Part 4. Composition of the Beech-Podocarp Forest

Abstract

Abstract Unmodified beech-podocarp forest was sampled by the quarter method near sea level and at an elevation of 1,000–1,300 ft. These samples indicated that: (a) there were about 250 trees per acre near sea level and 400 trees per acre at 1,000–1,300 ft. (b) about half the total tree population was kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa). (c) adult podocarps approximately equalled adult beeches in numbers at both altitudes. (d) totara (Podocarpus ballii) was the least important of the adult podocarps near sea level, but replaced rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) substantially and miro (Podocarpus ferrugineus) completely at 1,000–1,300 ft. (e) at both altitudes two-thirds or more of the adult beech trees were mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) and the remainder were silver beech (N. menziesii). (f) rata (Metrosideros umbellata) was rare near sea level and less important than either beeches or podocarps at 1,000–1,300 ft. (g) totara was smaller in diameter at 1,000–1,300 ft than near sea level but s...