Performance
To estimate the apical growth rate (AGR), we installed a mark at 5 cm below the stem apical meristem, which remained on the plant for 6 months (beginning of spring to autumn). After this time, we measured the length of the stem from the mark to the tip of the apex, subtracting the initial 5 cm, so we measured the total growth of the period, and we average it for the time period (centimeters/month). We measured 25-30 individuals per species on each study site (n=310), selecting individuals that were separated by 10 meters at least, with just one apex, an average height of 60-80 cm, 5-10 cm stem diameter and climbed on different trees and that had no visible connections.