Tree rings and growth trajectories of tree species from seasonally dry tropical forest

Abstract

The presence of distinct growth rings in a large number of tropical tree species has allowed a range of studies involving the growth history during the life span of the tree. This work aimed to examine the presence of tree rings and study growth patterns of tree species from five seasonally dry tropical forest fragments. Wood cores were extracted using 5-mm increment borer. The macroscopic structure of growth rings from 24 deciduous tree species was observed under stereomicroscope and classified according to anatomical features and visibility of the ring boundary. Distinct growth rings were detected for 19 species (79%). Seven species were submitted to tree-ring analyses, including cross-dating and dating quality control using the COFECHA program. Dated ring-series were analysed by comparing increment rates and accumulated diameter at breast height fitted curves to detect growth patterns. The variations among growth curves indicated different strategies of establishment and development for each studied species, and allowed the identification of different ecological groups. The results show the potential of tree rings to study populations and communities of seasonally dry tropical forest.