Seedling growth varied by logging intensity, habitat, and species
(Table S3). Overall there was a trend of higher growth in heavily
logged fragments (L2 and L3) compared to the less-disturbed fragments
(Fig. 1). In contrast to survival, growth was higher in gaps
than in the understory in U and L1 for most species; Myracrodruon,
Astronium, Schinopsis, and Cavanillesia grew at least three times
faster in gaps compared to the understory in these forest fragments.
In L2 and L3 there was a tendency toward higher growth in gaps,
although the difference was significant only for Schinopsis. Tabebuia
and Eugenia had slow growth rates in general. Negative growth potential
occurred when apical meristem died and seedlings sprouted
lower on the stem.