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A study of the relationship between mechanical characteristics and the coastal vegetation among several broad-leaf trees in Miura Peninsula in Japan

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Abstract

The mechanical properties of broad-leaf tree species in a maritime-wind exposed habitat in central Japan were examined. The broad-leaf trees studied were Celtis sinensis var. japonica, Ilex integra, Eurya japonica, Pittosporum tobira, Euonymus japonicus and Cinnamomum japonicum. The results obtained can be summarized briefly as follows:

  1. 1.

    At places with weaker wind, the number of species increased and the height of the canopy increased.

  2. 2.

    The fracture strength σm showed no dependence on tree part or branch thickness, but was constant.

  3. 3.

    The order of strength was Celtis sinensis var. japonica > Ilex integra > Eurya japonica > Pittosporum tobira > Euonymus japonicus > Cinnamomum japonicum, and these six species could best adapt to the wind pressure in the study area.

  4. 4.

    Within species, fracture strength varied directly with wind strength.

  5. 5.

    The strain εm decreased as the trunk became thicker.

  6. 6.

    Within species, strain energy Um varied directly with wind strength.

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Meguro, S., Miyawaki, A. A study of the relationship between mechanical characteristics and the coastal vegetation among several broad-leaf trees in Miura Peninsula in Japan. Vegetatio 112, 101–111 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00044685

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