小笠原諸島父島における亜熱帯性低木林の成立と更新様式

抄録

The regeneration mechanism of the forest (1.5-5 m high) was analyzed in terms of the relation between the distribution of 44 tree and shrub species and an environmental gradient on a slope, and between canopy gaps and the establishment and growth of seedlings and juveniles. Many species occurred in a wide range of habitats, each having its most favorite condition. As almost all species had their seedlings under the canopy, and many of them had more juveniles in canopy gaps, it appeared that the gaps were necessary for the growth of seedlings and juveniles rather than for the germination of seeds and establishment of seedlings. It was concluded that a series of tree-by-tree replacements in conjunction with small gap formation by a single dead tree may be the general mechanism of regeneration in the forest studied.