Phytosociology ofFagus hayatae forests in Taiwan

Abstract

We aimed to clarify the floristic composition and phytosociological characteristics of beech (Fagus hayatae) forests in Taiwan. An attempt was also made to compare the flora of theF. hayatae forest and adjacent evergreen forests and/or Japanese beech (F. crenata) forests using information from previous phytosociological studies.F. hayatae forests are confined to a small part of north-eastern Taiwan. Thus, sampling sites were designed to cover all the knownF. hayatae forests. A total of 23 releves were sampled and 163 species were recorded. The number of common species betweenF. hayatae forests and other forest ecosystems such as lower evergreen forests and Japanese forests were compared. Adjacent evergreen, broad-leaved forests in Taiwan consist of 29 common species withF. hayatae forests, while 57 component species ofF. hayatae forest were found common with the Japanese forests. A vegetation table was developed and one association (Yushanio-Fagetum hayatae Suzuki T. 1954, ex Hukusimaet al. 2004), with two subassociations and four variants were identified. In addition, a higher phytosociological unit was defined, in which the alliance Fagion hayatae Suzuki T. ex Hukusimaet al., the order Fagetalia hayatae nov.; and the class Fagetea crenatae Miyawaki, Ohba et Murase, 1964 were identified and/or proposed.F. hayatae forests in Taiwan distribute mainly on the summit and ridge part of the north-eastern mountains and were considered relict forest.