Tree floristic and structural characteristics of one hectare of subtropical rainforest in Lamington National Park

Abstract

A survey of trees has been conducted in one hectare of subtropical rainforest in Lamington National Park. All stems greater than 5cm diameter at 1.3m (dbh) were identified, their diameters measured and their positions plotted within the hectare. This is used to examine both the structure and the floristic composition of the vegetation. This reference plot exhibits high species richness and diversity, largely because of its location at a point of overlap between southern and northern floristic elements. The most important families on the plot are Sterculiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cunoniaceae, Rutaceae, and Lauraceae. The plot is dominated in terms of basal area by the family Sterculiaceae and within it, the genus Argyrodendron, which is represented by two species. Much floristic and structural information is lost if only those stems greater than 10cm dbh are analysed. The survey results are presented as baseline information for Australian sub-tropical complex notophyll vine forest at mid-elevation on basalt. These data are a contribution to the understanding of stand dynamics with respect to future disturbance and change. The need for a series of similar permanent vegetation plots across the range of diverse structural and floristic rainforest associations evident within the Australian flora is emphasised.