An Age--Altitude Matrix Analysis of Hawaiian Rain-Forest Succession

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Species composition and biomass of vascular plants were determined in a matrix of 29 sites on the wet eastern slope of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii. Sites were sampled at five or six altitudes (914-2438 m a.s.l.) on each of five known-age lava flows (5, 47, 137, 300 and 3400 years BP). The resultant age-climate matrix was used to examine patterns of biomass accumulation, species distribution, and diversity during primary succession. Biomass increased with substrate age and ranged from 0 to over 36 000 g m −2 across the matrix. Generally, biomass increased as altitude decreased, although the maximum value was observed at intermediate altitude on the oldest flow (...)