RESULTS

A total of 341 microplots of epiphytic bryophytes were sampled in 72 quadrats of the 24 plots coming from the 12 altitudinal stations. Fifty genera were recorded (25,13 % of the known Azorean genera) along the altitudinal gradient, excluding 2000 m and 2200 m altitudes, where epiphytes weren’t present (see figure). Twenty three out of the 50 screened genera, include rare or vulnerable species (see following table and figure). Bryophytes distribution along an altitudinal gradient of native forest in Pico island (Azores): preliminary results of epiphytic gener