The role of the ouricuri palm (Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc.) in supporting epiphyte biodiversity in traditional Caatinga agricultural systems

Epiphytes play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning but are highly vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly in dryland biomes like the Caatinga. In agricultural landscapes, remnant trees can function as important refuges, maintaining biodiversity despite land-use changes. This study evaluates the role of the Ouricuri palm (Syagrus coronata) in sustaining epiphyte diversity within grazing areas of the Caatinga. We surveyed 244 palms across three sites in Alagoas, Brazil, assessing the relationships between palm traits and epiphyte richness using generalized linear models. Our results revealed that 218 (91 %) of the palms taller than 2 m hosted epiphyte species in their crowns. Epiphyte richness was high (S = 28) and not influenced by palm diameter or leaf number but declined with increasing plant height. Beta diversity partitioning revealed high species turnover, primarily driven by variations in phorophyte traits. Functional group analysis showed that true epiphytes were favored by intermediate-height palms, while generalist species dominated on taller ones. These findings highlight the ecological importance of remnant S. coronata palms for epiphyte conservation in anthropized landscapes. Preserving these palms can enhance habitat connectivity, mitigate biodiversity loss, and support a wildlife-friendly agricultural model in the Caatinga.