The role of bracken’s fronds and litter on tree seedling performance in a tropical montane forest : a trait based approach

Abstract

Tropical montane forests face threats from land-use change and recurrent human-induced fires, resulting in the dominance of bracken fern (Pteridium). Bracken modifies microclimate (light, temperature, moisture), affecting seedling recruitment and soil seed bank, yet its role on succession remains unclear. Besides, dispersal limitation further delays recovery, highlighting the need for active restoration. In five studies, I found bracken fronds often facilitate establishment, recruitment and growth of large-seeded, animal-dispersed species, while litter can inhibit small-seeded recruitment. Seed addition and seedling planting under different bracken management treatments showed that removing fronds and litter impairs recruitment. A trait-based approach identified species suited to bracken conditions for restoration without the need for bracken removal. Combining both techniques with trait-focused species selection could accelerate forest recovery in fire-disturbed habitats.