Abstract: Based on the data collected from 6 plots (15 m×15 m) of Rhododendron simsii shrubland at Daweishan, Hunan Province, this study analyzed the distribution patterns and aggregate intensity of 14 common woody species in R. simsii shrubland by variance/mean ratio, ttest, negative binomial parameter, clustered index, mean crowding index, poly block index, diffusion index, Green’s index and Cassic index. The results showed that 85.7% of 14 woody species (e.g. R. simsii, Symplocos hunanensis, Ilex szechwanensis) were distributed aggregately in R. simsii shrubland and their aggregate intensity decreased with their population density. The aggregate intensity of nondominant species (e.g. Viburnum foetidum var. rectangulatum, Weigela japonica var. sinica and Rhododendron latoucheae) was larger than that of dominant species (e.g. R. simsii and Symplocos hunanensis). The adaptability of species to mild, humid climate at the top of the mountain, biological characteristics (e.g. seed dispersal, sprouting abilities and shadetolerance) and disturbance were the main driving factors of spatial distribution patterns of woody species in R. simsii shrubland.

Key words: Longxi River, vegetation coverage, Wenchuan earthquake, remote sensing, vegetation recovery