Bryophyte composition, diversity, and biomass across mangrove phorophytes on the Brazilian Amazon coast

Bryophytes are key yet underexplored components of the mangrove ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity, biomass accumulation, and microhabitat complexity. This study investigated the diversity, composition, and vertical distribution of epiphytic bryophytes on three mangrove phorophytes, Rhizophora mangle L., Avicennia germinans (L.) L., and Laguncularia racemosa (L.) C.F.Gaertn., at Ajuruteua Peninsula on the Brazilian Amazon coast. Seven bryophyte species from the Calymperaceae Kindb. and the families Lejeuneaceae N.N.Rostovtsev were identified. Species richness did not vary significantly across vertical zones, and biomass was significantly higher at intermediate canopy levels. Multivariate analysis revealed no significant differences in species composition across vertical phorophyte zones, although differences were observed among phorophyte types. Biomass patterns of Calymperes palisotii Schwägr. varied among phorophytes, with R. mangle supporting greater bryophyte biomass than A. germinans. Our findings, although partial, offer a reference point for future studies that combine physiological, microclimatic, and structural aspects to deepen understanding of how environmental conditions influence bryophyte diversity and productivity in mangrove forests.