Decline and Mortality of Ocotea bullata Trees in the Southern Cape Forests

Abstract

Dying trees of Ocotea bullata (Lauraceae) occurred in small groups in certain areas in the medium-moist forests of the southern Cape. Crown health declined significantly (P > 0,01) in the dying groups, but this was not the general trend for the study period of four years. In general, the population is in a healthy state. Group decline is related to a combination of fluctuating wet and dry periods, logging disturbance and a root pathogen.