Implications from seed traps for reproductive success, allocation and cost in a tall tree species Lindera erythrocarpa

Reproductive success of the tall tree species Lindera erythrocarpa Makino (Lauraceae) was examined on a per individual basis using the seed-trap method and a new method of numerical analysis of seed dispersal. Female flower and seed production per tree were successfully estimated using the model, and the dependence of each variable on tree size was expressed using allometric equations. Although seed set was highest on medium-sized trees (5% at 27 cm d.b.h.), seed production per tree was highest on the largest trees. Thus, a relative measure of reproductive success, such as seed set, was not a reliable predictor of individual variations in absolute seed production. Dry matter investment in reproduction was also expressed using an allometric equation. Reproductive investment increased as net production increased. Vegetative growth of the woody organs of individual trees reached a peak of 31.2 kg/year, at which point reproductive investment was 4.41 kg/year. The usefulness of the seed-trap method and the allometric approach to evaluate differences in reproductive variables among individuals of a large tree species was confirmed.