Sistemas naturales

Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees

VEGETATION

Photo E09F3. Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees. Photo taken at sample point 81 at Rincón de Osa (8°, 47´ N; 83°, 27´ W). The peculiar aerial roots that sustain individuals of two mangrove species (Rhizophora spp.) are observed.

Photo E09F5. Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees. Photo taken at sample point 91 at the locality of Mogos Bay (8°, 45´ N; 83°, 23´ W). A detail of the mangrove species Rhizophora mangle is observed; this species is generally found at the borders of the canals.

Physiognomy: Dense forest, sometimes Dense shrubland
Foliar phenology of the dominant layer: Evergreen
Leaf type of the dominant layer: Broad-leaved
Stratification: Defined, but sometimes Diffuse layers
Spinosity: Not spiny
Height: 5-25 m, sometimes 1-5 m

ALTITUDINAL DISTRIBUTION

Altitudinal belt: Lowland (100%)

CLIMATE

Thermal province: Tropical (100%)
Humidity province: Very humid (55%), Humid (45%)
Length of the dry season (dry months): 0 (5%), 1-2 (39%), 3-4 (55%).

HYDROLOGY

Hydrological regime: Coastal-deltaic or Coastal-estuarine
Flooding: Flooded

GEOMORPHOLOGY

Land form: Litoral of marine origin (2%), Tectonic and erosive origin (4%), Alluvial sedimentation (94%)

SOIL

Soil order: Entisol (91%), Mollisol (5%), Ultisol (4%)

HUMAN IMPACT

State: Natural
Actual influence: Undisturbed, sometimes Disturbed
Actual land use: Other use, sometimes Forestry.

Observed Floristic Composition

Trees
Ampelocera macrocarpa (ULM), Avicennia germinans (VRB), Carapa guianensis (MEL), Cassipourea elliptica (RHZ), Conocarpus erectus (CMB), Ilex guianensis (AQF), Inga multijuga (FAB/MIM), Laguncularia racemosa (CMB), Luehea seemannii (TIL), Miconia argentea (MLS), Mora oleifera (FAB/CAE), Muellera frutescens, Pelliciera rhizophorae (TEA), Pterocarpus sp. (FAB/PAP), Rhizophora mangle (RHZ), Rhizophora racemosa (RHZ).

Fig. E09M1. Distribution of the Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees in the Osa Conservation Area.

Photo E09F14aire. Tall mangrove forests at Sierpe in the area of the Térraba-Sierpe Wetlands. Photo taken from an airplane of the Lighthawk Company, on April 7, 1999. In these wetlands the following mangrove tree species are found: Avicennia germinans, Conocarpus erectus, Laguncularia racemosa, Pelliciera rhizophorae, Rhizophora mangle and R. Racemosa.

Fig. E09P1a. Schematic lateral vegetation profile of the Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees, with dominance of the short mangrove tree Rhizophora mangle (left) at the border of the canal, followed by the taller mangrove tree Rhizophora racemosa (right).

Fig. E09P1bPellic. Schematic lateral vegetation profile of the Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees, with the exclusive presence of the mangrove tree Pelliciera rhizophorae.

Photo E09F5p. Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees. Photo taken at sample point 66 at the locality of the mouth of the Ganado Estuary River at Boca Ganado, close to Drake Bay (8°, 45´ N; 83°, 38´ W). The monospecific presence of the mangrove species Pelliciera rhizophorae in the front is clearly noted.

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Photo E09F7p. Dense tropical broad-leaved evergreen lowland swamp forest dominated by mangrove trees. Photo taken at sample point 66 at the locality of the mouth of the Ganado Estuary River at Boca Ganado, close to Drake Bay (8°, 45´ N; 83°, 38´ W). The typical buttresses of the mangrove species Pelliciera rhizophorae at the base of the stems are observed.

Shrubs
Alibertia edulis (RUB), Chrysobalanus icaco (CHB), Hibiscus pernambucensis (MLV), Hibiscus sp. (MLV) Tabebuia palustris (BIG).

Vine
Dalbergia brownei (FAB/PAP).

Epiphytes
Brassavola nodosa (ORC), Bromelia sp. (BML), Tillandsia sp. (BML)

Fern
Acrostichum aureum (PTR).

Herbs
Eleocharis sp. (CYP), Thelechitonia trilobata (AST).

Palms
Bactris major (ARE), Cocos nucifera (ARE), Elaeis oleifera (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.