Abstract:
Plant communities of the tropical dry forest (TDF) host a great diversity of species which show a large variety of morphological traits. While most TDF species produce wind-dispersed fruits or seeds, bearing some kind of structure that facilitates their travel by wind others produce fleshy fruits mainly consumed and dispersed by animals. Fruits may bear just one large seed or up to many tiny ones and also the shape, size or germination process of seedlings vary greatly between species of the TDF in southern Ecuador. Despite their relevance for plant regeneration, there is very little information facilitating species identification of fruits, seeds and seedlings of TDF species. Identification tools are therefore needed to foster local knowledge, maintain biodiversity for future generations and support conservation and restoration efforts. This project aimed to produce a scientific identification guide available to both the local and the scientific community to facilitate taxonomic determination of fruits, seeds and seedlings of woody TDF species. It will be useful to future research projects carried out in the Laipuna reserve and will contribute to public outreach.
Uncompressed version can be requested from Lea Kerwer.
