| A survey of epiphytic bryophytes was carried out in northern hardwood forests of two physiographic provinces of New York: the Adirondack Highlands and the Northern Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. The aim of this survey was to describe and compare bryophyte assemblages on sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) between regions and explore compositional differences among phorophyte (host tree) diameter classes, aspect, and height above the ground level. In addition, species associated with each region were identified and correlated with environmental gradients of air temperature, elevation, relative humidity, and soil pH. Several bryophyte species were identified with potential to serve as regional bio-indicators, as well as indicators of microhabitat conditions associated with specific phorophyte diameter classes, aspects, and heights. |
