Multi-Stemmed Trees in Rainforest

Abstract

Trees of Doryphora sassafras and Eucryphia moorei, growing in undisturbed, more or less single- species stands of cool temperate rainforest near the limits of their distribution, produce multiple stems from a swollen stem base that resembles a lignotuber. Both fine and large roots are also produced from the stem base. The stem base survives the death of the main stem and its root system and is thus able to vegetatively reproduce the original tree. Vegetative reproduction appears to compensate for the lack of seedling regeneration on the forest floor and results in ecologically stable and genetically conservative communities.