The Conditions and Conservative of the Endangered Species Weigela floribunda on Mt. Rokko in Hyogo Prefecture

Abstract

To clarify whether endangered species, Weigela floribunda, on Mt. Rokko could be used as a material for afforestation of the colluvial slope, its geographical distribution, floristic composition of the habitats, and the growth after its direct cutting-planting or planting were studied. Through phytosociological investigation, 62 vegetation records with Weigela floribunda were obtained. These vegetation records were classified into 10 communities, which were distributed on the several seral stages. After planting, the survival ratio of the direct cutting-planting was 30 to 40% under wet condition, whereas that of the container seedling was 74% in spite of dry condition. Based on the results, Weigela floribunda appears to be useful as a suitable material for afforestation of the colluvial slope on Mt. Rokko, with contributing to the creation of their native landscape as well as the conservation of endangered species.