Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1983

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Austin, Daniel F.

Abstract

The object of this study was to determine habitat preference (seedlings) and adults) and the population status of the Florida Royal Palm (Roystonea elata (Bartram) F. Harper], in the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Associated species, seedling establishment and germination, growth rates, size class ratios and elevation of establishment (epiphytic nature) were examined. The palm showed a preference for high ground as indicated by the increasing colonization of elevated logging tramways. Seeds germinated under low light conditions in 17-22 days. Seedlings had an escalating growth rate from 4.2 em/year for seedlings to approximately 50 em/year for adults. Each size class was well represented in the Fakahatchee Strand, suggesting that reproduction was not being hindered by changes in water level, cold and area urbanization. Elevation of seedling establishment was a function of water level during that particular year and did not correlate year to year. These data indicate a stabilization of the Royal Palm population in the Fakahatchee Strand.

Extent

64 p.

Comments

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1983.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1983.

Identifier

FADT14154

Format

pdf

Download

Share

COinS