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Reproductive Ecology of Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) Along the Louisiana Coast: Propagule Production Cycles, Dispersal Limitations, and Establishment Elevations

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Abstract

Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) reproduces by producing propagules through the process of cryptovivipary, which requires a significant energy investment. We conducted a series of field and greenhouse studies to track propagule production in years of high and low disturbances (i.e., hurricanes), the effects of time and salinity on propagule dispersal potential, and the relationship between hydrology and propagule establishment elevations. Trees tended to produce greater numbers of propagules in years after hurricanes, and individual trees alternated the amount of energy they invested in reproduction in consecutive years. In the greenhouse, propagule buoyancy was affected by salinity with propagules in 36 remaining buoyant for over 110 days and establishment success decreasing with dispersal period length. Finally, a field survey across five sites in southeastern Louisiana revealed that the 2009 cohort of propagules established at significantly lower elevations than mature trees occurred. These findings elucidate some salient features of black mangrove reproductive biology in the northern portion of its North American distribution.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to extend our gratitude to support provided by NOAA/CREST (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Coastal Restoration and Enhancement Through Science and Technology) and CSAP (Coastal Science Assistantship Program) provided by LA OCPR (Louisiana Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration) and Louisiana Sea Grant. We would also like to thank the members of the Coastal Plant Ecology Lab who helped with the collection of data in the field: Christine Pickens, Michael Dupuis, and Jonathan Willis. Additional thanks to Theryn Henkel, Joe Baustian, and Sean Graham for providing data and support for this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Great Ecology & Environments, Inc., 2231 Broadway, New York, NY, 10024, USA

    Lauren K. Alleman

  2. Coastal Plant Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, 70503, USA

    Mark W. Hester

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  1. Lauren K. Alleman
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  2. Mark W. Hester
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Correspondence to Lauren K. Alleman.

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Alleman, L.K., Hester, M.W. Reproductive Ecology of Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) Along the Louisiana Coast: Propagule Production Cycles, Dispersal Limitations, and Establishment Elevations. Estuaries and Coasts 34, 1068–1077 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-011-9404-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-011-9404-8

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