Abstract:

Based on the investigation in gaps and non-gaps stands in mid-subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest at Wanmulin Nature Reserve of Fujian Province, the quantitative characteristics of tree species in gaps and non-gaps stands, the regeneration responses of the major tree species to gaps size were analyzed. The results showed that tree species could be classified into 7 groups according to the change of orders of importance values in gaps and non-gaps stands:(1) species only occurred in gaps;(2)species only occurred in non-gaps stands; (3)respond not significantly to gaps in regeneration; (4)strong positively responsive; (5)strong negatively responsive;(6)moderate positively responsive; (7)moderate negatively responsive. The regeneration responses of the major tree species to gap size were different. Regeneration densities of Symplocos sumuntia peaked at the gap size of about 100 m² , regeneration densities of Schima superba peaked at the size of 300～400 m² , while those of the other 4 species peaked at the size of 100～200 m² .

Key words: Gaps, Regeneration response, Mid-subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests