Flood Tolerant Trees in Seasonally Inundated Lowland Tropical Floodplains

This chapter focuses on trees and their responses to flooding in large fresh water flood-pulsed ecosystems. The regularity and predictability of the flood pulse has allowed for the development of adaptations by which a large number of tree species are able to grow in ecosystems subjected to seasonally inundated sites. By comparing diversity and tree responses in four floodplain ecosystems on different continents, we attempt to improve our understanding of the factors influencing spatial distribution of plants, diversity of species and adaptations and thus contribute to our knowledge of tropical wetland ecology. In this way, we hope to assist in the successful restoration of degraded floodplains and promote the sustainable use and conservation of these highly valuable ecosystems.