SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE SNOW-PATCH MEADOW ON THE NORTHERN PART OF THE USHIRO -TATEYAMA MOUNTAIN RANGE, CENTRAL JAPAN

Abstract

The snow-patch meadow on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu is characterized by the dominance of Moliniopsis japonica, Carex blepharicarpa, Fauria crista-galli, Geum pentapetalum and Phyllodoce aleutica. Despite several phytosociological studies of snow-patch meadows, the dominant community of M. japonica and/or C. blepharicarpa has often been confused with the other dominant Primula cuneifolia var. hakusanensis and/or Plantago hakusanensis. The aim of this study was to describe the species composition and distribution of a snow-patch meadow characterized by the dominance of M. japonica, C. blepharicarpa, F. crista-galli, Primula cuneifolia var. hakusanensis, and Plantago hakusanensis. First, we revealed the distribution and composition of the snow-patch meadow vegetation in Honshu. Second, to consider whether this community classification was appropriate, we studied the vegetation in the northern part of the Ushiro-tateyama mountain range. Our results suggest that heavy snow climate and drainage impedance promoted the growth of Faurio-Moliniopsietum. In contrast, Plantago hakusanensis‒Primuletum cuneifoliae hakusanensis and Anaphalido‒Phyllodocetum aleuticae occurred in the high-elevation regions that were characterized by poor soil development and late snowmelt. Anaphalido‒Phyllodocetum aleuticae stands dried up rapidly after the snow melted. Faurio‒Caricetum blepharicarpae occurred at the margin of the Plantago hakusanensis‒Primuletum cuneifoliae hakusanensis and Anaphalido‒Phyllodocetum aleutica stands. Plantago hakusanensis‒Primuletum cuneifoliae hakusanensis differed from Faurio‒Caricetum blepharicarpae and Faurio-Moliniopsietum in species composition and site condition. Therefore, we report that Plantago hakusanensis‒Primuletum cuneifoliae hakusanensis is a new association.