Influence of bark chemistry on distribution of epiphytic mosses on basal trunk of <i>Cryptomeria japonica</i>

Epiphytic mosses are integral parts of forest community structure in the Darjeeling Hills of the Eastern Himalayan region with remarkable contributions to the ecosystem functionality. The study was framed to assess the richness and spatial distribution of epiphytic mosses growing on the basal trunk of Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex. L.) D.Don, and also to evaluate the explanatory host traits for shaping the moss assemblage. Field measurements and sampling were performed near Lamahatta village within Darjeeling district on 270 microplots placed on tree trunks. A total of twelve mosses represented by the members of Dicranales and Hypnales were recorded. Low species diversity was observed with dominance and maximum cover of Syrrhopodon confertus. Canonical correspondence analysis predicted a distinct combination of chemical requirements for local colonization of each moss. The results also demonstrated influence of bark acidic inputs on abundance and co-existence of bryophytes. The outcome can be potentially helpful in depicting the community structure of non-vascular epiphytes, which may further be considered while developing forest management strategies.