Epipogium roseum, the near threatened (NT) species in the Red Lists of Japanʼ s Ministry of Environment, was found on the understory of
Lithocarpus edulis plantation in Mt. Ohgusu, Miura Peninsula, central Japan.
L. edulis plantation and
Castanopsis sieboldii forest were divided into 1 plantation, 1 association and 2 under units as follows: (I)
L. edulis plantation; (Ia)
E. roseum under unit; (Ib)
Reineckea carnea under unit; (II)
Ardisio-Castanopsietum sieboldii. The density of
E. roseum was 14.0-24.0 individuals per 100m² in the
E. roseum under unit. The average scape height of
E. roseum was 10.6-12.2cm in the
E. roseum under unit. Result of PCA analysis demonstrated that the site conditions varied between habitats and non-habitats of
E. roseum. In the
E. roseum under unit, the thickness of litter layer, coverage of litter layer, and soil moisture showed a higher tendency than those in the
R. carnea under unit and
Ardisio-Castanopsietum sieboldii. In conclusion, the abundant plant litter and abundant or excessive soil moisture will be required to maintain the habitats of
E. roseum.
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