Sistemas naturales

Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by raffia (Raphia taedigera)

VEGETATION

Photo E11F5. Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by raffia (Raphia taedigera). Photo taken at sample point 288 at the locality of Taboga Creek (8°, 48´ N; 83°, 24´ W). The absolute dominance of Raffia is obvious; this species, also known as Targua, is a typical palm of swampy areas in tropical lowlands.

Photo E11F4. Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by raffia (Raphia taedigera). Photo taken at sample point 286 along the Sierpe River (8°, 50´ N; 83°, 23´ W). In this photo the density of the yolillal is observed.

Physiognomy: Dense forest
Foliar phenology of the dominant layer: Evergreen
Leaf type of the dominant layer: Broad-leaved
Stratification: Defined layers
Spinosity: Not spiny, sometimes Spiny
Height: 5-25 m

ALTITUDINAL DISTRIBUTION

Altitudinal belt: Lowland (100%)

CLIMATE

Thermal province: Tropical (100%)
Humidity province: Very humid (100%)
Length of the dry season (dry months): 0 (27%), 1-2 (73%)

HYDROLOGY

Hydrological regime: Coastal-deltaic, or Palustrine
Flooding: Flooded

GEOMORPHOLOGY

Land form: Tectonic and erosive origin (31%), Alluvial sedimentation (69%).

SOIL

Soil order: Entisol (91%), Mollisol (7%), Ultisol (2%)

HUMAN IMPACT

State: Natural
Actual influence: Undisturbed
Actual land use: Other use

Observed Floristic Composition

Trees
Annona glabra (ANN), Ardisia sp. (MRS), Cecropia peltata (CEC), Inga sp. (FAB/MIM), Luehea seemannii (TIL), Ocotea sp. (LAU), Pterocarpus officinalis (FAB/PAP), Sloanea picapica (ELC), Spondias mombin (ANA).

Fig. E11M1. Distribution of the Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by raffia (Raphia taedigera) in the Osa Conservation Area.

Fig. E11P1. Schematic lateral vegetation profile of the Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by raffia (Raphia taedigera).

Shrubs
Casearia sp. (FLC), Senna reticulata (FAB/CAE), Urera caracasana (URT).

Epiphyte
Anthurium clavigerum (ARA).

Fern
Acrostichum aureum (PTR).

Herbs
Calyptrocarya glomerulata (CYP), Cyclanthus bipartitus (CYC), Dieffenbachia sp. (ARA), Heliconia sp. (HLC), Hypolytrum longifolium (CYP), Pistia stratiotes (ARA), Scleria microcarpa (CYP), Thalia geniculata (MRN).

Palm
Raphia taedigera (ARE).

Source:
Kappelle, M., M. Castro, H. Acevedo, L. González, & H. Monge. 2002 (in press). Ecosistemas del Área de Conservación Osa, Costa Rica. Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE) & Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio). INBio, Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica.