Structure and dynamics of a Cariniana estrellensis (Lecythidaceae) population in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais, Brazil

we aimed to describe population structure and dynamics of cariniana estrellensis (raddi) kuntze to test the hypothesis that this species survives in the forest by forming a seedling bank. we evaluated seed germination, spatial distribution, and recruitment, growth and mortality rates of young individuals. to characterize population structure a 1.2-ha plot was defined, where reproductive adults were mapped; also 100 6 m2 sub-plots were established to characterize structure and monitor dynamics of young individuals. we estimated seed production using seed collectors and determined the percentage of canopy cover by hemispherical photographs. seed rain and saplings showed clustered distribution indicating habitat-patch formation. sapling mortality occurred mainly during the initial establishment phase. size structure was characterized by many saplings (x = 9,763 individuals ha-1) and few adults (x = 5 individuals ha-1), associated with a high rate of seed production (x = 60,800 seeds ha-1), low growth rates (x = 2.37 cm ano-1) and mortality (15.66%) of established saplings, showing that species invest in seedling bank formation as a reproductive strategy.