The ecology of Roystonea oleracea palm swamp forest in the Nariva swamp (Trinidad)

Palm Swamp Forests in the Caribbean region have been little studied although they are found in many countries. in Trinidad, they are an important component of the vegetation in the Nariva Swamp, a Ramsar site. The distribution and ecology of plants in Roystonea oleracea Palm Swamp Forest was studied using selected study plots. The forest had an open canopy with palms up to 26 m tall and a density of trees greater than or equal to 10 cm dbh of 380 per hectare. The Roystonea palm contributed 55.8% of individuals and was the most important of seven tree species greater than or equal to 10 cm dbh. Seventy-four species were found, with most being understory shrubs and herbs. Peak ripe fruit availability was from August to November and was correlated with rainfall. The palm forest canopy appears to be relatively even aged, with lower non-palm trees giving an all-aged height and dbh distribution in the forest. The forest developed in conditions of low water levels, low salinity, and a hydroperiod that allows seed germination and seedling establishment during the early wet season. However, the forest undergrowth seems to be becoming dominated by terrestrial vegetation with palm seedlings unable to survive.