Ecological studies onHoheria glabrata(Malvaceae) at Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand

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Abstract
Aspects of the ecology of the subalpine tree Hoheria glabrata were investigated a Pegleg Flat, Arthur's Pass National Park. H. glabrata is an early seral tree on recently disturbed sites. Average annual radial increment of timberline specimens was 1.6 mm, and shoot extension growth ranged from 74 mm in mature trees to 151 mm in juveniles. The comparatively high growth rates and vegetative regeneration by epicormic shoots enable the plants to survive extensive mechanical damage and frost damage to growing shoots. The lateral flower buds are produced annually but the subsequent flowering intensity can be reduced by abortion of buds or flowers following adverse climatic conditions. The coccio the dry, lobed fruit are wind dispersed; however most seeds fall close to the parent trees where successful establishment is unlikely. Open habitats with exposed mineral soil or gravel deposits are easily invaded when seed sources are available. Successful germination requires pre-chilling; seeds also germinate in the absence of light and at temperatures close to freezing point.

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