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Maximum Longevities of Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata Propagules
|Title:||Maximum Longevities of Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata Propagules|
|Authors:||Drexler, Judy Z.|
|Issue Date:||Jan 2001|
|Publisher:||University of Hawai’i Press|
|Citation:||Drexler JZ. 2001. Maximum longevities of Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata propagules. Pac Sci 55(1): 17-22.|
|Abstract:||The longevity of viviparous mangrove seedlings (propagules) in seawater
is a key factor determining their ability to survive dispersal both locally
and across large expanses of ocean. The purpose of this experiment was to determine
the maximum longevities of propagules from two common Pacific
mangrove species: Rhizophora mucronata Lamk. and Rhizophora apiculata Bl.
Propagules from each of these species were placed in outdoor tubs with continuously
flowing seawater. The condition of each propagule was monitored until it sank or started to rot. Propagules were then planted to determine viability. After planting, 50% of R. apiculata propagules and 21% of R. mucronata
propagules were viable. For both species, mortality of propagules was strongly
related to the length of the floating interval. Maximum longevities for R. mucronata
and R. apiculata propagules were 150 (median = 70) and 89 days (median
= 7), respectively. Rhizophora mucronata propagules appeared to be better
equipped for long-distance dispersal, yet had low survivorship that would decrease
overall dispersal opportunities. In comparison, R. apiculata propagules had
higher survivorship yet shorter longevity and, thus, appeared to be better
equipped for shorter distance dispersal.
|Appears in Collections:||Pacific Science Volume 55, Number 1, 2001|
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