Abstract
The understory distribution is affected by the micro-environment’s characteristics, and so the
composition and distribution of that are of interest to ecologists. It is a basis for understanding
forest dynamics and plant regeneration. This study was conducted at the Lienhuachih forest dynamics plot in lowlands of central Taiwan. This research set up 6 transects to investigate understory and environmental factors, and to discuss relationships among species,
composition of the understory, and environmental characheristics. The understory was
divided 3 groups of ferns, herbs and vines, and tree saplings. We tabulated 247 species in
the composition, including 65 species of ferns, 77 of herbs and vines, and 103 of saplings.
Using a canonical correspondance analysis to detect understory vegetation and environmental factors, we found that soil moisture and canopy openness were the most important factors
affecting the understory composition and distribution. Significant negative relationships
among the 3 groups were found. A significant positive relationship between saplings and
canopy species was displayed, so most species regenerated well. Depending on the
different species, a species’ distribution was affected by environmental factors, and was also
related to other species’ distribution.