Análisis arquitectónico de Buxus vahlii Baillon (Buxaceae) en dos ambientes diferentes de Puerto Rico

Abstract

The analysis of the architecture of Buxus vahlii (Buxaceae) in western Puerto Rico is presented. Two populations that differ in their environmental characteristics were studied; one is a coastal forest in the municipality of Rincón and other one is a karstic forest in the municipality of Isabela. Buxus vahlii grows according to Champagnat’s model. Six stages of development ranging from seedling to senescent tree were identified. The entire tree is constructed by the sympodial overlapping of mixed orthotropic replacement axes. The crown of the trees is formed according to the laminar model in the Rincón forest and according to the funnel or cup model in the Guajataca forest.