Site description
This study was conducted in the 50-ha Heishiding (HSD) Forest Dynamic Plot (23.455 °N, 111.908 °E; altitude: 435-698 m) in Guangdong province, China. This area belongs to subtropical monsoon climate, with a mean annual temperature of 19.6 °C and mean precipitation of 1740 mm. The plot has a rough terrain with the slope ranging from 7 ° to 75 °. The floristic composition of the plot is characteristic of evergreen broad-leaved forests with Castanopsis carlesii (Fagaceae),Cryptocarya concinna (Lauraceae) and Altingia chinensis(Altingiaceae) being the dominant canopy species.