www.medfor.eu

2. Silvics of Mediterranean tree species

SILVICS: (Definition) a) The study of the life history and characteristics of forest trees especially as they occur in

stands and with particular reference to environmental influences (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silvics)

b) The term used for the characteristics that define the life history, growth, behavior and ecology of a tree species. It is often linked with silviculture, which is the application of silvics to the management of trees in order to enhance the reproduction, survival or growth of a specific tree species. Silvics describes all aspects of a tree species life cycle, from germination to death, including the environmental and soil conditions that are suitable for its growth, and the insects and pathogens that can harm it.

(https://sites.google.com/site/forestryencyclopedia/Home/Silvics)

The silvical characteristics of a tree species include:

• Habitat & favored growing sites /Native range

• Average mature tree development and growth

• Maximum life span • Shade Tolerance • Rooting • Reproduction • Reaction to Competition • Associated Species/ forest

cover • Principal damaging agents • Uses

http://woodlot.novascotia.ca/content/silvics-red-pine

INTOLERANT: The inability of a tree to maintain health and vigor under shade. Intolerant trees require full sunlight to maintain vigorous growth. Referred to as pioneer species.

Habitat Native Range Climate Soils and Topography Associated forest cover Life history Reproduction and early growth

Flowering and fruiting Seed production and dissemination Seedling development Vegetative reproduction Sapling and pole stage to maturity Growth and yield Rooting habit Reaction to competition

Special uses Genetics

Quercus kelloggii Newb.

https://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/quercus/kelloggii.htm

Example: Silvics of North America

Source:

Shade tolerance

Average mature tree (shape and size)

rooting

rooting

longevity

longevity

pathogens

fungii uses

Technological characteristics

habitat

Species 1 Species 2 Sp 3 Sp 4 Habitat & favored growing sites /Native range Average mature tree development and growth Maximum life span Shade Tolerance Rooting Reproduction Reaction to Competition Associated Species/ forest cover Principal damaging agents Uses

http://www.euforgen.org/publications/technical_guidelines.html

http://forest.jrc.ec.europa.eu/european-atlas-of-forest-tree-species/ http://www.rfs.org.uk/media/281940/95-savill-and-wilson-

cedrus-true-cedars-2015.pdf