Print Report
G393 Metrosideros polymorpha - Cheirodendron spp. / Cibotium spp. Hawaiian Montane Rainforest & Cloud Forest Group
Type Concept Sentence: This Hawaiian Islands montane rainforest and cloud forest group varies in height, structural complexity and species richness, and is characterized by Metrosideros polymorpha or, less frequently, Acacia koa in the overstory with wet indicators such as Cheirodendron spp., Cibotium spp. in the subcanopy with abundant epiphytes, and Astelia menziesiana, Carex alligata, Clermontia spp., Cyanea spp., Cyrtandra spp., Dicranopteris spp., Dubautia platyphylla, Elaphoglossum spp., Korthalsella spp., Myrsine spp., Psychotria spp., Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus spp., Smilax melastomifolia, Stenogyne spp., Phyllostegia spp., Trematolobelia spp., and Urera glabra present in the understory.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: `Ohi`a - `Olapa Lapalapa species / Hapu`u species Hawaiian Montane Rainforest & Cloud Forest Group
Colloquial Name: Hawaiian Montane Rainforest & Cloud Forest
Hierarchy Level: Group
Type Concept: This montane forest group occurs on all the high Hawaiian Islands and is composed of rainforests and cloud forests that vary in height, structural complexity and species richness. Rainforests are often dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha and Cibotium spp., or by a tall, well-stratified canopy of Acacia koa. At higher elevations, Metrosideros forms a floristically relatively simple canopy that is 5-8 m tall and may be as low as 2 m in poorly drained areas and along bog margins. Montane rainforests indicator species include Alyxia stellata, Cheirodendron dominii, Cheirodendron platyphyllum, Cheirodendron trigynum, and Ilex anomala. Common codominant and associated species include Astelia menziesiana, Broussaisia arguta, Carex alligata, Clermontia spp., Coprosma foliosa, Cyrtandra spp., Dicranopteris spp., Psychotria spp., Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus hawaiensis, Urera glabra, and Vaccinium calycinum. Epiphytic mosses, ferns, and other plants are common and include Astelia menziesiana, Carex alligata, Elaphoglossum spp., Metrosideros polymorpha, Peperomia spp., and Vaccinium calycinum. There is some overlap in concept between montane rainforests and cloud forests with similar species composition; the latter tend to have a low-statured tree canopy because of near-daily, ground-level clouds and fog drip that develop highly leached, saturated substrates that limit tree growth. However, cloud forests generally have higher floristic diversity and support more epiphytes than montane rainforests. Stands are often dominated by stunted or gnarled, lichen-covered Metrosideros polymorpha and Cheirodendron spp. trees, which form a low to medium-height canopy. Subdominant tree species include Alyxia stellata, Ilex anomala, and shrubs Clermontia spp., Cyanea spp., Dubautia platyphylla, Korthalsella spp., Myrsine spp., Trematolobelia spp., Smilax melastomifolia, Stenogyne spp., Phyllostegia spp., and Vaccinium sp. Stands frequently support a large mass of epiphytic mosses, ferns, and other plants. Species that act as epiphytes include Astelia menziesiana, Peperomia spp., and thick mats of bryophytes. Forbs include Astelia, Adenophorus, Cibotium spp., Dicranopteris linearis (most common), and Elaphoglossum spp. Montane rainforest and cloud forests occur between 1000 and 2200 m (3280-7020 feet) elevation. However, cloud forests typically occur on wind-exposed upper slopes that do not exceed 1830 m (6000 feet) elevation. The climate is warm, tropical. Stands occur on windward areas that receive evenly distributed orographically derived rainfall exceeding 2500 mm (98 inches) annually. Montane rainforest stands also occur in a relatively narrow high precipitation band on the leeward side of the Big Island resulting from Kona storms. There is frequent afternoon fog that generates fog drip. Cloud forests are restricted to windward aspects and are defined by almost daily presence of ground-level clouds which contribute significant fog water (fog drip) to total annual precipitation (up to 1073 mm [42 inches]). Regular fog drip sustains relatively constant streamflow and shallow groundwater hydrology in montane forests, particularly during dry seasons. Soils generally have a gley horizon 10 to 70 cm (4-28 inches) deep, underlain by lateritic weathered basalt and overlain with organic hummus ranging from 10 to 30 cm (4-12 inches) deep. Montane cloud forests tend to occur on older volcanic substrates that are nutrient-poor and lateritic due to leaching. Montane rainforests merge with ~Hawaiian Lowland Rainforest Group (G389)$$ at the lower elevational limit. At the upper elevational limit on Hawai`i and Maui, they quickly grade into Acacia / Sophora forest and other mesic communities.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Montane rainforest and cloud forest vegetation dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha, or Acacia koa in tree canopy. Subcanopy tree species include Alyxia stellata, Cheirodendron dominii, Cheirodendron platyphyllum, Cibotium spp., and Ilex anomala. Understory species include Astelia menziesiana, Carex alligata, Clermontia spp., Cyanea spp., Cyrtandra spp., Dicranopteris spp., Dubautia platyphylla, Elaphoglossum spp., Korthalsella spp., Myrsine spp., Psychotria spp., Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus spp., Smilax melastomifolia, Stenogyne spp., Phyllostegia spp., Trematolobelia spp., Urera glabra, and Vaccinium spp. Epiphytic shrubs, ferns, and mosses are common to abundant.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: The boundary between the lowland and montane wet forests in Hawai`i is not generally agreed upon by all botanists and ecologists, and it may be variable on different islands. A clear picture of pre-human vegetation is complicated by the extreme disturbance the lowlands have suffered. Nonetheless, roughly 1000 m elevation marks the transition between the warmer lowlands and the cooler montane zone. This group includes both montane cloud forests and montane rainforests. Cloud forests are generally found only on wet wind-exposed upper slopes of the major Hawaiian Islands and is characterized by a low-statured tree canopy and thick mats of bryophytes and epiphytes.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This montane forest group occurs on all the high islands and is composed of rainforests and cloud forests that vary in height, structural complexity and species richness. Rainforests are often dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha and Cibotium spp., or by a tall, well-stratified canopy of Acacia koa. At higher elevations, Metrosideros forms a floristically relatively simple canopy that is 5-8 m tall and may be as low as 2 m in poorly drained areas and along bog margins. Montane rainforests indicator species include Alyxia stellata (= Alyxia oliviformis), Cheirodendron dominii, Cheirodendron platyphyllum, Cheirodendron trigynum, and Ilex anomala. Stands frequently support a large mass of epiphytic mosses, ferns, and other plants. Common codominant and associated species include Astelia menziesiana, Broussaisia arguta, Carex alligata, Clermontia spp., Coprosma foliosa, Cyrtandra spp., Dicranopteris spp., Psychotria spp., Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus hawaiensis, Urera glabra, and Vaccinium calycinum. Common epiphytes include Astelia menziesiana, Carex alligata, Elaphoglossum spp., Metrosideros polymorpha, Peperomia spp., and Vaccinium calycinum. There is some overlap in concept between montane rainforests and cloud forests with similar species composition. The latter tend to have a low-statured tree canopy because they are shrouded in near-daily, ground-level clouds and fog drip that develops highly leached, saturated substrates that limit tree growth. However, cloud forests generally have higher floristic diversity and support more epiphytes than montane rainforests. Stands are typically dominated by stunted or gnarled, lichen-covered Metrosideros polymorpha and Cheirodendron spp. trees (specifically Cheirodendron platyphyllum on O`ahu and Cheirodendron dominii on Kaua`i), which form a low to medium-height canopy. Subdominant tree species include Alyxia stellata, Ilex anomala, and shrubs Clermontia spp., Cyanea spp., Dubautia platyphylla, Korthalsella spp., Myrsine spp., Trematolobelia spp., Smilax melastomifolia, Stenogyne spp., Phyllostegia spp., and Vaccinium sp. Stands frequently support a large mass of epiphytic mosses, ferns, and other plants. Species that act as epiphytes include Astelia menziesiana, Peperomia spp., and thick mats of bryophytes. Forbs include Astelia, Adenophorus, Cibotium spp., Dicranopteris linearis (most common), and Elaphoglossum spp.
Dynamics: The major disturbance factors in this group are from climatic factors, particularly hurricanes and drought, or periodic and widespread dieback of the Metrosideros tree canopy that has been documented for the islands of Hawai`i and Maui. After major storms or drought, the tree canopy will often be opened up. Although most of the species found in the tree canopy, subcanopy, and understory will still be present, Dicranopteris linearis and taxa such as Cibotium and Sadleria may temporarily increase in cover because of the increased light levels with the more open canopy. On the island of Hawai`i, lava flows periodically run through forests on the flanks of Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes. The invasive, alien tree Morella faya has formed closed-canopy dominance in some montane rainforests on Hawai`i and Maui. The invasive Passiflora tarminiana is dispersed by pigs and has become a serious problem within this group and montane mesic forests on Kaua`i and Hawai`i.
Environmental Description: Montane rainforest and cloud forests between 1000 and 2200 m (3280-7020 feet) elevation on all of the high Hawaiian Islands. However, cloud forests typically occur on wind-exposed upper slopes that do not exceed 1830 m (6000 feet) elevation.
Climate: The climate is warm, tropical and moderately wet to very wet (Zones 6 and 7) of the 7 Moisture Zones developed for the Hawaiian Islands by Price et al. (2007). Stands occur on windward areas that receive evenly distributed orographically derived rainfall exceeding 2500 mm (98 inches) annually. Montane rainforest stands also occur in a relatively narrow high precipitation band on the leeward side of the Big Island resulting from Kona storms. There is frequent afternoon fog that generates fog drip. Cloud forests are restricted to windward aspects and are defined by almost daily presence of ground-level clouds which contribute significant fog water (fog drip) to total annual precipitation (up to 1073 mm [42 inches]) (the very wet moisture zone (Price et al. 2007)). Regular fog drip sustains relatively constant streamflow and shallow groundwater hydrology in montane forests, particularly during dry seasons.
Soil/substrate/hydrology: Soils generally have a gley horizon 10 to 70 cm (4-28 inches) deep, underlain by lateritic weathered basalt and overlain with organic hummus ranging from 10 to 30 cm (4-12 inches) deep. Montane cloud forests tend to occur on older volcanic substrates that are nutrient-poor and lateritic due to leaching.
Climate: The climate is warm, tropical and moderately wet to very wet (Zones 6 and 7) of the 7 Moisture Zones developed for the Hawaiian Islands by Price et al. (2007). Stands occur on windward areas that receive evenly distributed orographically derived rainfall exceeding 2500 mm (98 inches) annually. Montane rainforest stands also occur in a relatively narrow high precipitation band on the leeward side of the Big Island resulting from Kona storms. There is frequent afternoon fog that generates fog drip. Cloud forests are restricted to windward aspects and are defined by almost daily presence of ground-level clouds which contribute significant fog water (fog drip) to total annual precipitation (up to 1073 mm [42 inches]) (the very wet moisture zone (Price et al. 2007)). Regular fog drip sustains relatively constant streamflow and shallow groundwater hydrology in montane forests, particularly during dry seasons.
Soil/substrate/hydrology: Soils generally have a gley horizon 10 to 70 cm (4-28 inches) deep, underlain by lateritic weathered basalt and overlain with organic hummus ranging from 10 to 30 cm (4-12 inches) deep. Montane cloud forests tend to occur on older volcanic substrates that are nutrient-poor and lateritic due to leaching.
Geographic Range: This montane rainforest and cloud forest group is found mostly on Hawai`i and Maui, but also occurs at upper elevations of Kaua`i, Moloka`i and O`ahu.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: HI
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.860780
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.A Tropical Forest & Woodland Subclass | S17 | 1.A |
| Formation | 1.A.3 Tropical Montane Humid Forest Formation | F004 | 1.A.3 |
| Division | 1.A.3.Oa Polynesian Montane & Cloud Forest Division | D068 | 1.A.3.Oa |
| Macrogroup | 1.A.3.Oa.1 Hawaiian Montane & Cloud Forest Macrogroup | M194 | 1.A.3.Oa.1 |
| Group | 1.A.3.Oa.1.a `Ohi`a - `Olapa Lapalapa species / Hapu`u species Hawaiian Montane Rainforest & Cloud Forest Group | G393 | 1.A.3.Oa.1.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: > Montane Cloud Forest (Mueller-Dombois and Fosberg 1998)
= Montane Wet Forest (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990)
= Montane Wet Forest (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990)
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]
- Gagne, W. C., and L. W. Cuddihy. 1990. Vegetation. Pages 45-114 in: W. L. Wagner, D. R. Herbst, and S. H. Sohmer, editors. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii. 2 volumes. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.
- Mueller-Dombois, D., and F. R. Fosberg. 1998. Vegetation of the tropical Pacific islands. Springer-Verlag, New York. 733 pp.
- Price, J. P., S. M. Gon, III, J. D. Jacobi, and D. Matsuwaki. 2007. Mapping plant species ranges in the Hawaiian Islands: Developing a methodology and associated GIS layers. Hawai''i Cooperative Studies Unit. Technical Report HCSU-008. Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC), University of Hawai''i, Hilo. 58 pp., includes 16 figures and 6 tables.
- Scholl, M. A., S. B. Gingerich, and G. W. Tribble. 2002. The influence of microclimates and fog on stable isotope signatures used in interpretation of regional hydrology: East Maui, Hawai''i. Journal of Hydrology 264(1-4):170-184.
- Scholl, M. A., S. Gingerich, L. Loope, T. Giambelluca, and M. Nullet. 2004. Quantifying the importance of fog drip to ecosystem hydrology and water resources in windward and leeward tropical montane cloud forests on East Maui, Hawai''i. Venture Capital Project Final Report, July 2004.
- Wagner, W. L., D. R. Herbst, and S. H. Sohmer. 1999. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawaii. Revised edition. Volumes 1 and 2. University of Hawaii Press and Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. 1919 pp.