Urban forests as habitats for vascular epiphytes and allied terrestrial plants

Epiphytic plants and allied terrestrial groups, which are sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature, play a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of ecosystem disruption caused by human activity impact. In the conurbation of Xalapa-Banderilla, Veracruz, Mexico, urban and peri-urban forests have different levels of disturbance conditions. This study aimed to analyze the patterns of vascular epiphytes and related terrestrial plants in urban forests with varying transformation histories in Xalapa, located in the central region of Veracruz Mexico. Five sampling plots were established in each forest (three urban and two peri-urban) where the richness of these groups was recorded. In a sample of 1 ha, 103 species distributed among 58 genera and 22 families were recorded, with ferns being the most represented. The peri-urban forest “Clavijero” exhibited the highest species richness compared to the others. Overall, heterogeneity in species composition was observed between sites, being lower when comparing only urban forests. In peri-urban forests, species considered indicator species were recorded, while in urban forests, mostly generalist species adapted to stressful conditions were recorded. The urban forests studied are reservoirs of diversity, highlighting the importance of forests in the periphery that shelter rare and conservation indicator species, suggesting that the original environmental conditions are still being maintained for the benefit of diversity in general.