Climate and height growth of taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides) and Taiwan incense-cedar (Calocedrus formosana) in Taiwan

摘要

Taiwan incense-cedar (Calocedrus formosana (Florin) Florin) and taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata) are coniferous species growing in Taiwan, Republic of China. Both species are red listed, and hence, their management and conservation are important. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of climate on the height growth of Taiwan incense-cedar and taiwania. Height growth data for Taiwan incense-cedar came from stem analysis data and the data for taiwania were from three sets of experimental plots. Climate data were obtained from nearby climate stations. Dynamic height growth models having parameters that were functions of climate variables were fit to the height data. A Chapman-Richards function formed the basis for Taiwan incense-cedar model, and a linear model was fit to the taiwania data. Mean summer temperature and precipitation were predictor variables for Taiwan incense-cedar height growth. These variables, along with growing degree-days, were predictor variables for taiwania. Several scenarios were devised to show the effect of climate on height growth. Under the A1B climate change scenario, the height growth of taiwania is expected to increase, but the height growth of Taiwan incense-cedar will decrease slightly. The climate/height growth relationships can assist in the conservation and stewardship of these species.