Determination of epiphyte biomass composition and distribution with a three-dimensional mapping method in a tropical montane forest in northern Thailand

Epiphytes show complex spatial distribution patterns at various scales, and the description of their distribution patterns, for example, on a tree, is quite difficult. In this study, by using a three-dimensional tree-form mapping method, the tree form of a 47 m-high emergent tree in a tropical montane forest of northern Thailand was measured and reconstructed, and the distribution of epiphytes on the tree was accurately recorded. The epiphytic matter, which consists of epiphytes and canopy humus, on the tree was classified into six types on the basis of its physiognomy, and destructive sampling of the epiphytic matter was performed for each type with three or four replications. The total epiphyte biomass and canopy humus on the tree were 158.2 kg and 381.3 kg, respectively. Approximately 96 % of the epiphyte biomass was concentrated in the tree crown, above 20 m. The distribution of epiphytic matter types was found to depend on branch diameter, and their spatial distribution from the outer crown to the inner crown was visualized on the three-dimensional reconstructed form of the tree.