Epiphytiology

Abstract. Nasution T, Junaedi DI. 2017. Diversity and composition of vascular epiphytic plant on tree ferns (Cyathea spp.) at Cibodas
Botanic Garden, West Java. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 3: 453-460.  Tree ferns are important horticultural commodities for
ornamental plant and planting medium. These  ferns are also ecologically important for  the habitat of vascular epiphytes. The
information on the relationship of tree ferns and vascular epiphytes is still limited, so that it is important to be studied for supporting its
management in Cibodas Botanic Garden. This study aimed to study the diversity and composition of vascular epiphytes on wild tree
ferns in Cibodas Botanic Garden. The census of vascular epiphytes on 30 individuals of Cyathea contaminans and 30 individuals of
Cyathea junghuhniana had been conducted. About 3,034 individuals of vascular epiphytes were recorded belongs to 138 species and 51
families. The species richness of vascular epiphytes on C. contaminans was 95 species and higher than C. junghuhniana (86 species).
The abundance of vascular epiphytes on C. contaminans was 1,820 individuals and higher than C. junghuhniana (1,214 individuals).
Shannon-Wiener  index of vascular epiphytes on  C. contaminans was 3.13 and lower than  C. junghuhniana (3.67). The species
composition of both hosts comprised 108 species of spermatophytes and 31 species of ferns.  The highest species richness on  C.
contaminans was Polypodiaceae, followed by Poaceae and Orchidaceae, whereas Moraceae, Polypodiaceae and Urticaceae were the
highest species richness on C. junghuhniana. The vascular epiphytes of tree ferns in Cibodas Botanic Garden had a relatively high
diversity. The management of tree ferns would support the conservation of vascular epiphytes in Cibodas Botanic Garden.
Keywords: Census, Cyathea, diversity, tree fern, vascular epiphyte