Distribution of Plant Functional Attributes in a Managed Forest in Relation to Neighbourhood Structure

The importance of neighbourhood structure on the distribution of plant functional attributes was investigated in two managed forests in Denmark. Species composition was recorded for 325 plots of 5 × 5 m and species were assigned to functional groups based on vegetative attributes: (a) Raunkiaer life-form and (b) height of adult plants, and regenerative attributes: (c) mode of dispersal and (d) pollination class. The distribution of attributes was related to neighbourhood parameters that reflect the composition, distribution and diversity of nine habitat classes within a 25-m radius from the focal plot. Regression trees were used to analyse counts of attributes per plot. Best predictors were neighbourhood scores for open areas, road-side habitat, and neighbourhood diversity. The correlation between individual functional attributes and neighbourhood parameters were presented in a correlation matrix. A cluster analysis, representing a first step towards the construction of plant functional types, resulted in five groups characterised by a particular combination of functional attributes and preference of neighbourhood.