Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
The object of this study was to determine habitat preference (seedlings)
and adults) and the population status of the Florida Royal Palm
(Roystonea elata (Bartram) F. Harper], in the Fakahatchee Strand State
Preserve. Associated species, seedling establishment and germination,
growth rates, size class ratios and elevation of establishment
(epiphytic nature) were examined. The palm showed a preference for high
ground as indicated by the increasing colonization of elevated logging
tramways. Seeds germinated under low light conditions in 17-22 days.
Seedlings had an escalating growth rate from 4.2 em/year for seedlings
to approximately 50 em/year for adults. Each size class was well represented
in the Fakahatchee Strand, suggesting that reproduction was not
being hindered by changes in water level, cold and area urbanization.
Elevation of seedling establishment was a function of water level during
that particular year and did not correlate year to year. These data
indicate a stabilization of the Royal Palm population in the Fakahatchee
Strand.
and adults) and the population status of the Florida Royal Palm
(Roystonea elata (Bartram) F. Harper], in the Fakahatchee Strand State
Preserve. Associated species, seedling establishment and germination,
growth rates, size class ratios and elevation of establishment
(epiphytic nature) were examined. The palm showed a preference for high
ground as indicated by the increasing colonization of elevated logging
tramways. Seeds germinated under low light conditions in 17-22 days.
Seedlings had an escalating growth rate from 4.2 em/year for seedlings
to approximately 50 em/year for adults. Each size class was well represented
in the Fakahatchee Strand, suggesting that reproduction was not
being hindered by changes in water level, cold and area urbanization.
Elevation of seedling establishment was a function of water level during
that particular year and did not correlate year to year. These data
indicate a stabilization of the Royal Palm population in the Fakahatchee
Strand.
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