HIGH-ELEVATION CONIFEROUS VEGETATION OF GUATEMALA - A PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

A phytosociological study of the juniper (locally called huito), pine (locally called sacch), pine-alder and fir forests of the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes and Cadena Volcanica in Guatemala was carried out. The Zurich-Montpellier approach was followed. In total 119 releves were sampled and the data were organised in phytosociological tables to distinguish vegetation clusters. TWINSPAN was used to evaluate major differences among plant communities. Seven zonal plant communities were distinguished and described, namely: (1) Relbunium microphyllum-Agrostis tolucensis, (2) Werneria nubigena-Agrostis exserta, (3) Lachemilla vulcania-Pinus hartwegii, (4) Holodiscus argenteus-Pinus hartwegii, (5) Hypnum cypressiforme-Juniperus standleyi, (6) Agave hurtei-Alnus firmifolia and (7) Sabazia pinetorum-Abies guatemalensis. This paper provides a thorough floristic characterisation of each community and outlines the major anthropogenic activities. To conclude, ecologic and floristic (dis)similarities between plant communities of the study area and those of Central Mexico, like the different altitudinal distribution of fir forests and the establishment of mid-successional communities such as the Agave hurteri-Alnus firmifolia were discussed.