Forest In Central Japan Research Articles

Interannual Variation and Trend of Carbon Budget Observed for More Than Two Decades at Takayama in a Cool‐Temperate Deciduous Forest in Central Japan

AbstractLong‐term carbon dioxide (CO2) flux measurements between the atmosphere and the ecosystem have been made since 1993 at a cool‐temperate deciduous forest site (Takayama) in Japan influenced by the Asian Monsoon, constituting the longest data set among all the AsiaFlux sites. Interannual variations (IAVs) and trends in the annual carbon budget components and related environmental factors were examined. Annual net ecosystem production (NEP) (mean ± 1σ) during the period of eddy covariance measurements in 1999–2021 was 265 ± 86 gC m−2 yr−1, and its IAV was dependent more on gross primary production (GPP) than on ecosystem respiration. The annual NEP and GPP were correlated with the monthly mean NEP, GPP and leaf area index from June to September, as well as with the length of the net carbon uptake period. Significantly increasing and decreasing trends in the annual NEP and GPP were detected during 2004–2013 and 2013–2021, respectively. The increasing trends were mainly caused by the vegetation recovery from typhoon disturbances. On the other hand, although the cause of the decreasing trends was not clearly identified, recent extreme weather events and/or forest succession might be related to the trends. Significant positive correlations between the start and the end of the net carbon uptake period, and between the leaf expansion and leaf fall were found. These may be attributed to phenological characteristics and negative correlation between air temperature in spring and solar radiation in early fall associated with ENSO events that can also influence IAVs in annual NEP and GPP.

Ecological aspects of myxomycetes associated with white and brown wood rot on coarse woody debris in subalpine coniferous forests in Central Japan.

We investigated factors affecting the community composition of lignicolous myxomycetes in dead wood with white and brown rot through summer and autumn surveys in a subalpine forest in Central Japan. In both seasons, wood had decayed to a softer state under brown rot than under white rot. The pH of wood with white rot was nearly neutral, while wood with brown rot was weakly acidic. Wood pH was lower in summer than in autumn. Forty-two myxomycetes taxa in 19 genera were identified in 302 fruiting-body colonies; white rot yielded 31 taxa and brown rot 24 taxa. Species diversity was higher on wood with white rot than on wood with brown rot. The effect of wood hardness on species composition depended on season. Several species exhibited a preference for one of the rot types. The substrate conditions associated with brown rot limit myxomycetes species diversity.

Competitive ability of dwarf bamboo (Sasa borealis) through long‐term clonal growth in mixed dwarf bamboo communities in the understory of a temperate deciduous forest

AbstractWe investigated the clonal competition of three co‐occurring dwarf bamboo species, Sasa borealis, Sasa nipponica, and Sasaella ramosa, for 32 years in an old‐growth beech forest in central Japan. A study plot (10 m × 24 m) was established to examine the culm dynamics of these species. Sasa borealis had a competitive advantage over the other species. It invaded the other bamboo populations at a rate of 0.84–0.89 m/y from 1988 to 2020, while S. nipponica invaded at a rate of 0.17 m/y until 2003. After that, S. nipponica started to retreat at a rate of 0.85 m/y along with the invasion of S. borealis until 2020. The invasion rate of S. borealis did not change before and after the competition with S. nipponica. Our results showed that it would take 13.9–14.8 years from S. borealis invasion for S. nipponica to disappear. The density of S. ramosa decreased but it did not disappear from the plot because it retreated at a slow rate of 0.08 m/y. Sasa borealis almost achieved its potential maximum culm density, but the other two bamboo species did not. If stable conditions were maintained, S. borealis would continue to invade, dominate, and eliminate the other bamboo species. The ecological traits of dwarf bamboo species, such as the maximum density, size, and longevity of culms, are good indicators for assessing their competitiveness. Our findings demonstrate that dwarf bamboo species are actually replaced by another bamboo species in the forest understory during a long period.

Canopy Phenology and Meteorology Shape the Seasonal Dynamics in Hydrological Fluxes of Dissolved Organic Carbon in an Evergreen Broadleaved Subtropical Forest in Central Japan

Seasonal variabilities in hydrological fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and their driving factors in the evergreen broad-leaved forest are inadequately understood. To aid this understanding, we conducted a three-year study to examine seasonal changes in DOC concentration and flux in throughfall, stemflow, and litter leachate in an evergreen broad-leaved subtropical forest in central Japan. We specifically addressed (1) how DOC in different hydrological fluxes vary on a monthly to seasonal basis, and (2) how canopy phenology and meteorology shape the DOC concentration and flux of throughfall, stemflow, and litter leachate trends in this evergreen forest. Clear seasonal changes were found in throughfall and stemflow DOC concentration but not in litter leachate DOC concentration; the highest throughfall DOC concentrations were observed in spring (10.03 mg L−1 in 2017 and 9.59 mg L−1 in 2018, respectively) and the highest stemflow DOC concentrations were observed in summer (13.95 mg L−1 in 2017 and 16.50 mg L−1 in 2018, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed the monthly throughfall DOC concentration to be positively related to the dry weight of fallen leaves (r = 0.72, p < 0.05) and flowers (r = 0.91, p < 0.05). In addition, Random Forest models predicted that the dry weight of flowers was a primary driver of throughfall DOC concentration and that the DOC concentrations of stemflow and litter leachate were constrained by the throughfall DOC concentration. DOC fluxes in different hydrological flux were significantly positive related to bulk precipitation amounts and temperature. Moreover, the throughfall DOC concentration had a considerable effect on throughfall and litter leachate DOC fluxes. Over 75% of annual net tree-DOC (throughfall + stemflow) fluxes and more than 70% of the annual litter leachate DOC fluxes were produced in the flowering season. Thus, we speculated that the seasonal phenological canopy changes (leaf emergence, fallen leaves, flowering, and pollen) and the sufficient rainfall had great impacts on the amount and quality of DOC concentrations in the evergreen forest; and, furthermore, that the DOC from different forest hydrological fluxes was a significant fraction of the carbon that accumulates in soils.

Reproductive characteristics in an understory bamboo and gradual environmental changes after its dieback provide an extended opportunity for overstory tree regeneration in a mixed cool-temperate forest in central Japan.

The reproductive characteristics of understory bamboo and the effects of dieback on overstory tree seedlings through temporal changes in the environment at the forest floor have only been examined in a few bamboo species, due to the unpredictable occurrence of flowering events and long intervals between them but provide valuable information on tree regeneration and succession in a forest with dense dwarf bamboo cover. We investigated environmental conditions and assessed seedlings (< 30-cm tall) of the dwarf bamboo Sasa borealis and overstory tree species at 44-50 measurement points during 2016-2021, which included a S. borealis mass flowering event in 2017. We also conducted seed germination tests to determine germination rates and patterns in S. borealis. Environmental factors affecting seedling recruitment of S. borealis and of overstory trees were analysed using spatiotemporal generalized linear mixed models in the Bayesian framework. We observed gradual temporal changes in the environment, including increasing canopy openness and decreasing maximum height of dead S. borealis culms. The seeds germinated slowly and the emergence of current-year S. borealis seedlings peaked in spring-summer in 2019. The tree seedling density after 2019 increased significantly compared to that before the dieback. The model results suggest that tree seedling establishment was enhanced by increased light availability. Continuous field observation beginning before S. borealis dieback revealed gradually enhanced tree recruitment in response to slow decay of the remaining dead culms and slow recovery of S. borealis. The seedling regeneration pattern of understory bamboo partly contributes to a prolonged opportunity for overstory tree regeneration.

Identifying Spatial Variation of Carbon Stock in a Warm Temperate Forest in Central Japan Using Sentinel-2 and Digital Elevation Model Data

The accurate estimation of carbon stocks in natural and plantation forests is a prerequisite for the realization of carbon peaking and neutrality. In this study, the potential of optical Sentinel-2A data and a digital elevation model (DEM) to estimate the spatial variation of carbon stocks was investigated in a mountainous warm temperate region in central Japan. Four types of image preprocessing techniques and datasets were used: spectral reflectance, DEM-based topography indices, vegetation indices, and spectral band-based textures. A random forest model combined with 103 field plots as well as remote sensing image parameters was applied to predict and map the 2160 ha University of Tokyo Chiba Forest. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the factors driving the spatial distribution of forest carbon stocks. Our study shows that the Sentinel-2A data in combination with topography indices, vegetation indices, and shortwave-infrared (SWIR)-band-based textures resulted in the highest estimation accuracy. The spatial distribution of carbon stocks was successfully mapped, and stand-age- and forest-type-level variations were identified. The SWIR-2-band and topography indices were the most important variables for modeling, while the forest stand age and curvature were the most important determinants of the spatial distribution of carbon stock density. These findings will contribute to more accurate mapping of carbon stocks and improved quantification in different forest types and stand ages.

The first detection of avian haemosporidia from Culicoides biting midges in Japan, with notes on potential vector species and the transmission cycle.

Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) are capable of transmitting a variety of pathogens including viruses, trypanosomes and haemosporidia. The majority of Haemoproteus parasites are transmitted by biting midges predominantly of the genus Culicoides and are known to cause significant physical and reproductive impacts on both wild and domestic birds. In Japan, Haemoproteus had been detected from various avian hosts, but not from arthropod vectors. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of avian haemosporidia at an educational forest in central Japan in attempt to reveal possible vector species of Haemoproteus, which would help to better understand the transmission cycle of Haemoproteus within Japan and to develop preventative measures for captive and domestic birds. Biting midges were caught using UV light traps from 2016 to 2018. The collected samples were morphologically identified, and haemosporidian parasites were detected using PCR-based methods. The detected lineages were phylogenetically analyzed and compared with lineages previously detected from birds. Bloodmeal analyses were also carried out for part of the blood-fed individuals. Six Haemoproteus lineages were detected from 17 of 1042 female Culicoides (1.63%), including three species (C. sigaensis, C. arakawae, and C. pictimargo) in which Haemoproteus was detected for the first time. All detected lineages were placed in the subgenus Parahaemoproteus clade and were previously detected from crows of central Japan, strongly suggesting that parasites of these genetic lineages are transmitted between Culicoides and crows. Two Plasmodium lineages were also detected but are thought to be transmitted between Culex mosquitoes and birds of the educational forest based on previous detections. No amplifications were seen in bloodmeal analysis, possibly due to insufficient amount of blood, denaturation via digestion, or insufficient detectability of the used protocol. Haemoproteus DNA was detected from Culicoides for the first time in Japan, suggesting that transmission is possible within the country. These findings highlight the necessity to investigate Culicoides populations and Haemoproteus infections dynamics in Japan. However, vector competence could not be confirmed in this study and further studies are anticipated.

Homogenization of understory vegetation by an overabundance of deer (Cervus nippon) in a temperate forest in central Japan

ABSTRACT Deer browsing is a form of selective disturbance that homogenizes plant community composition and structure. In mountainous regions, disturbance intensity, together with topographical factors, affect plant communities. However, studies on the multiple effects of deer browsing and topographical factors on plant communities are limited. Here, we investigated the effects of deer exclusion on understory vegetation across the upper and lower slopes of a temperate deciduous forest in a mountainous area of Japan. We established six pairs of exclosure and control quadrats, with three pairs at each topographical position. We assessed changes in vegetation and plant structure (coverage and height), species composition, numbers of flowering/fruiting species, and damage to the plant species caused by deer browsing between 2009–2016. Vegetation coverage and the number of flowering/fruiting plant species increased in the exclosure quadrats during the study period, indicating that browsing prevents herb-layer species from reaching the flowering and fruiting stages in this site. Moreover, dissimilarity in species composition between the exclosure and control quadrats increased on the upper slope. However, the dissimilarity between upper and lower slopes in the control quadrats tended to decrease. Large herbs, which mainly include forbs and perennial species, were characteristically abundant on the lower slopes and decreased in the control quadrats on the lower slope. Our results indicate that the exclusion of deer had different effects on the understory vegetation of upper and lower slopes, suggesting that deer overbrowsing weakens the correlation between plant functional traits and topographic factors, resulting in homogenized plant communities.

Review: Biogeographic and environmental history of Fagus and beech‐dominant forest in Japan

AbstractThere is a rich beech fossil record in Japan dating from the Paleogene to the Holocene, which allows for the continuous tracing of the evolutionary history of the genus and allows us to understand the environmental background that facilitated the genus to obtain a dominant state in present‐day forests. In addition to the temperate climate, the oceanic climate was an important factor in controlling beech distribution and dominance in the forests in Japan. With the cooling climate, beech species began expanding their distribution in the Northern Hemisphere in the middle Eocene and appeared in Japan in the late middle Eocene. Beech species became dominant in forests in Japan during the Miocene along with the development of the oceanic climate by the opening of the Sea of Japan and with the strengthening of the monsoon. Fagus crenata appeared until the Late Pliocene and became dominant in forests in central Japan in the late Early Pleistocene coinciding with the onsetting inflow of the Tsushima Warm Current to the Sea of Japan in interglacial stages. During the full‐glacial stages since the late Middle Pleistocene, the cold and dry climate caused by the strong winter monsoon limited the distribution of beeches into refugia at humid places, including the inland. During the deglaciation since ca 19 ka, the beech population began to grow and its distribution expanded, controlled by the development of the Tsushima Warm Current, as well as latitudinal and altitudinal temperature clines.

Bark Stripping by Deer Disturbs Regeneration in a Larix–Abies Subalpine Forest

Deer can slow the natural succession of forests from light-demanding to shade-tolerant species or even keep forests in an early successional stage. This study examined the effects of bark stripping by deer (Cervus nippon) on the stand dynamics in a Larix kaempferi–Abies veitchii subalpine forest in central Japan. Bark stripping by C. nippon was concentrated on smaller A. veitchii individuals, and the number of stems with stripped bark increased over the study period (2007–2019). Unlike other tree species in the study plot, the main mortality factor of A. veitchii was bark stripping. In addition, the mortality factors of A. veitchii clearly differed among tree sizes: smaller A. veitchii trees (diameter at breast height ≤ 15 cm) died owing mainly to bark stripping, whereas larger individuals died owing mainly to uprooting, snapping, and standing dead trees. At this forest site, bark-stripping deer preferred the late-successional species (A. veitchii) to the early-successional species (L. kaempferi), and consequently, the progress of succession was disturbed.

Application of a Novel Multiscale Global Graph Convolutional Neural Network to Improve the Accuracy of Forest Type Classification Using Aerial Photographs

The accurate classification of forest types is critical for sustainable forest management. In this study, a novel multiscale global graph convolutional neural network (MSG-GCN) was compared with random forest (RF), U-Net, and U-Net++ models in terms of the classification of natural mixed forest (NMX), natural broadleaved forest (NBL), and conifer plantation (CP) using very high-resolution aerial photographs from the University of Tokyo Chiba Forest in central Japan. Our MSG-GCN architecture is novel in the following respects: The convolutional kernel scale of the encoder is unlike those of other models; local attention replaces the conventional U-Net++ skip connection; a multiscale graph convolutional neural block is embedded into the end layer of the encoder module; and various decoding layers are spliced to preserve high- and low-level feature information and to improve the decision capacity for boundary cells. The MSG-GCN achieved higher classification accuracy than other state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. The classification accuracy in terms of NMX was lower compared with NBL and CP. The RF method produced severe salt-and-pepper noise. The U-Net and U-Net++ methods frequently produced error patches and the edges between different forest types were rough and blurred. In contrast, the MSG-GCN method had fewer misclassification patches and showed clear edges between different forest types. Most areas misclassified by MSG-GCN were on edges, while misclassification patches were randomly distributed in internal areas for U-Net and U-Net++. We made full use of artificial intelligence and very high-resolution remote sensing data to create accurate maps to aid forest management and facilitate efficient and accurate forest resource inventory taking in Japan.

Biometric-Based Net Primary Production (NPP) and the Effects of a Masting Event on Production Allocation in a Secondary Lucidophyllous Forest in Central Japan

Lucidophyllous (evergreen broad-leaved) forests are the dominant forests in human-dominated subtropical/warm-temperate regions in East Asia. Biometric-based estimates of net primary production (NPP) were conducted in a secondary lucidophyllous forest on Mt. Kinka (35°26′ N, 136°47′ E) near the northern limit of their distribution in central Japan for three years, including the masting event. The forest stand mainly consists of Castanopsis cuspidata (Thunb.) Schottky and Cleyera japonica Thunb. in the canopy and subtree layers, respectively. In 2018, the total NPP of the masting year was 14.53 ± 2.03 ton ha−1 yr−1, including woody NPP (above: 2.63 ± 0.35 ton ha−1 yr−1; below: 0.57 ± 0.08 ton ha−1 yr−1), foliage NPP (4.07 ± 0.23 ton ha−1 yr−1), reproductive NPP (4.81 ± 0.77 ton ha−1 yr−1), and fine root production (Pfr) (2.46 ± 1.84 ton ha−1 yr−1). Pfr and belowground production comprised 16.9% and 20.9%, respectively, of the total NPP. The nut production of C. cuspidata in 2018 (4.31 ± 0.75 ton ha−1 yr−1) was significantly higher than that in 2017 (0.77 ± 0.13 ton ha−1 yr−1) and 2019 (0.23 ± 0.06 ton ha−1 yr−1). No significant change was observed for the three years of foliage NPP and total NPP without Pfr. However, the woody NPP in 2018 (3.20 ± 0.43) was lower than in 2017 (5.37 ± 0.33 ton ha−1 yr−1) and 2019 (4.71 ± 0.38 ton ha−1 yr−1). This suggests that nut production in the masting years compensated by decreasing woody production in the Castanopsis forest.

Responses to changes in precipitation of plant species vary by functional groups on understories of temperate forests in central Japan

Climate change has one of the most dramatic impacts on plant species diversity at the global scale. However, compared to global warming, there are few reports of the effects of changes in long-term precipitation patterns on plant community diversity in areas other than moisture-limited areas, for example temperate areas. In temperate forests, understory plant communities constitute a large proportion of plant diversity. It is crucial to investigate effects of change in long-term precipitation patterns and the other important environmental changes on plant species composition of understories in temperate forests for making the conservation strategy. The important changes that may have particularly affected plant composition in recent years include the followings; temperature rise, increase of large herbivores, change of habitat area, and changes in the cover of canopy and understory-abundant species according to the land use change. Vulnerability to the above environmental changes may be higher for species groups that are less adapted to their current habitat and have shrinking population sizes (e.g., grassland species on understories in abandoned secondary forests). The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of precipitation and the above-mentioned factors on changes in cover of individual species on understories in temperate forests from the 1980s to the 2000s. In the analysis, we took into account the differences in the functional groups of the species (grassland herbaceous species, forest herbaceous species, and woody species). Grassland herbaceous species responded more sensitively to precipitation, temperature, cover of dwarf bamboo, and deer habitat use than other functional groups. In the 1980s, the cover of grassland herbaceous species tended to be higher in places with lower precipitation, higher temperatures, and lower cover of dwarf bamboo and canopy, in association with climatic conditions and past land-use history. Over the last 20 years, increased precipitation and deer habitat use had particularly strong effects on the decline of grassland herbaceous species. This study found that precipitation variability is becoming a driving factor for biodiversity change through decline of vulnerable species groups in temperate areas. We should continue to monitor the precipitation effects on the ecosystems.

Effects of topography and historical human disturbance on the current-day distribution of Betula davurica in a secondary deciduous forest in central Japan

ABSTRACT Betula davurica is a relict species in Japan of which distribution is influenced by topography at local scale. This species may also be dependent on disturbance for regeneration. However, no studies found that estimate and compare the effects of topography and human disturbance on abundance of this species. Focusing on abandoned charcoal kilns and charcoals in the surface soil as proxies for historical disturbance, we assessed the status of B. davurica in a secondary deciduous broad-leaved stand in central Japan. Although B. davurica was once a dominant species in the study area, its regeneration has stagnated after decline of charcoal production. The oldest individual was 90 years of age, suggesting that the current-day population established following a period of grassland dominance 100 years ago. We found multiple abandoned kilns, as well as widespread charcoal fragments in the surface soils of the study area. Both individuals, that had established prior to and following the decline of charcoal production, tended to be distributed at sites with other tree species with smaller DBH and at gentle slope. Location of charcoal kilns did not significantly affect the distribution of this species. It is possible that B. davurica prefers to gentle slope at the sites where historical logging for charcoal production and fire disturbance had influenced at the whole. Cessation of logging and fire disturbance have likely inhibited the regeneration of B. davurica. Logging of other tree species around at gentle slope may be necessary for the survival of this species.

Effects of climate on the tree ring density and weight of Betula ermanii in a cool temperate forest in central Japan

Effects of climate on the tree ring density and weight of Betula ermanii in a cool temperate forest in central Japan

Bridging Academics’ Roles in Knowledge Diffusion in Sustainability-Driven Public–Private Partnerships: A Case Study of the SDGs Workshop in Central Japan

This article discusses the role of academics in knowledge diffusion among various stakeholders using a case study of a sustainability-oriented workshop to address issues of a local forest in central Japan. This research employs thematic analysis through interpreted data from documents, minutes of meetings, workshop interactions among stakeholders, debriefing sessions, questionnaires, and fieldwork findings of participants in a regional business school. The findings show that Bridging Academics (BAs) have effectively facilitated knowledge diffusion amongst global, national and local stakeholder clusters. The interactions among workshop stakeholders resulted in outcomes that enhanced awareness of knowledge gaps, fostered effective communication, enabled knowledge extension, and created shared values. The study contributes towards the understanding of academics’ roles in collaborative settings for sustainability and suggests a multi-node knowledge link model as a collaborative mechanism for knowledge diffusion. The study suggests implications for stakeholders and provides a use case relevant to sustainability-based regional development.

Linking Seasonal Variability in Throughfall and Stemflow Dissolved Organic Carbon to Canopy Phenology in an Evergreen Broad-Leaved Subtropical Forest in Central Japan

Linking Seasonal Variability in Throughfall and Stemflow Dissolved Organic Carbon to Canopy Phenology in an Evergreen Broad-Leaved Subtropical Forest in Central Japan

Differential Attraction of Large and Small Tunneling Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae and Scarabaeidae) to Native Mammal Dung in a Satoyama Forest in Central Japan

Differential Attraction of Large and Small Tunneling Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae and Scarabaeidae) to Native Mammal Dung in a Satoyama Forest in Central Japan

Flowering and fruiting of the dioecious canopy tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum over an 8-year period in central Japan

ABSTRACT To investigate the reproductive traits of the dioecious canopy tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum, we performed visual surveys from 2000 to 2007 to assess the flowering and fruiting of 59 individuals in a riparian forest in central Japan. Flowering and fruiting were assigned to ranked categories, where 1 indicated none and 5 indicated abundant production throughout the canopy. In addition, we used conical seed traps to assess the seed production of this species at the center of the forest. Of the 59 study individuals, 20 female and 26 male trees were >26 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) and classified into the canopy layer. The remaining smaller individuals were non-reproductive and, excluding one, were classified into the sub-canopy layer. We estimated that C. japonicum may require 100 years of growth to reach 26 cm in DBH in a riparian forest. Both sexes produced abundant flowers in all years, and males exhibited slightly higher flowering and lower variation than females. Individuals with a DBH > 50 cm tended to flower very abundantly, and this pattern was consistent with trees over 1 m in DBH. Seed-trap surveys indicated that C. japonicum seeds were dispersed annually, with inter-annual variation. We conclude that C. japonicum is quite slow to reach sexual maturity, but can produce very abundant flowers, fruits, and seeds annually throughout its long lifespan.

Interspecific variation in clonality in temperate lianas revealed by genetic analysis: Do clonal proliferation processes differ among lianas?

AbstractLianas are important components of forest communities with a considerable impact on overall forest structure and function. Lianas are characterized by extensive clonal reproduction on the forest floor, which is important for their establishment and growth. Previous studies have suggested that clonal reproduction strategies vary substantially among liana species; however, few studies have quantitatively evaluated the clonality strategy in multiple co‐occurring liana species. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the relative contribution of clonal reproduction and to understand the clonal proliferation processes in co‐occurring liana species by assessing both small stems on the forest floor and mature stems that climbed trees. The clonal reproduction strategy in four common liana species (stem twiner: Wisteria floribunda; root climbers: Schizophragma hydrangeoides, Euonymus fortunei and Rhus ambigua) in a 6‐ha plot and a belt transect within an old‐growth temperate forest in central Japan was evaluated using genetic analysis. The contribution of clonal reproduction was smaller in root climbers than in W. floribunda. All W. floribunda genets with small ramets in the understory had genetically identical ramets that climbed trees, whereas few such ramets were found in root climbers. This indicates that W. floribunda mature ramets laterally produce small ramets via clonal proliferation, whereas seedlings of root climbers grow horizontally to climb trees. The results indicate that the clonal reproduction processes differ greatly among lianas and the clonal growth in lianas plays a contrasting role in their life‐history strategy.