The Growth of Rubus Vestitus in a Mixed Deciduous Woodland

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Abstract
The biennial pattern of above-ground growth of R. vestitus in Meathop Wood, Cumbria, UK, is described. The seasonal distribution of dry matter in the component parts of the plant was estimated in 3 contrasting types of stand. Total aerial dry weight showed an early summer maximum, corresponding to the full expansion of the lateral shoot system; mean maximum values for individual plants in the 3 types of stand were 17.4 .+-. 6.1, 7.8 .+-. 0.8 and 12.2 .+-. 1.1 g. Two crops of leaves are produced each year; one of these overwinters on the newly-developing canes in their 1st yr, and the 2nd, larger, flush is produced by the lateral shoots arising from axillary buds on the canes in their 2n yr. Estimates of net aerial production by each type of stand were 8.8, 15.5 and 25.6 g/m2. Propagation by the rooting of stem tips was more common than seedling establishment. Differences in the density and in the size of individual plants could be correlated with soil depth and soil chemistry.