Population and growth characteristics of tanekaha in leptospermum scrub and secondary forest of the waitakere ranges, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Quantitative assessment was made of tanekaha (Phyllocladus trichomanoides) and other tree species populations regenerating in Leptospermum scrub and secondary forest on the upper catchment of the Swanson Stream in the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland. Tanekaha was widely distributed in the communities but dense populations occurred on crests and sides of ridges. In scrub, tanekaha was the most abundant forest tree species but in ridge-top secondary forest there was a preponderance of kauri (Agathis australis). Tanekaha stems varied widely in size and age. Analyses of stems showed that growth was slow but regular, and consistent with the few published data. There is evidence to suggest that tanekaha, particularly in competition with kauri, may be a species of short duration in the development of mature forest. © 1978 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.