Seedling diversity in actively and passively restored tropical forest understories

Alternative methods for restoring tropical forests influence the ecological processes that shape recruitment of understory species. In turn, traits species recruited will provide now and over long term. We assess phylogenetic functional structure seedlings beneath monoculture plantations, mixed-species plantations (both active restoration) regenerating selectively logged native (passive restoration), considering specific leaf area (SLA, including within-species variation), nitrogen phosphorus content, life-form, potential plant height, dispersal type. Monoculture comprised were more closely related then would be expected by chance (i.e., phylogenetically clustered), forest contained distantly overdispersed). This suggests monocultures assemble through environmental filtering limitation predictable guilds. However, is frequently overcome human-assisted dispersal, increasing trait diversity. Comparing SLA values revealed recruit with both high low mean variation SLA, leading to higher overall Regenerating showed signs filtering, only based on SLA. understories appear favor show a intraspecific in (e.g., Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) at same time provided habitat later successional lower Canarium luzonicum (Blume) A.Gray). diversity limiting similarity or competitive exclusion may reduced because niche differences, allowing different coexist. Phylogenetic functionally distinct are restricted their regeneration capacity, many which conservation significance (under IUCN Red List). Reforestation projects should maximize desired services (including value) actively managing intraspecifically) distinct. management aim increase probability fulfilling wider array spaces potentially ecosystem provided.