Phorophyte Preference of Manglicolous lichens in Davao City, Philippines

Abstract

Mangrove phorophytes offer a vital biological substrate for cryptogamic variety, especially to lichens. The identification of these distinct substrates, which contain crucial biological forces controlling epiphytic assembly, is still lacking. Despite the well-known zonation pattern of vascular plants, little is known about how host architectural features and forest management status affect lichens in tropical ecology. In this study, the selected extensive mangrove forests of Davao City, Philippines, the species composition and phorophyte specificity of lichen species were identified. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and non-parametric Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) tests were used to assess community turnover in the 13 main phorophyte species. The results showed that the phorophyte species was the primary factor influencing diversity. Sonneratia alba is a rugose-barked species that supports the highest richness (14 species) and has a substantial reservoir of generalist species. The conventional rugosity idea was undermined by the smooth-barked Bruguiera cylindrica, which sustained an exceptionally high variety of 11 species, indicating cortical lenticels as crucial microhabitats for specialized graphid guilds. Furthermore, a monospecific connection with the halotolerant Psilolechia lucida was supported by the saline bark of Avicennia marina acting as a tight environmental filter. Statistical analysis showed that cryptogamic recovery lagged behind vascular reforestation, making restored and industrial sites compositionally similar. In contrast, the protected site maintained a distinct host-supported population. These results highlight how crucial it is to preserve a range of phorophyte assemblages to support specific epiphytic roles in mangrove conservation.