Diversity begets diversity: Phorophyte and microsite relations of foliicolous lichens in the lowland rain forest at Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve (Veracruz, Mexico)

We analyzed the structure of foliicolous lichen communities in northernmost lowland forest Neotropics, Los Tuxtlas Tropical Biology Station Veracruz, Mexico, and its dependence on phorophyte microclimate. Along a 420-m long transect with 15 equidistant sampling points, within 10 m radius each point, we sampled total 137 phorophytes 411 leaves. The represented 13 species, diverse leaf traits regarding size, texture, presence hairs and/or glands, longevity, including: Astrocaryum mexicanum (Arecaceae), Chamaedorea ernesti-augustii Costus scaber (Costaceae), Guarea glabra (Meliaceae), Heliconia latispatha (Heliconiaceae), Monstera acuminata (Araceae), Myriocarpa longipes (Urticaceae), Piper hispidum (Piperaceae), Poulsenia armata (Moraceae), Pseudolmedia oxyphyllaria Salacia megistophylla (Celastraceae), Siparuna thecaphora (Siparunaceae) Syngonium podophyllum (Araceae). NDMS ordination cluster analysis grouped into hierarchically structured clusters variously correlated microsite, species richness. Indicator revealed statistically significant characteristic for terminal species. conclude that principle “diversity begets diversity” may apply, diversity influences through manifestation subtle preferences, best seen well-developed leaves higher longevity. Thus, well-preserved ecosystems, suitable phorophytes, will support lichens, phenomenon extents to epiphytes general.