Features of the epiphytic orchids and their phorophytes in the university ecological park “José Mariano Mociño” of the State of Mexico Autonomous University

Abstract

During 2006, the abundance of the phorophyte/epiphytic orchid system was studied in the University ecological park “Jose Mariano Mociño” of the State of Mexico Autonomous University. A quantitative analysis of the phorphytes based on a centered quadrants method was made in the first stage, in the second one an abundance of ephifithic orchids was determined in a tridimensional environment based on own method by volume of treetops of the phorophyte that contained orchids. The results of the first stage shows predominance of encinos (Quercus spp) with a 1224 trees ha-1 density, a 12 370 m2 covery, 77% frequency and 2.35 of importance value. Second phase shows the abundance of orchids with significant differences (P < 0.05) between the sample groups as well between themselves showing an orchids community, with a significant statistical variation. The abundance of orchid/m3 phorophyte transects in the northern part was 0.094 and 0.048 in the southern part of the ecological park; the abundance of phorophytes and orchids was determined as an element to integrate conservation plans for the future in the plant community where they live.