Structural diversity and conservation implications of Parrotia subaequalis (Hamamelidaceae), a rare and endangered tree species in China

By

Liu, Jie 1968-
Zhang, Guangfu
Li, Xue

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021

Original Publication

Nature conservation

Volume

44

Pages

99--115

Subjects

Competition , neighboring tree , Parrotia subaequalis , Population , structural indices

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers 2012-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.44.69404

 

Abstract

Parrotia subaequalis(H. T. Chang) R.M. Hao & H.T. Wei is a rare and endangered Tertiary relict tree that is endemic to subtropical China. However, little is known about its growth condition and relationship with associated tree species. Here, for the first time we measured the structural diversity ofP. subaequaliscommunities at three representative sites in eastern China using four structural indices, including mingling, tree-tree distance, and diameter and tree height differences. The results showed that: 1) Collectively, mostP. subaequalisand associated tree species were small and mid-sized classes in tree height, and small-sized class in diameter; 2) There were two or more other tree species around most ofP. subaequalisindividuals across the three sites; 3) Overall, the mean distance between reference trees and their neighbors was mainly 1–2 m. Our results indicated that a strong interspecific competition existed betweenP. subaequalisand its associated tree species. Meanwhile, although the reference treeP. subaequalishad slight advantages in both horizontal and vertical planes, we think that it is necessary to take some effective measures to reduce the interspecific competition and thereby keep it at a proper successive stage. In addition, we also discuss the protection level ofP. subaequalisin China, and propose to keep this species at the First-Grade State Protection.