Abstract:

To explore the composition, distribution, and height structure of tree seedlings in an evergreen broad-leaved forest in the Dinghu Mountain, 149 seed traps were set up, surrounded by seedling plots, in a 20-ha dynamic plot. Seedling plots were censused in March, 2008 and a total of 2,632 seedlings were recorded. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the abundance of seedlings for nine species and six variables, including the number of conspecifics within 10 m away from a seed trap, the sum of conspecific basal area within 10 m away from a seed trap, and convexity, slope, aspect, and elevation. Factors influencing seedling abundance differed among species. Three species were related only to topographic variables, one species was related only to the conspecifc variables, four species were influenced by both topography and conspecific abundance, and one species was influenced by neither. For all species except Memecylon ligustrifolium, significant partial regression coefficients were positive, indicating that seedling abundance increases with the number or the basal area of conspecifics within 10 m away from a seed trap. This research provides indirect evidence for dispersal limitation and niche theory.

Key words: seedlings, DHS plot, dispersal limitation, niche