Abstract

The morphology, seed germination, and life history of Salix nipponica were investigated in the wetland of the Nam-River, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea from 2000 to 2001 to provide the basic data necessary for riverine ecosystem restoration through understanding the growth characteristics of Salix nipponica. Salix nipponica had stomata on only lower side and stomata type was paracytic. Salix nipponica produced many small and light seeds. The seed number per mature ament was 1599.4, seed mass of 0.04 mg, and fertilization rate of 66.1%. Seed germination was little affected by light. Germination rate was high and mean germination time was short Under flooding condition, seeds were germinated normally and were viable after as much as 14 days of flooding. But there were no differences under various water depths on germination rates. Tree age was closely correlated with more stem diameter than tree height and there was no difference of growth rate between male and female tree. Growth rate was most rapid for 2 to 3 years after germination, and length growth was almost stopped for more than 11 years even though mass growth was done. Besides even a second-year indivisual was flowered.

Keywords

• Salix nipponica;
• riverine ecosystem restoration;
• growth characteristics;
• germination rate