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Partial cambial mortality in high-elevation Pinus aristata (Pinaceae).
A J Schauer1, A W Schoettle, R L Boyce
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado 80208 USA; and.
American Journal of Botany
|April 17, 2001
Summary
Wind exposure is linked to partial cambial mortality in Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata). Larger trees and wind-facing sides showed higher mortality, suggesting wind is a key factor in this unique growth pattern.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Forest Science
- Botany
Background:
- Partial cambial mortality is a distinctive growth form observed in Pinus aristata.
- Understanding the drivers of this phenomenon is crucial for Pinus aristata ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of partial cambial mortality in Pinus aristata.
- To determine the relationship between tree size, aspect, and cambial death in Pinus aristata.
Main Methods:
- Data on tree size and cambial death aspect were collected from three Pinus aristata forests in Colorado.
- Cambial death frequency was analyzed in relation to tree diameter classes and directional exposure.
Main Results:
- Stripping frequency, indicative of cambial death, increased with larger tree diameter classes.
- Partial cambial mortality displayed significant directionality within stands.
- Cambial death was most frequent on the wind-exposed sides of trees in most study sites.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that wind exposure plays a significant role in causing partial cambial mortality in Pinus aristata.
- The precise mechanisms through which wind induces cambial mortality in this species require further investigation.