Abstract:

To investigate species associations within the Camellia flavida Hung T. Chang associated community under natural conditions and their impact on community stability, survey data collected from 10 quadrats (600 m2) in Nonggang Nature Reserve over 10 years (2011–2021) were analyzed. Variance ratio (VR), Chi-square ($\chi^2 $) test, Spearman rank correlation, and M. Godron stability analysis were employed to assess the interspecific correlation and community structure stability of C. flavida and its accompanying species at different levels. Results indicated that: (1) Dominant species in the tree layer did not exhibit negative associations, while those in the shrub layer displayed significantly positive associations. Over time, the overall interspecific associations of the tree layer shifted towards positive associations, and the positive interactions in the shrub layer notably increased. (2) The $\chi^2 $ and Spearman rank correlation tests indicated that most species pairs in the community were not significantly correlated, reflecting weak associations among various species pairs. However, C. flavida exhibited significantly positive correlations with dominant species, such as Ficus oligodon Miq. in the tree layer and Orophea polycarpa A. Candolle in the shrub layer, and significantly negative correlations with F. hispida L. f. in the tree layer and Antidesma japonicum Siebold & Zucc in the shrub layer. (3) The community associated with C. flavida demonstrated high stability, with the characteristics and stability of the community positively contributing to the conservation of C. flavida. In conclusion, specific dominant trees and shrubs significantly affect the distribution of C. flavida within its community, which has maintained relative stability over the last decade, facilitating the growth of the C. flavida population. Ongoing protection of its natural habitats and sustained long-term community monitoring are recommended.