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Rodent seed hoarding and regeneration of Aesculus turbinata: patterns, processes and implications

  • Chapter
Ecology of Riparian Forests in Japan

Abstract

Tree regeneration is often limited by seed abundance, herbivore activities, and microhabitat suitability (Crawley 2000). In montaneous riparian habitats, tree seedling establishment often depends on particular microhabitats associated with the disturbance regime (e.g. gravel debris and mineral soil exposure, Sakio 1997; Kubo et al. 2000; Masaki et al. 2007). However, the Japanese horsechestnut, Aesculus turbinata Blume (Hippocastanaceae) is a tree species that is common in montane riparian forests but does not appear to have particular requirements for establishment. The reproductive traits of this species are characterized by conspicuously large inflorescences and extremely large seeds (21g in fresh weight and 6.2 g in dry weight). In general, large seeds provide a greater chance of seedling establishment through persistence under shade and resistance to disease (Westoby et al. 1992).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Environment, Akita Prefectural University, 241 Kaidoh-bata-Nishi, Shimoshinjo-Nakano, Akita, 010-0195, Japan

    Kazuhiko Hoshizaki

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  1. Kazuhiko Hoshizaki
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sado Station, Field Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, 94-2 Koda, Sado, Niigata, 952-2206, Japan

    Hitoshi Sakio Ph.D. (Professor) (Professor)

  2. Department of Environment Systems, Faculty of Geo-environmental Science, Rissho University, 1700 Magechi, Kumagaya, Saitama, 360-0194, Japan

    Toshikazu Tamura Ph.D. (Professor) (Professor)

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Hoshizaki, K. (2008). Rodent seed hoarding and regeneration of Aesculus turbinata: patterns, processes and implications. In: Sakio, H., Tamura, T. (eds) Ecology of Riparian Forests in Japan. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-76737-4_7

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