Analysis of the morphology and structure of crowns in a young sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) stand

Crown form, vertical changes in branch inclination and vertical distribution of foliage density in a young sugi (Crytomeria japonica D. Don) stand were analyzed using allometric equations. Tall trees had deeper crowns than short trees, whereas the crown diameters of both tall and short trees were similar. Apical roundness was more pronounced in the lower-story trees, which were characterized by umbrella-shaped crowns. The vertical distribution of foliage density was approximated by a nearly symmetrical curve. Tall trees had higher spatial densities of foliage than short trees. Branch inclination also varied significantly with tree height. The middle-story trees had the largest branch inclinations and the lower-story trees had the smallest branch inclinations. Even in young uniform stands, crown morphology and structure were modified in response to the light environment.