Intensity, determinants, and impacts of liana load on tropical trees in central Africa

Lianas can create dense foliage that reduces the light available for host trees on which they grow and directly damage during their development. A better estimation of liana load understanding determinants impacts in tropical forests are both important community ecology ecosystem science. This has, however, never been studied to date central Africa. Here, we evaluated intensity, determinants, three forest sites We determined categories all belonging 78 most dominant tree species (2683 total), with diameters ranging from 10 250 cm. The was visually estimated as cover using simple scale indices, proportion covered by lianas defined prevalence each species. Overall, 42% 2683 were liana-loaded number higher smaller diameter classes sites. Within site, there a significant difference among coexisting Taller shallow crowns less at level, whereas light-demanding wind-dispersed showed lower rate level. In significantly affected height–diameter allometry, being shorter same diameter. promote structural complexity influence diversity functioning forests.