@article{fdi:010094672,
  title = {{T}he puzzling ecology of {A}frican {M}arantaceae forests},
  author = {{P}outeau, {R}obin and {P}icard, {J}uliette and {D}oumenge, {C}. and {B}rncic, {T}. and {G}illet, {J}.{F}. and {D}oucet, {J}.{L}. and {G}ourlet-{F}leury, {S}. and {K}impouni, {V}. and {L}oumeto, {J}.{J}. and {R}{\'e}jou-{M}{\'e}chain, {M}axime},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{M}arantaceae forests are tropical rainforests characterized by a continuous understory layer of perennial giant herbs and a near absence of tree regeneration. {A}lthough widespread in {W}est?{C}entral {A}frica, {M}arantaceae forests have rarely been considered in the international literature. {Y}et, they pose key challenges and opportunities for theoretical ecology that transcend the borders of the continent. {S}pecifically, we ask in this review whether open {M}arantaceae forests and dense closed?canopy forests can be considered as one of the few documented examples of alternative stable states in tropical forests. {F}irst, we introduce the different ecological factors that have been posited to drive {M}arantaceae forests (climate, soil, historical and recent anthropogenic pressures, herbivores) and develop the different hypotheses that have been suggested to explain how {M}arantaceae forests establish in relation with other vegetation types (understory invasion, early succession after disturbance, and intermediate successional stage). {T}hen, we review the underlying ecological mechanisms that can explain the stability of {M}arantaceae forests in the long term (tree recruitment inhibition, promotion of and resilience to fire, adaptive reproduction, maintenance by megaherbivores). {A}lthough some uncertainties remain and call for further empirical and theoretical research, we found converging evidence that {M}arantaceae forests are associated with an ecological succession that has been deflected or arrested. {I}f verified, {M}arantaceae forests may provide a useful model to understand critical transitions in forest ecosystems, which is of particular relevance to achieve sustainable forest management and mitigate global climate change.},
  keywords = {{AFRIQUE} {DE} {L}'{OUEST} ; {AFRIQUE} {CENTRALE} ; {GABON} ; {CONGO} {BASSIN}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{A}merican {J}ournal of {B}otany},
  volume = {111},
  numero = {4},
  pages = {e16320 [12 ]},
  ISSN = {0002-9122},
  year = {2024},
  DOI = {10.1002/ajb2.16320},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010094672},
}