| Abstract: | Abstract. A lack of regeneration of shade‐intolerant canopy species has been reported in several subtropical South African forests. The subtropical forest of Hluhluwe‐Umfolozi Park, KwaZulu‐Natal, was examined in order to determine the extent of regeneration, the forest grain, dynamics and conservation value. Field sampling took the form of recording DBH for all woody species in 29 0.04‐ha circular plots, walking 5‐m wide transects in mature and marginal forest to record size classes of important species and analysis of 20 gaps. A community analysis was performed using the multivariate program TWINSPAN. Size‐class distributions indicate a lack of regeneration and suggest a prevalence of shade‐intolerant species in the canopy. The composition of the canopy and subcanopy are distinct from one another and the forest is coarse‐grained. Conservation of the present species composition could be aided by encouraging patch‐scale disturbance. It is hypothesized that swidden agriculture may have favoured the formation of the present forest canopy structure. |
