Ecological studies on site factors from the viewpoint of formation and management of Lycoris sanguinea population

Abstract

In order to develop an attractive floorscape by the introduction of Lycoris sanguinea, one of native flowering plants, in the recreational forest, ecological studies of its population were carried out in hilly countries of Kanto and Kinki regions.
Results are as follows.
(1) Site conditions suitable for formation of Lycoris s. population
1 Orientation of slope: Irrespective of orientation
2 Topography: Lower part of slope or valley and slope gradient below 30°
3 Physiognomic vegetation: Deciduous broadleaved forest or short stem grassland, including orchard such as chestnut and persimmon.
4 Plant group as indicator: Kerria japonica, Orixa japonica, Anemone flaccida, Hemerocallis fulva, Frythronium japonicum, Liriope platyphylla, Ophiopogon japonicus, etc.
(2) Maintenance procedure
1 Light condition: Keeping more than 50% and about 10% in relative light intensity on the forest floor in spring and summer, respectively.
2 Regulation of competitive plants: Brush cutting once a year at the beginning of July before flower scapes elongate.
3 Control of soil hardness: Recommending the preparation of nature trial to avoid serious compaction (keeping soil hardness below 10mm by YAMANAKA corn penetrometer) which results from excess human trampling. However, in the chestnut or persimmon orchard, some wear and tear by trampling with harvesting and maintaining in the dormant seasons does not cause substantial deterioration of Lycoris s. population.
4 Fertilizing, watering and pesticide spray are hardly required.