| Ancient redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) often have complex crowns consisting of enormous branches and multiple, resprouted trunks that support deep humus accumulations. Here is a 1.5 m diameter branch growing from the main trunk (far left in photo) of a 105 m tall redwood at 35 m above the ground. Four smaller trunks can be seen emanating from this branch. A well developed assemblage of vascular plants, including sword fern (Polystichum munitum), evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), and leather fern (Polypodium scouleri) grow as epiphytes on a 1 m deep humus accumulation. Note the sword ferns on the forest floor (lower left in photo).
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| Investigators |
| Billy Ellyson (M.A. candidate), Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University
Dr. Steve Sillett, Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University
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What is the Issue? |
| MAINTENANCE OF ANCIENT TREES AND THEIR FORESTS |
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Most of the giant redwood forests have been logged. Understanding the ecology of these ancient forests is paramount to the success of protecting the remaining remnants of the once mighty northern California forests. Epiphytes are plants that grow on trees without causing them harm. In the redwood forests, these mosses, liverworts and lichens grow in abundance on giant Sitka spruce trees and provide food and shelter for other plants and animals, as well as contributing to forest nutrient cycles. Expert biologists have been climbing these giant spruce trees, often reaching heights of 305 feet (90 meters), to investigate the plant communities occupying the forest canopy. These results will help determine the ecological requirements of these forests and assist in a conservation plan for their protection.
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What is our goal? |
| CATALOGUING FLORA AND PROTECTION OF ANCIENT FORESTS.
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| Gardens in the sky: understanding the plants that live in the giant redwood forest canopy. |
Where we currently stand. |
| Assessing the quantity, distribution and growth patterns of epiphytes is essential in order to better understand the ecology of ancient forests. This study is attempting to contribute more extensive knowledge of canopy plant life on giant Sitka spruce to the existing research literature. All the field work and data analyses have been completed. Manuscript generation is currently in progress. This project is expected to be completed by the end of January, 2001. Results of the study will lead to a clearer comprehension of canopy plant life and form the basis for research on other species of trees.
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You can help this project - find out how. |
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