Analysis of factors associated with fruiting and vigor of Melastoma tetramerum using three-dimensional data.

Abstract

Melastoma tetramerum, an endangered species endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, shows limited natural regeneration, and factors affecting its fruiting and vigor remain unclear. We analyzed fruiting and vigor using individual surface-area indices derived from three-dimensional data and environmental variables including light and moisture. Fruiting occurrence was positively associated with surface-area index and light, and negatively associated with moisture. Fruit number increased with surface-area index and decreased with moisture. In contrast, vigor was positively associated with moisture and negatively associated with light, suggesting a trade-off in resource allocation.