Structure characteristics and spatial distribution of Machilus pauhoi population in Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi

To reveal the population structure and distribution of natural Machilus pauhoi, and provide scientific basis for its conservation of wild resources and reforestation, population structure, spatial pattern and dynamics of M. pauhoi were investigated in a 3.2 hm2 forest dynamic plot of evergreen broadleaved forest in the Damingshan National Nature Reserve in south China, using the age structure and survivorship curve. The results indicated that the DBH size-class structure of M. pauhoi exhibited an L-shaped pattern. The individuals of seeding and sapling represented 47.75% and 39.45% of the total individuals. The tree heights of 92.4% of individuals were below 10 m. The survivorship curve of M. pauhoi population generally matched a Deevey Type , indicating the same mortality rate in different size classes. M. pauhoi population showed an aggregated spatial distribution and tended to uniform with age scale increasing. The results indicated that there was a good regeneration of M. pauhoi across the community. Intraspecific competition rather than interspecific competition was not severe in a wet and warm habitat in Damingshan National Nature Reserve, may affect the clustering intensity of different growth periods.