Central Die-back of Monoclonal Stands ofReynoutria japonicain an Early Stage of Primary Succession on Mount Fuji

Abstract

Reynoutria japonica is a common perennial pioneer species on Japanese volcanoes. In a volcanic desert (1500 m above sea level) on Mount Fuji (3776 m), central Japan, this species forms circular stands (patches). As a patch develops, shoot density decreases in its centre (' central die-back '). The central die-back has been considered a key process in the early stages of primary succession, though its mechanism has been unknown.