On the ecology of Acer circinatum Pursh: a study of factors that affect the distribution of a small hardwood tree within oldgrowth forests in southwestern British Columbia, Canada

Vine maple (Acer circinatum PURSH) is a common understory species in the temperate rainforests of southwest British Columbia. The influence of surficial geology, light availability, ground water levels, aspects of the microtopography and of vine maple persistence, priority effects and layering on the distribution pattern of vine maple within oldgrowth stands was investigated in this study. The distribution pattern was primarily influenced by surficial geology. High vine maple cover was significantly connected to rockfall sediment. This was probably a relic of vine maple dominance during primary succession. On a smaller scale light availability and potentially former light availability influenced vine maple cover and occurrence. Ground water levels, soil properties and slope inclination had no influence on vine maple distribution. Vine maple was able to delay but not completely repress gap closure in gaps it occupied.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Universität Oldenburg

Year

2002

Author dc:creator

• Gaspar, Judit

• [Keine Schlagwörter von Autor/in vergeben.]

Repository record source_url

http://oops.uni-oldenburg.de/271

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oops.uni-oldenburg.de:271