Cryptogamic epiphytes and microhabitat diversity on non-native green ash

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Abstract

With the increased planting of non-native trees within urban environments there is a need for investigating the impacts they may have on the indigenous biodiversity. In this study, we explored the diversity of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes as well as the tree-related microhabitats on planted, non-native green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica and compared it to that of indigenous Frax-inus excelsior and Quercus robur. We conducted sampling on trees of similar growing conditions and size within two cities of eastern Germany (Dresden and Dessau-Roßlau). In our analysis we did not find any significant differences in epiphyte diversity and abundance. By contrast, microhabitat diversity was significantly higher on F. pennsylvanica than on the indigenous tree species, which we attribute to the pioneer character of F. pennsylvanica with faster ageing. Our results underline a low impact of F. pennsylvanica on epiphytic lichen and bryophyte diversity, while indigenous animals might even benefit from the higher diversity and frequency of microhabitats on trees of this species. Therefore, its use as an ornamental tree should not be generally rejected in urban environments.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)393 - 399
Number of pages7
JournalIForest
Volume14
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85114479719
ORCID /0000-0001-7408-425X/work/146642914

Keywords