STAND STRUCTURE, REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY AND SEX EXPRESSION IN HUON PINE (LAGAROSTROBOS-FRANKLINII (HOOK L) QUINN)

The nature and variability of stand structure, reproductive activity a nd sex expression were investigated in natural populations throughout the geographic and ecological range of Lagarostrobos franklinii, a Tas manian endemic rainforest tree in the family Podocarpaceae. Size-class distributions and tree densities were variable among sites. Overall, 30% of trees produced cones, but several populations deviated signific antly from this percentage. Larger trees were more likely to produce c ones than smaller trees. Stand structure and light availability appear ed to have an effect on the proportions of trees producing cones. Cone -producing trees tended to be clumped within stands. Overall then were equal proportions of male and female trees, and approximately 4% of c one-producing trees were monoecious. There were however some populatio ns with greater proportions of one sex. Similarity in the proportions of females in populations was correlated with similarities in their fl oristic composition. Trees of like gender tended to be clumped at shor t distances within populations.