Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2025, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (12): 1973-1990.DOI: 10.17521/cjpe.2024.0466  cstr: 32100.14.cjpe.2024.0466

• Research Articles •     Next Articles

Liana prevalence and its influencing factors in tropical forests of Xishuangbanna, Southwestern China

DONG Jin-Long1,2,3(), DENG Yun1,3,*(), ZHANG Wen-Fu1,3, YUAN Sheng-Dong1,3, YAN Guang4, CHEN Dian5, GUO Xian-Ming4, LIU Feng5,6, LIN Lu-Xiang1,3   

  1. 1Yunnan Key Laboratory of Forest Ecosystem Stability and Global Change, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
    2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    3National Forest Ecosystem Research Station at Xishuangbanna, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
    4Research Institute of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, Jinghong, Yunnan 666100, China
    5Administration Bureau of Yunnan Nabanhe National Nature Reserve, Jinghong, Yunnan 666100, China
    6Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland, Kunming 650041, China
  • Received:2024-12-23 Accepted:2025-04-08 Online:2025-12-20 Published:2025-12-29
  • Contact: DENG Yun
  • Supported by:
    Yunnan Province Fundamental Research Project(202301AT070356)

Abstract:

Aims Lianas are important components of tropical forest ecosystems, often restricting tree growth and biomass accumulation through their prevalence. Despite their ecological significance, the patterns of liana prevalence among forest trees and the factors influencing them remain poorly understood. This study examines how environmental condition and tree diameter infuence liana prevalence across three tropical forest types in Xishuangbanna, Southwestern China.

Methods Using the data from 21 1 hm2 forest plots, this study assessed liana prevalence by comparing liana prevalence across forest types, analyzing environmental drivers, and exploring the trends in liana prevalence with increasing tree diameter at breast height (DBH).

Important findings Liana prevalence varied across forest types, with the highest rates observed in tropical seasonal moist forests (27.8% ± 9.2%), moderate rates in tropical rainforests (25.2% ± 10.6%), and the lowest rates in tropical lowland evergreen broadleaf forests (12.5% ± 10.7%). Key environmental factors influencing liana prevalence included Climate Principal Component 1, positivly loaded with temperature-related variables such as the minimum air temperature of the coldest month, the mean air temperature of the coldest quarter, and the mean air temperature of the driest quarter; Soil Principal Component 2, negatively loaded with nutrient factors like total carbon concentration, total nitrogen concentration, and hydrolyzable nitrogen concentration; and Soil Principal Component 3, primarily negatively loaded with total potassium concentration. Across all forest types, liana prevalence increased with tree diameter at breast height, indicating larger trees are more susceptible. Certain tree species exhibited pronounced liana prevalence in specific forest types. For example, Castanopsis indica exhibited liana prevalence of 54.3% in tropical rainforests and 40.6% in tropical lowland evergreen broadleaf forests, while Markhamia stipulata showed liana prevalence of 38.2% in tropical lowland evergreen broadleaf forests and 55.6% in tropical seasonal moist forests. Additionally, Mallotus barbatus and Mallotus philippensis recorded prevalence rates of 43.9% and 75.8% in tropical rainforests and tropical seasonal moist forests, respectively. This study highlights the variations in liana prevalence across environmental factors and tree diameter gradients in Xishuangbanna’s tropical forests. The findings advance our understanding of the interactions between liana prevalence, vegetation types, and environmental conditions, contributing to the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests under global change.

Key words: liana prevalence, tropical forest, environmental gradient, tree diameter gradient