Stunted Cloud-forest in Taveuni, Fiji

Abstract

The vegetation and microclimate of a stunted ridge-top cloudforest
\non Mt. Koroturanga (l210m), Taveuni, Fiji (Lat. l7 °S, Long. 180°) is
\ndescribed. Canopy heights decreased from about 30m at sea level to 10m at
\n1140m altitude and to 3-7m on the ridge and upper windward slopes. The
\nstunted trees were of low height for their stem diameter, and had abundant
\nepiphytic bryophytes. The upper windward slopes and ridge were usually cloud
\nenveloped and had low temperature (c 17°C), high relative humidity (c94%) and
\nhigh wind speed (c 5m S-1 at 15m height). Canopy height was closely correlated
\nwith estimated rates of leaf transpiration. The cloud-forest had abundant
\nFreycinetia urvilleana in the upper canopy and included species restricted to this
\nenvironment on a few peaks in Fiji, e.g. Ascarina swamyana and Medinilla
\nwaterhousei.