Habitat types of Ohanabatake vegetation in the Akaishi Mountains, central Japan.

Abstract

Discusses 6 habitats and reveals 4 conditions essential to the formation of Ohanabatake vegetation. 1) Below the timberline, there should be open spaces caused by the restraint of forest invasion or the forest retreat due to such reasons as wind-swept and hydric conditions. 2) Above the timberline, sufficient snow should cover the land surface in winter and the snow cover should continue till early summer. 3) Suitable moisture conditions should be provided by snowmelt just before alpine plants germinate. 4) The soil should be stable, particularly in the case of steep slopes.-English summary