Seed germination may be controlled by the light environment where seeds germinate and by that experienced by the mother plants. In a germination experiment of a terrestrial bromeliad from xerophytic forests, we found that the light environment where mother plants lived did not affect seed germination, but seeds exposed to light conditions showed a higher germination rate than those in the dark. These results enhance our understanding of the regeneration and distribution of understorey species in these South American forests.

Specific leaf-area and wood-density data of 29 species of Myrteae (Myrtaceae) were evaluated in humid and dry tropical environments to understand the role of the environment and genus in trait variation. We found inter- and intra-specific variation among populations of different vegetation types. The wood density was mainly determined by the genus, whereas specific leaf area was mostly influenced by the environment. Our results contribute to understanding the causes of morphological and genetic variability in Myrteae.