No abstract

Flowering phenology of Chusquea quila was examined in this study. Adult individuals of C. quila were monitored for one year and synflorescences collected to analyze temporal changes in flowering phenology. The flowering process, from the time synflorescences are produced until mature fruits are dispersed and parental culms die, took aprox. two years. The foliage appeared to be physiologically active from flowering time (i.e., synflorescences and anthesis) to the formation of bamboo fruits. Once fruits started to be dispersed, parental plants began to die, as evidenced by the withering of foliage, culms and rhizomes. In the following spring, a new bamboo seedling cohort was quickly established from seed.

No abstract

In old-growth forests at low elevations in south-central of Chile (38-42º S), the native understory bamboo Chusquea quila plays an important role on the establishment and growth of tree species in tree-fall gaps. Bamboo dieback that occurs after an extensive vegetative period represents a large-scale endogenous disturbance that could influence tree regeneration dynamics in gaps. The main goal of this study was to analyze the main patterns of the tree regeneration in canopy gaps in an old-growth remnant forest, 10 years after the bamboo dieback in 1994. Six gaps tree-fall gaps were located and permanent plots were established to study the demography and growth changes of the advanced regeneration and new recruitments. These changes were evaluated between the years 1994 and 2003. The advanced regeneration was composed mainly of the shadetolerant tree species A. punctatum, L. philippiana and A. luma. Their mortality after 10 years averaged 42 % and affected mostly individuals originated from seeds. In contrast, individuals of L. philippiana and E. cordifolia, originated from rootstocks, showed higher growth rates and lower mortality. On the other hand, new recruitment

After anthropogenic disturbances, the establishment and development of temperate broad-leaved forests is often inhibited by competing vegetation such as the genus Chusquea. The recent synchronous flowering and subsequent death of quila (Chusquea quila) in south-central Chile has opened up extensive areas that may now be used for productive forestry through the planting of native trees.Although Ulmo (Eucryphia cordifolia), Laurel (Laurelia sempervirens), and Olivillo (Aextoxicon punctatum) are important components of these temperate forests, studies of their growth and survival are scarce. In 1994 the three species were planted together in large forest clearings that had previously been dominated by dense stands of quila, which had died following its synchronous flowering of 1992 and 93. At the time of planting, quila was partially decomposed. Growth, survival, and general condition of the three species were recorded for two growing seasons, starting in 1994. Results indicate that Ulmo grew much faster than the other two species, although it had the lowest survival rate. Laurel and Olivillo were less damaged and, in general, in much better condition than Ulmo.