Growth strategy of trees related to successional status II. Leaf dynamics

Abstract

The leaf dynamics of two early (Alnus nepalensis and Schima khasiana) and three late (Machilus kingii, Quercus dealbata and Q. griffithii) successional tree species of a subtropical humid, evergreen, montane forest at Upper Shillong (1900 m) in north-eastern India has been studied using demographic techniques. The open-grown early successional species show greater leaf production and higher turnover rate than the open-grown late successional species. The latter, under forest situations, have still slower turnover rates but with leaves of several age groups. It is suggested that the early successional species are attuned to environments of temporary resource availability while the late successional species are adapted to the relatively predictable but highly competitive environments of closed forests.