Story: Southern beech forest

Mountain beech seedlings (1st of 2)

Mountain beech seedlings

After a mast year (when there are exceptional numbers of flowers and seeds) there will be a profusion of seedlings. These will persist on the forest floor for decades. Some will grow rapidly once tree death allows in sufficient light But very few will survive to reach canopy height. Over the years seedlings and saplings compete for water, nutrients and light.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAQA 6500 Col532
Photograph by John Johns

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How to cite this page:

Joanna Orwin, 'Southern beech forest - Ecology', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13317/mountain-beech-seedlings (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Joanna Orwin, published 24 Sep 2007