A preliminary vegetation study of Fagus forests in central China : species composition, structure and ecotypes

Beech（Fagus）forests were surveyed from eastern to western central China by phytosociological methods （Braun-Blanquet 1964）and were summarized into four communities. The main environmental factors affecting vegetation establishment were analyzed. Physiognomically, Fagus forests in central China can be classified into two types. Type 1 involves semi-evergreen forests of evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved trees. This type oc-curs at high altitude（1,140―1,980 m）in mountains with clouds and mist ; the climate is warm and moist. Low temperature and freezing damage are the main limiting factors. Type 2 is deciduous broad-leaved forests. These occur in low mountains（900―1,040 m）in coastal areas. Typhoons and rainstorms are the main limiting factors. Type 2 is similar to the Sapio japonici-Fagetum crenatae in southern Japan