Study of a population of H. cuneata Geonoma Wendl. ex Spruce, J. Linn Soc in a secondary forest in Matina de Limon, Costa Rica

Abstract

A population of Geonoma cuneata was studied in a Tropical Humid Transition to Perhumid Forest, located in Matina, Limón, Costa Rica. Five temporal 25 m2 plots were established following a systematic sampling procedure. The species density per plot was determined as well as, the total number of present, healthy, dried and damaged leaves, with the objective of inferring on its management and harvesting scenarios. Results account for an average of 9.2 (± 2.1) plants per plot and, each one registers an average of 9.4 ± 4.6 leaves, with 9% dried (0.9 ± 1.0), 83% damaged (7.8 ± 4.3) and only 7% healthy (0.7 ± 1.0). Only 24% of the healthy leaves reached required commercial dimensions.