Structure and dynamics of bamboos in the Wolong Natural Reserve, China

Culm (ramet) demography of Fargesia robusta and Bashania fangiana was studied over 7 yr in SW China. Culm numbers remained relatively constant (±20%) in most plots, but culm numbers increased (>20%) on some sites. Mortality of culms >6 mo old over 7 yr was low and constant, but mortality of younger culms (≤6 mo) was high and variable due to predation. Spreading clones had greater recruitment response to density than compact clones, but predation and climate may have diminished or amplified the observed demographic patterns. Predators and perhaps climate influenced culm demography, and culms that died were smaller than remaining live culms. -from Authors