Aspects of the Dynamics of the High Forest at Langebos (Alexandria Forest Type)

SYNOPSIS

All of the four dominant canopy species in the tall forest at Langebos appear to have recruitment bottlenecks (i.e. a relative absence of small stems). All apparently need large gaps to recruit, except Podocarpus falcatus which is shade-tolerant. Compared with the Knysna Forest there are very few stems per hectare at Langebos, especially in smaller size classes, although total basal area is similar. This relative lack of small stems is apparently due to a relative lack of shade-tolerant canopy species.