South Chinese (Hainanian) Evergreen Monsoon Forest

These are the most extensive of Hainan’s forest types distributed mainly in the hills, tablelands and piedmonts in the northern part of the island. They range in height from 20-25 m and usually have two tree layers. The main upper canopy trees include Gironnieva cuspidata and the endemic Vatica hainanensis (Dipterocarpaceae), while common sub-canopy trees are Baccaurea remiflora and the endemic Garcinia oblongiflora (Clusiaceae). Other evergreen trees include Diospyros potingensis and the endemic Meyna hainanensis (Rubiaceae). At ground level sapling such as Bridelia balansae and Lindera glutinosa are common. 

 

South Chinese (Hainanian) Semi-Deciduous Monsoon Forest

Forests with a number of draught deciduous elements are mainly found in the lower hill areas, tablelands and coastal belt of western Hainan but with some in the tablelands of the north and east coast. They have canopies that can reach heights of 12 m but with some emergents reaching 15 m. Vertical structure varies and may include one of two tree layers, but the canopy is usually sparse with variable, discontinuous crowns. The canopy or upper tree layer is typically dominated by deciduous species with thick branches such as Croton laevigatus, and the endemic Semiliquidamber cathayensis (Altingiaceae) and Terminalia hainanensis (Combretaceae). Other deciduous trees may include Kleinhovia hospita, Spondias pinnata and the endemic Tilia hainanensis (Tiliaceae). The lower trees and bushes, which are largely dominated by evergreen or semi-evergreen species, usually form clusters of crooked, often thorny branches. The ground layer is mainly composed of drought adapted, usually thorny evergreen or semi-evergreen plants, but the bush-grass layer is usually sparse.

 

South Chinese (Hainanian) Subtropical Lowland Rain Forest

Typical examples of subtropical lowland rain forests are located in the moderate tropical climate areas of the southeast and in the southwestern mountainous areas, and can be found, for example, in the valleys of the Bawang, Diaoluo, Jianfeng, Jiaxi and Niushang mountains. These tall forests have an elaborate vertical structure with several strata and a wealth of tree species. In a survey covering 1000 m 2 there were 249 species exceeding 1.5 m in height belonging to 58 families and 147 genera. The main trees included Tarrietia parvifolia and the endemic Adinandra hainanensis (Theaceae), Homalium hainanense (Salicaceae) and Podocarpus imbricatus (Podocarpaceae).

 

South Chinese (Hainanian) Mountain Rain Forest

These diverse forests vary with altitude but are generally distributed between 700-1300 m in the Bawang, Diaoluo, Jiaxi, Jianfeng and Limu mountains. They all have a tall, complex vertical structure with the most typical community characterized by the endemic trees Dacrydium pierrei (Podocarpaceae) and Madhuca hainanensis (Sapotaceae), together with species of Lithocarpus. In the highest altitude forest zones other species such as Altingia obovata, Quercus championi and the endemic Adiandra hainanensis (Theaceae) and Pinus fenzeliana (Pinaceae) become conspicuous.

 

South Chinese (Hainanian) Mountain Dwarf Forest

In certain areas above an altitude of about 1300 m there are short forests with little vertical structure. The bush-like trees include Pinus kwangtungensis, Ternstroemia gymnanthera, Wikstroemiifolia hayata and the endemic Pentaphylax euryoides (Pentaphylaceae), Quercus blakoi (Fagaceae) and Rhododendron hainanense (Ericaceae). A special feature of these forests is their rich epiphytic flora with many lichens and mosses.

 

South Chinese (Hainanian) Tropical Coniferous Forest

These forests are mainly found in the western mountainous areas. They have a simple vertical structure and are often characterized by the endemic Pinus latteri (Pinaceae). The interior uplands of Hainan, however, support a surprisingly rich variety of conifer species Others include Ketaleeria evelyniana, Pinus fenzeliana, Podocarpus annamiensis and the endemic Cephalotaxus hainanensis, C. mannii (Cephalotaxaceae), Dacrydium massoniana subsp. hainanensis (Podocarpaceae) and Podocarpus imbricata (Podocarpaceae).

Further information required.

 

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