Eberesche und Birke: ein biologisch-ökologisches Kurzporträt von zwei sehr unterschiedlichen Weichlaubhölzern

Rowan and Birch: a Short Biological and Ecological Portrait of Two Very Different "Softwood"

2000

18 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

4354

200067001

A set of biological and ecological data is compared for birch (Betula pendula Roth) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.), both tree species often being categorized as "softwoods" (Table 1). It is obvious that both trees are short-living tree species with a significant pioneer character. However, they differ strongly in many traits of their life history. Examples are the shade tolerance of rowan in the germination and juvenile phase as compared to birch, which is a light demanding species troughout its life span, the higher regeneration capacity of rowan, and the capability of clonal growth, the latter being only found for rowan. However, in mixed stands of birch and rowan, birch has a competitive advantage due to its higher growth rates.