Epiphytic bryophyte diversity on Madeira Island: Effects of tree species on bryophyte species richness and composition

Madeira's laurel forest (Laurisilva) is a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for epiphytic bryophytes. A study revealed that tree species significantly influence bryophyte diversity, with typical laurel forest trees like Clethra arborea, Laurus novocanariensis, Ocotea foetens, and Persea indica hosting richer and more diverse bryophyte communities compared to non-native or less specialized species such as Erica spp. and Myrica faya. The research, conducted across 40 sites with 137 trees from seven species, identified 110 bryophyte taxa, including notable endemics absent on Erica and nearly absent on M. faya. Species density and composition varied distinctly along a gradient, underscoring the laurel forest's role as a refuge for specialized bryophytes shaped by host tree identity.

Sim-Sim, M., Bergamini, A., Luís, L., Fontinha, S., Martins, S., Lobo, C., & Stech, M. (2011). Epiphytic bryophyte diversity on Madeira Island: Effects of tree species on bryophyte species richness and composition. The Bryologist, 114(1), 142–154. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-114.1.142