Studies in the Ecology of Nothofagus Cunninghamii Oerst. i Natural Regeneration on the Mt. Donna Buang Massif, Victoria

On the southern slopes of the Mt. Donna Buang massif, Nothofagus cunninghamii occurs within the 60 in. isohyet between 1500 and 4000 ft. The occurrence of N. cunninghamii as an understorey to eucalypts of various ages has been interpreted as a post-fire succession towards a climax closed forest. The ability of N. cunninghamii to coppice after fire is important in the re-establishment of this forest type. Regeneration of N. cunninghamii in the mature forest is dependent on seedling establishment under canopy gaps on decayed logs or firm soil. Failure of seedlings to establish is related to loose surface soils which rapidly dry out, especially in open situations; to inadequate illumination; and to the soil-scratching activities of lyrebirds.