Abstract
The spatial distribution, population structure, habitat condition, and seed production of Fagus crenata and Fagus japonica, which are the dominant species of beech (Fagus crenata) forests, were investigated. The investigation was carried out on Mt Rokko in the southeastern part of Hyogo Prefecture, and it aimed to clarify the present states of the two species and collect information that can contribute to the restoration of Fagus crenata forests of Mt. Rokko. We identified 130 Fagus crenata and 1151 Fagus japonica individuals in the study area. Both species occurred disproportionately on the northern slope of Mt. Rokko, and their main habitats were steep slopes. Nut-bearing Fagus japonica individuals accounted for approximately 94% of the individuals more than 10 m in height. On the other hand, only a smaller proportion of Fagus crenata produced nuts. Fagus crenata mostly existed as canopy trees, and its saplings and seedlings were rare. Hence, it appeared that the restoration of the Fagus crenata forests of Mt. Rokko would be extremely difficult without human intervention. It was suggested that planting Fagus crenata seedlings is a requisite for restoring the beech forests of Mt. Rokko.
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