Coccoloba diversifolia
Alliances on a Pleistocene limestone substrate
Bursera simaruba
Alliances on a Pleistocene limestone substrate
Coccothrinax argentata/inaguensis
Woodland Alliances on a Holocene sand substrate
Coccoloba uvifera
Shrubland Alliance on a Holocene sand substrate
DBEF systems are on a limestone substrate and are a shifting mosaic of broadleaf evergreen species with areas having a local species dominant and nearby areas dominated by an entirely different set of species. In general, DBEF Tn the Bahamas is dominated by Coccoloba diversifolia (Pigeon Plum) with a suite of other species as co-dominants. Still, throughout the archipelago, there are localized areas dominated by non-Coccoloba species. These are all closed canopy systems other than in Coccothrinax sp. (Silver Top) Woodlands. DBEF systems can be described as a shifting mosaic with different species becoming dominant or subdominant over time as different species may have differential reproductive success from environmental stressors such as disease, droughts, and/or storms.
Within DBEF systems that have not been disturbed, there can be high levels of epiphytic orchids and bromeliads. While not conclusive, a lack of epiphytes in DBEF -Forests typically indicates a history of Human Alteration to the landscape either from farming and/or fire. In contrast, the presence of epiphytes typically indicates a lack of Human Alteration to the system.
Following rainfall and wind patterns, DBEF is taller, with a more open understory. Forests to the wetter north and shorter, denser shrublands and dwarf shrublands to the drier and windier central and southern Bahamas. In the southernmost islands, including in the Turks and Caicos Islands, some areas experience such low rainfall and such consistent winds that the vegetation has been bonsaied and not more than one meter in height even with individuals that may be hundreds of years old.
Other reported common and alliance-level forming species:
The main variation different from the DBEF limestone community is in the central and southern islands with areas dominated by Coccothrinax argentata (Silver Top) and occurring on a sand substrate. These are areas that have largely built up since the Holocene and may still have the ridges and valleys that were formed when these areas were dunes before the beach accreted sand and moved outward over time.
In the southern Bahamas the endemic Coccothrinax inaguensis can be the dominant species. These areas are interpreted as Woodlands with the Coccothrinax as the emergent tree layer, a shrub layer, and there is no closed canopy. Daniels (2016) reports a Coccothrinax – Reynosia Alliance.
Other reported common and alliance-level forming species:
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A physiognomically uniform group of Associations sharing one or more diagnostic (dominant, differential, indicator, or character) species which, as a rule, are found in the uppermost stratum of the vegetation. It is within a Formation.
The finest level of the classification standard. The Association is a physiognomically uniform group of vegetation stands that share one or more diagnostic (dominant, differential, indicator, or character) overstory and understory species. These elements occur as repeatable patterns of assemblages across the landscape and are generally found under similar habitat conditions. The Association refers to existing vegetation, not a potential vegetation type.
Diameter at Breast Height. Typically measured at 130 or 135 cm above ground.
An organism, group of organisms, or taxon that by its size, abundance, or coverage exerts considerable influence upon an association’s biotic (such as structure and function) and abiotic (such as shade and relative humidity) conditions.
A class of vegetation dominated by a life form of shrubs and/or trees under 0.5 m tall. These types generally have greater than 25% cover of dwarf shrubs and less than 25% cover of trees and shrubs. Herbs and non-vascular plants may be present at any cover value. In rare cases (e.g., alpine and polar regions), dwarf shrub cover may exceed the cover of trees, shrubs, herbs, and non-vascular plants and be less than 25% of the total cover.
Multi-stemmed woody plants with a life form at a height of less than 0.5 m due either to genetic or environmental constraints.
Vascular plant that grows by germinating and rooting on other plants or other perched structures; sometimes called “air plants.”
A level in the classification based on ecological groupings of vegetation units with broadly defined environmental and additional physiognomic factors in common. This level is subject to revision as the vegetation Alliances and Associations are organized under the upper levels of the hierarchy. Different variables are applied to this hierarchical level in the sparsely vegetated class.
Overall structure or physical appearance – what the community and its dominant species look like, their height and spacing (height and canopy cover), and shape. It is descriptive of the life forms of the dominant species; for example, their size, leaf traits, and phenology (deciduous, evergreen).
In the broad sense
A class of vegetation defined by areas dominated by shrubs generally greater than 0.5 m tall with individuals or clumps not touching to interlocking. Shrub canopy cover is generally greater than 25% while tree cover is generally less than 25%. In rare cases, shrub cover exceeds the tree, dwarf shrub, herb, and non-vascular plant cover and is less than 25% cover.
Woody plants greater than 0.5 m in height that generally exhibit several erect, spreading, or prostrate stems; and have a bushy appearance. In instances where life form cannot be determined, woody plants greater than 0.5 m in height but less than 5 m in height will be considered shrubs.
Pertains to areas within tropical regions with variable (seasonal) temperature and moisture regimes; climatically, it has seasonal variation marked by dry/wet seasons rather than cold/hot seasons. Parts of this region are subject to sub-0º C (32º F) temperatures but rarely have freezing periods of 24 hours or longer; in the United States this term includes southern Florida and the southern tip of Texas.
Woody plants equal to or greater than 5 m in height and at least one main stem that is 2.5 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) are considered trees. Trees in the Bahamas may have more than one main stem/trunk.
A class of vegetation defined by areas dominated by emergent trees generally greater than 5.0 m tall without a closed canopy cover with tree cover generally less than 70 %. There is a shrub layer with various dominant species.