Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Volin, John C.

Abstract

Old World Climbing Fern, Lygodium microphyllum is an aggressive nonindigenous plant that is on the verge of becoming a major ecological threat in South Florida. Currently, specific habitat characteristics that contribute to success or failure of its establishment are unknown. I studied the pattern of distribution of the fern in Florida's Big Cypress Swamp. Two similar forested wetland sites with high incidence of L. microphyllum infestation were assessed in order to identify broad-scale hydrological and physiographic conditions that may favor high susceptibility to L. microphyllum invasion. On each site, species richness, abundance and distribution of herbs, shrubs and trees were characterized. In addition, several parameters including elevation, substrate depth, percentage substrate water content, percentage substrate organic content, substrate texture, and photosynthetically active radiation were quantified. The patterns of distribution of L. microphyfum indicated that presence of the fern was dependent on relatively low elevation, relatively deep substrate and moderately high substrate water content.

Extent

62 p.

Comments

FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2002.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Identifier

FADT12890

Format

pdf

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