Host Selection and Distribution Patterns of Liana Plants in a Deciduous Broadleaf Forest in Jigong Mountain
Liana plant is a prominent component in forest ecosystems in subtropical and tropical regions, which plays a crucial role in maintaining species diversity and improving ecosystem function. However, whether liana plant selectively attached host species and if any distribution patterns exist while liana infests trees remain unclear. To examine the host selection and distribution patterns of liana plant, a field investigation with random sample method was conducted in a deciduous broadleaf forest in Jigong Mountain, Central China. It was found that broadleaf tree species (Liquidambar formosana and Quercus acutissima) had more liana infested than that of coniferous tree species (Pinus massoniana). Moss present or not on trunk surface showed no effect on the infestation of liana plants. Distribution of liana plant on tree surface showed substantial variations between upslope and downslope directions, with greater liana density on downslope direction at 5 cm height but lower density on the downslope direction at 130 cm height. The study indicates that to some extent liana plants show host selection while infesting trees and the distribution of liana plant on tree surface changes with microclimate. The finding also provides scientific evidence for the mechanism of coexistence and maintaining for different function species in forest ecosystems.
国家科技期刊平台
NSTL
万方数据
维普
