The Structure of Tropical Forests in Panama and Colombia

Abstract
The structure of tropical forests in Panama are described. Biomass of four forest types, Tropical moist, Premontane wet, Gallery, and Mangrove forests, was determined by harvesting vegetation on one-quarter hectare plots. Representative dried and ground samples of plant tissue was analyzed for Na, Mn, K, Sr, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, Co, and Cu. The standing crop of these elements is presented for Tropical moist and Premontane wet forest. The vegetation in Premontane wet forest contained greater quantities of elements except for phosphorus.