ABSTRACT
This paper synthesises a decade of research on a swamp forest within the Atlantic forest complex in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I propose that this swamp is a fragile ecosystem, since its diversity and functioning are highly dependent on a specific interaction between two functional groups: shade-providers (locally rare trees) and providers of safe germination sites (terrestrial bromeliads). This conclusion is based on a broad set of data regarding plant ecophysiology, population and community ecology and phytogeography, which I review here. I discuss the implications of these findings for conservation and restoration of swamps at the Atlantic forest complex.
Key-words:
clonal growth; epiphytes; functional groups; photosynthesis; swamp forest