title: Spatial distribution and regeneration of Quercus semecarpifolia and Quercus floribunda in a subalpine forest of western Himalaya, India.
abstract: Studies were conducted on population status and regeneration of Quercus semecarpifolia and Quercus floribunda in a subalpine forest of western Himalaya. Saplings of Q. semecarpifolia belonging to the 51-100 cm size class and those of Q. floribunda belonging to the 101-150 cm size class were well represented in studied subalpine forests. Comparable seedling emergence and establishment of both species, either in the habitat dominated by same or different species seems to be an adaptational strategy of these species in subalpine forests. Seedling to tree ratio for Q. semecarpifolia was higher in the stand dominated by Q. floribunda, while comparable pattern was observed for Q. floribunda in the stand dominated by Q. semecarpifolia. Establishment of higher percent of seedlings of one species in the habitats dominated by another species of Quercus appears to indicate an oligarchic nature of oaks in subalpine forests. This study describes regeneration strategies, and spatial distribution of these species in a subalpine forest of Uttarakhand.
authors.affiliation: Herbal Research and Development Institute, Mandal, Gopeshwar, 246401 Uttarakhand India.
authors.forename: Vinod K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Bisht
authors.affiliation: Herbal Research and Development Institute, Mandal, Gopeshwar, 246401 Uttarakhand India.
authors.forename: Chandra P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Kuniyal
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizwal, 796001 Mizoram India.
authors.forename: Bhagwati P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Nautiyal
authors.affiliation: High Altitude Plants Physiology Research Centre, HNB Garhwal (Central) University, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand India.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Prasad
keywords: Adaptation strategy; Oaks; Oligoarchic; Subalpine forests; Survivorship