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Analysis of the multi‐stem clump structure of Litsea japonica Juss. growing in a coastal dwarf forest
Author(s) -
Ito Satoshi,
Gyokusen Koichiro
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
ecological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1440-1703
pISSN - 0912-3814
DOI - 10.1007/bf02347816
Subject(s) - biology , japonica , sprouting , botany , canopy
The multi‐stem clump structure of a coastal dwarf forest dominated by Litsea japonica Juss. was investigated in order to clarify the sprouting characteristics and self‐maintenance of clumps by stem alternation. The size and age distribution of multi‐stem clumps were analyzed using cumulative relative frequency curves. L. japonica had a large number of stems and an even height distribution or young age‐biased distribution of stems within a clump. These results indicated the sequential flushing of sprouts at high frequency. Height distribution within a clump of L. japonica was relatively even compared to other species. This clump structure suggested the stable self‐maintenance of individuals in all ranges of size and age without disturbances. It originated specific sprouting characteristics as a response to the severe stress of salty wind. Ardisia sieboldii Miq. had few stems within a clump. Although the stem height distribution of large individuals tended to be even, most clumps had a large size‐biased distribution of stem height which indicated simultaneous sprouting. From this structure, sprouts of this species were thought to be of less significance in the stable self‐maintenance of individuals than L. Japonica .