Salmon C., Heuret P., Hequet Vanessa, Isnard Sandrine. (2025). Seedling survival and growth phenology in a monocarpic tree species, Cerberiopsis candelabra (Apocynaceae). Australian Journal of Botany, 73 (4), p. BT25001 [11 p.]. ISSN 0067-1924.
Titre du document
Seedling survival and growth phenology in a monocarpic tree species, Cerberiopsis candelabra (Apocynaceae)
Australian Journal of Botany, 2025,
73 (4), p. BT25001 [11 p.] ISSN 0067-1924
Context Cerberiopsis candelabra Vieill., a species endemic to New Caledonia, is one of the world's rare monocarpic trees. Juveniles of this species should exhibit high survival and growth rates, a selective advantage of the monocarpic strategy. Aims We aimed to (1) quantify the survival and growth rates of C. candelabra juveniles over time and (2) Identify morpho-anatomical markers and temporal growth patterns to infer individual past development.Methods Over 20 months, we monitored the monthly survival of 134 juveniles in a post-disturbance open forest edge. We recorded phytomer production, internode elongation, height growth and leaf area for each juvenile. At the monitoring end, three individuals were finely morpho-anatomically described node by node.Key results Juvenile survival rate was 67.1%, with a density of over 7.83 individuals per square meter. Monthly mortality rates were higher during the warm-dry transitional season. Juveniles exhibited primary growth rates of up to 6.4 cm per month during the warm-wet season. Primary growth was continuous and secondary growth was seasonal, with visible growth ring boundaries forming during each cool-dry season.Conclusions High seedling survival and growth rates could explain the ecological dominance of the species in large gaps. Development in C. candelabra is sensitive to New Caledonia's climate seasonality. Implications Analysis of annual growth patterns allows for inferring individuals' past development and provides prospects for investigating ecological characteristics of the species.
