and that the average number of leaves per seedling increased over time. Statistical significance was not assessed. After two years, 80–100% of propagules planted amongst existing vegetation and 92% of propagules planted into bare sediment survived as seedlings. Surviving seedlings had 29–43 leaves on average (35–43 leaves/seedling developing amongst existing vegetation; 29 leaves/seedling developing on bare sediment). In comparison, seedlings had only four leaves on average after six months. Methods: In August 2001, nine plots were established in an intertidal area that used to be mangrove forest (clear-cut in 1991). Three plots were dominated by sea purslane Sesuvium portulacastrum, three were dominated by saltgrass Distichlis spicata, and three were bare sediment. Ten red mangrove propagules (collected from the surrounding forest) were planted into each plot. Between 6 and 24 months after planting the propagules, surviving seedlings were recorded and their leaves were counted.
(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)
