Ecological characteristics of Ulmus parvifolia, Celtis sinensis var. japonica and Aphananthe aspera on high and dry habitats of gravelly bars in rivers

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  • 河川砂礫堆上の高燥立地への侵入・定着過程にかかわるアキニレ・エノキ・ムクノキの生態学的特性
  • カセン サレキタイジョウ ノ コウソウ リッチ エノ シンニュウ テイチャク カテイ ニ カカワル アキニレ エノキ ムクノキ ノ セイタイガクテキ トクセイ

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Abstract

The traits of seed germination, seedling establishment, and seedling growth of three Ulmaceae trees, Ulmus parvifolia, Celtis sinensis var. japonica, and Aphananthe aspera, which occur frequently in riparian zones of the warm-temperate regions in Japan, were investigated for the purpose of elucidating the reason why only U. parvifolia can expand rapidly on high and dry habitats of gravelly bars. As the result of a field survey in the Monobe River, Shikoku, southern Japan, many seedlings and saplings of U. parvifolia were recognized to establish on bare land and grassland on gravelly bars. In contrast, those of C. sinensis var. japonica and A. aspera, which produce sap fruit dispersed by birds, occurred mostly beneath the sap fruit trees. Seeds of U. parvifolia and A. aspera do not have primary dormancy and were able to germinate after 6 months' preservation in dry conditions. However, seeds of C. sinensis var. japonica germinated only after preservation in wet conditions. As the result of the germination and establishment experiment, we found that the seedlings of U. parvifolia can establish on high and dry conditions, whereas those of C. sinensis var. japonica can not. In addition, thin and flat pericarp of U. parvifolia was considered through detailed observation to help the radicle elongate safely into soil. These results suggest that U. parvifolia, which makes anemochorous seeds, can disperse and establish easily to bare land or sparsely covered grassland. Although the survival rates of the seedlings of all species under high and dry conditions were low, the surviving seedlings, particularly of U. parvifolia, grew vigorously. These ecological characteristics of U. parvifolia enable the seedlings to establish on high and dry habitats, and hence are thought to be more adaptable in high, dry and stable habitats on gravelly bars than those of the other two species.

Journal

  • Vegetation Science

    Vegetation Science 23 (2), 89-103, 2006

    The Society of Vegetation Science

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