Abstract
The forest structure, and crown area development and height growth of the Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis SIEB.et Zucc.) on Mt. Changbai, northeastern China have been analyzed to clarify the regeneration manner of the pine. In contrast with the other shade intolerant pines, small individuals of Korean pine were maintained in the forest, though its number was small. The Korean pine can be regarded as being in a self-maintaining stage. The increment of the crown area in relation to the height growth of the pine was larger than that of Picea jezoensis and Abies nephrolepis, coniferous species cohabiting with the pine. The large crown area of the pine eventually provided a favorable site for the establishment of its seedlings. The height growth rate of the pine was also higher than hat of P. jezoensis. The pine has the maximum tree heigh to of ca. 30 m, and the maximum tree age of ca. 450 years, which are approximately equal to those of P. jezoensis and much larger than those of A. nephrolepis. Once an individual pine tree succeeded in establishment in a forest, it continuously grew to reach the canopy. The pine formed a dominant forest, with the aid of a continuous regeneration, owing to its large crown area, large tree height and long life span. Thus, Korean pine mixed forest can be regarded as a self-regenerating climax forest.
