Structure of epiphytic woody plant communities on <i>Cryptomeria japonica</i> in Yakushima Island

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  • MINAMINO Takuya
    Department of Plant Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University
  • TAKASHIMA Atsushi
    Subtropical Field Science Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus
  • YOSHIDA Shigejirou
    Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University
  • ISHII Hiroaki
    Department of Plant Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University

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Other Title
  • ヤクスギに着生する木本植物群落の構造
  • ヤクスギ ニ チャクセイ スル キモト ショクブツ グンラク ノ コウゾウ

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Abstract

To quantify the species composition of epiphytic woody plant communities in the canopy, we climbed trees using ropes and directly measured the epiphytic woody plant communities on a Cryptomeria japonica tree that regenerated after harvesting in Edo Period and a remnant tree left standing in a mixed coniferbroadleaf forest on Yakushima Island. We found only 4 species and 8 individuals on the regenerated tree, whereas we found 12 species and 391 individuals on the remnant tree. In the remnant tree, Sorbus commixta occurred in the upper canopy, while Vaccinium yakishimense occurred in the mid to lower canopy and Rhododendron tashiroi occurred on the lower stem, reflecting vertical stratification among species. Based on their size distribution, we inferred that the dominant epiphytes are regenerating in the canopy. Our results suggest that remnant trees function as refugia for species that do not occur on the ground and that retention of large, old trees after harvesting contributes to maintaining biodiversity of the forest.

Journal

  • Vegetation Science

    Vegetation Science 32 (1), 57-63, 2015

    The Society of Vegetation Science

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