Abstract: In order to understand the interspecific and ecological relationships of Michelia odora (extremely small population) community and strengthen the protection of wild M. odora resources in Junzifeng Nature Reserve, we studied the niche characteristics and interspecific associations of dominant tree species. The results showed that M. odora, Machilus chekiangensis, Schima superba, and Alniphyllum fortunei had obvious niche breadth advantages, which were the constructive species of the community. Among the 190 groups of species pairs among the 20 dominant tree species, 50.5% of species pairs had niche overlap value greater than 0.5. The degree of ecological niche differentiation among species was general. M. odora had large niche overlap with other 19 species, indicating a competitive risk when resources were insufficient. The overall associations of dominant tree species were significantly positive, indicating the community was at the late stage of relatively stable succession. The results ofχ² test, asso-ciation coefficient, and Pearson correlation coefficient showed that all the significance ratios of interspecific association were lower, and that the independence among species was relatively strong. There was a positive correlation between interspecific association and niche overlap. The M. odora community was relatively mature, with full utilization of resources and stable interspecific relationship. To promote the rejuvenation and create a good habitat of M. odora population, the population size with large overlap with M. odora niche and significant negative association could be appropriately limited, while that with positive interaction could be increased.

Key words: Michelia odora, niche, interspecific association, extremely small population