Population dynamics ofHeloniopsis orientalis C. Tanaka (Liliaceae) in natural forests — Sexual reproduction

This study investigated the effects of climate on reproduction, consecutive flowering, and the level of energy investment toward sexual reproduction, as well as the relationships between flowering rates and plant size, and between seed production and plant size. The target species wasHeloniopsis orientalis C. Tanaka (Liliaceae), an evergreen perennial herbaceous plant. Natural populations were monitored in permanent quadrats for seven years in a low-elevation area (Namhansanseong) and for five years in an area with a high elevation (Maranggol). The Tn indices required for flowering were relatively similar each year, but those for seed dispersal fluctuated. The period for seed production was proportional to the total length of the growing season. Rates of flowering varied annually, and depended on conditions in each study area. Flowering was discontinuous (i.e., not consecutive) at Namhansanseong, but was continuous (i.e., consecutive) at Maranggol. The rates were proportional to plant size; the minimum size class that supported flowering was 60–90 cm², and almost all plants with >210 cm² leaf area flowered. The overlapping range in plant size between flowering and non-flowering plants was relatively broad. Numbers of fruit per plant ranged from 1-12, with an average of 6.0 fruits at Namhansanseong and 5.0 fruits at Maranggol. In the latter area, the range in the number of seeds produced and their weight per plant varied drastically, being 1700–1867 seeds and 133.2–177.5 mg, respectively. Almost all correlation coefficients between plant size and fruit number, plant size and seed number, or plant size and seed weight were significant at the 1% level. Lastly, energy investment rates for sexual reproduction were about 30–50% of the net productivity, varying over the years. These rates were proportional to growth rates.