Uso del microhábitat por Encyclia pyriformis (Orchidaceae) en la Reserva Ecológica Los Pretiles, Cuba

The distribution of epiphyte plants is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the host plant, which provides the area needed for the establishing process. Encyclia pyriformis (Lindl.) Schltr. is typical from the white sands region of eastern Cuba, with a restricted distribution which is a key element when managing the population over time. The goal of this research is to characterize the use of the microhabitat of E. pyriformis and to analyze the relation between the environmental and morphological variables. The study was carried out in 39 plots (25 m2) in the Ecological Reserve Los Pretiles. Individuals of E. pyriformis were identified and six environmental variables were measured. The average values of the environmental variables were 9.42 cm for the diameter of the trunk, 66.58% for the vegetal cover, 373 m for the distance from the coast, 0.84 m for the height above ground and 2.37 m for the height of the host plant. For the morphological variables the average values were 24.9 cm for the height of the individual, 1.87cm for the diameter of the pseudobulb, 13.62 cm and 2.06 cm respectively for the length and width of the leaf. No correlation was found between the environmental and morphological variables. This seems to indicate that the combination of environmental variables analyzed apparently do not have an effect on the morphology of E. pyriformis. To understand the environmental factors limiting and affecting the distribution of species is critical to keep of biodiversity. To identify the factors limiting the colonization’s potential of orchids would enable accurate predictions faced with future changes in the community and the ecosystem, which could influence the management strategies for this species.