Effects of Tillandsia recurvata extracts on the seed germination of Tillandsia spp

Epiphytes associate intraspecifically, but it is unclear whether the dominant species exerts a negative effect on its competitors through allelopathy. Tillandsia recurvata is the dominant epiphyte in the tropical dry forest of central Mexico. It has phytotoxic properties, therefore inhibits the seed germination of other epiphytic bromeliads, which may effect its associations. Nearest neighbor (NN) distance from each bromeliad was measured and the bromeliad associations were characterized as intra or interspecific. Leachates and organic extracts from T. recurvata were used in seed germination trials of Tillandsia. All species have a conspecific as their NN, but interespecific associations indicate that T. recurvata was less frequent NN for all Tillandsia. T. recurvata leachates and organic extracts inhibited the germination of all Tillandsia species. This research demonstrates the inhibitory potential of T. recurvata on its competitors; however its association patterns were not explained. Other ecological factors may account for its dominance and associations.