Abstract: Based on the point maps and point pattern analysis, we studied the natural regeneration pattern and intergeneration association of Tsuga chinensis var. tchekiangensis in Jiangxi Wuyishan National Nature Reserve. The results showed that T. chinensis var. tchekiangensis was an increasing population with an age structure of pyramid shape. Seedlings and saplings exhibited an obvious clumped distribution at smaller spatial scales, and a random distribution at larger scales, but medium and mature trees presented a random distribution at all scales. The spatial associations between seedlings (or saplings) and medium, mature trees were negative at smaller scales, but not significant between medium and mature trees. These findings suggested that T. chinensis var. tchekiangensis regenerated naturally in forest gaps or at edges rather than under forest canopy, since the mature trees seemed to have a shading effect on seedlings and saplings.

Key words: the Loess Plateau, seasonal variation, vertical variation, mountain apple orchard, soil moisture