Growth and functional traits of tree species of a tropical cloud forest in southeastern venezuela

Abstract

The relationship between growth rates and functional traits of 14 tree species was analyzed using growth modeling of diameter and height (based on growth ring analysis) and functional traits (wood density, maximum size and age, crown illumination, seed weight and natural regeneration). Through cluster analysis and ecological interpretation, six functional groups of species were discriminated: intermediate heliophyte, small and long-lived heliophyte, large and long-lived heliophyte, intermediate partial-shade-tolerant, long-lived and partial-shade tolerant and small shade-tolerant. Among species, growth rates varied with age, identifying three growth patterns: fast, intermediate and slow. There is an evident relationship between growth patterns and functional groups. The absence of pioneer species, the scarcity of shade-tolerant, and the predominance of intermediate functional strategies in most species, suggest a trend of habitat behavior more generalist than specialized. © 2017, Universidad Central de Venezuela. All rights reserved.