Recherches sur les écosystèmes des réserves biologiques de la forêt de Fontainebleau. VII. Structure et fonctions des peuplements de houx (Ilex aquifolium L.)

Holly bushes form an important structural unit in some natural reserves of the Fontainebleau forest (60 km S.E. of Paris). Due to the high stem density of the holly, its great basal area and the longevity of its leaves (about two years), the biomass and the global productivity of the mature beech-oak forest are appreciably increased. This additional production brings about a large immobilisation and important turn-over of nutrients. Holly plays an important role as potassium accumulator and magnesium cycle accelerator. The leaf litter, falling alternately from holly and trees, is appreciably increased in volume and its mineral and nitrogen contents are enriched. During the first months following leaf drop, decomposition of the holly litter is very rapid. The actual evolution of holly populations tend to be extended by the peripheral formation of suckers and by seedlings. Under the bushes, deep shade and thick litter accumulation inhibit any regeneration. The progressive substitution of old oaks by beeches is unfavorable to holly. The presence of holly stands could represent a preterminal stage of this forest succession.Clabault G., Lemée G., Bichaut N., Legay B., Pontailler J.Y. Recherches sur les écosystèmes des réserves biologiques de la forêt de Fontainebleau. VII. Structure et fonctions des peuplements de houx (Ilex aquifolium L.). In: Revue d'Écologie (La Terre et La Vie), tome 34, n°3, 1980. pp. 317-334