Geographical, taxonomical and ecological aspects of lianas in subtropical forests of Argentina

Abstract

Lianas are more diverse and typically more abundant in tropical than temperate forests, with subtropical forests being intermediate. In this chapter, we analyse geographical, taxonomical and ecological patterns of lianas in subtropical forests of northern Argentina, including Mountain Forests (MF), Atlantic Forests (AF); and Dry and Humid Chaco Forests (DCh and HCh, respectively). A total of 184 woody species of climbing plants were recognized in all four subtropical forests, with 35 species exclusive to MF, 38 exclusive to AF, while DCh and HCh had 2 and 8 exclusive species, respectively. In MF most liana species belonged to Sapindaceae and Bignoniaceae (16% each), followed by Malpighiaceae (11%) and Apocynaceae (10%). In AF most liana species belonged to Bignoniaceae (21%) followed by Apocynaceae (12%), Fabaceae (11%), Malpighiaceae (11%) and Sapindaceae (10%). Considering all liana species together, the most common climbing mechanisms include tendrils and twiners. The highest liana density was observed in the semideciduous Atlantic Forest, followed by the deciduous Humid Chaco Forest and the semideciduous Montane Forest. The semideciduous Atlantic Forest has also relatively high liana species richness as compared to other subtropical forests, followed by semideciduous MF. Besides geographical location and forest disturbances, little is known about how lianas respond to other environmental factors that drive patterns of liana density and diversity in these subtropical forests.