Effect of Swamp Size on Growth Rates of Cypress (Taxodium distichum) Trees

-Growth rates of Taxodium distichum, tree species composition and environmental variables such as hydroperiod and organic matter depth were measured in small ( 5-ha) cypress swamps to determine if growth rates vary with swamp size and if biological and physical characteristics can provide an index to tree growth rates. Although trees grow faster in the centers of swamps, growth rates do not differ significantly among small, medium and large swamps, and they are highly variable within a given swamp. Overall tree basal area and Taxodium density are significant predictors of tree growth.