ISSN:
0931-1890
Keywords:
Key words Laurel forest
;
Laurisilva
;
Stand structure
;
Leaf area index
;
Canopy structure
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Stand structure and leaf area distribution of a laurel forest in the Agua García mountains of Tenerife are described. The site is situated at 820 m a.s.l., faces NNE, and has a humid mediterranean climate. Summer droughts are mitigated by relatively high air humidity and clouds. The natural mixed hardwood forest is composed of six major tree species: Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco, Persea indica (L.) Spreng, Myrica faya Ait., Erica arborea L. and two species of Ilex (I. platyphylla Webb & Berth. and I. canariensis Poivet.). The experimental stand had a density of 1693 trees ha – 1, a basal area of 33.7 m2ha – 1, and a cumulated volume of above-ground parts of trees of 231 m3 ha – 1 with a corresponding dry mass of 204 ton ha – 1. Diameters at breast height ranged from 6 to 46 cm. Mean concentration of plant dry mass per volume was 1.17 kg m – 3. The vertical pattern of leaf area distribution in individual trees for all tree species was characterized by a Gaussian-like curve. Stand leaf area index was 7.8. These evergreen, broad-leaved (laurisilva or lucidophyllous) forests represent a relic forest that was widespread in the Mediterranean region some 20 million years ago. Our data illustrate some of the structural characteristics of this historically widespread forest type.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004680050055
Permalink