Spatial distribution patterns of trees at different life stages in a warm temperate forest

• Published in: Journal of plant research Vol. 120; no. 6; pp. 687 - 695
• Main Authors: Tsujino, R.(Research Inst. for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto (Japan)), Yumoto, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Springer Nature B.V 01-11-2007
• Subjects: Altitude; ARBOLES; ARBRE; BOSQUES; Distribution patterns; DIVERSIFICACION; DIVERSIFICATION; Ecosystem; FORESTS; FORET; Geography; GRAINE; Japan; Life history; Plant species; REGENERACION; REGENERATION; Seed dispersal; SEEDS; SEMILLA; Spatial distribution; Temperate forests; TOPOGRAFIA; TOPOGRAPHIE; TOPOGRAPHY; TREES; Trees - growth & development; VEGETACION; VEGETATION; Japan
• ISSN: 0918-9440; 1618-0860
• DOI: 10.1007/s10265-007-0111-2

We have investigated tree distributions in relation to topography between different tree life history stages, from the seed-dispersal stage to the adult stage in a warm temperate evergreen broadleaved forest on Yakushima Island, Japan, to clarify the critical stages in determining adult tree distributions. We conducted a census of all living trees - 30 cm tall and collected seed falls over three years using 25 seed traps in a 50 m x 50 m quadrat. Four life stages were defined: stage 1, dispersed seed; stage 2, individuals taller than 30 cm and diameter at breast height (DBH) 1 cm; stage 3, trunks 1 cm - DBH 10 cm; stage 4, trunks with DBH - 10 cm. We classified 17 common tree species into three groups; group A was distributed mainly on the upper slope, group B on the lower slope, and group C on both. Most of group A and B trees at stages 2-4 showed an aggregated distribution along the topographical gradient. The densities at stage 1 showed weaker aggregations according to slope. Topography-specific tree distribution was probably determined at the regeneration stage, and later survival was less effective as a mechanism of vegetation differentiation.