Research on Life History of Cephalanthera falcata by Individual Monitoring through Ten Years

To research the life history of Cephalanthera falcate, individual monitoring was carried through ten years on a 1. 4-hectare secondary Quercus serrata woodland. The tree layer in this woodland was last cut more than 40 years ago. The floor vegetation has been cut in winter and fallen leaves have been swept up since 18 years ago. The distribution of Cephalanthera falcate was recorded every year, and each individual was identified. The number of Cephalanthera falcate increased from 236 individuals to 389 individuals during the ten-year study period.About 120 grew continuously for ten years and 200 or more were newly observed after the second year. Flowering and individuals 30cm or more high were observed among the new ones. Good growth occurred randomly, irrespective of light conditions. The distribution and growth change were not explained by the usual autotrophic plant. It was suggested that Cephalanthera falcate is a mixotrophy plant that obtains carbon from its own photosynthesis and symbiosis mycorrhiza.