Investigation on structure, physiognomic and habitat needs of Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis) in Eshkevar of Rahimabad, Rudsar, Guilan province

Plant distribution in forest ecosystems is not accidental and influenced by various factors. This study was done to investigate the structure, physiognomy and site requirements of Mediterranean cypress species (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis) in order to achieve the basic structure, physiognomy and site requirements information of this species relative to soil and physiographic factors in Eshkevar, Rahimabad, Rudsar. For this purpose, 25 circular plots, each one with 1000-m2, were located according to random sampling. In each plot, type of tree and shrub species were designated; then, diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees more than 7.5 cm was measured. In each plot, soil sample were taken from 0 to 10 cm depth. The results indicated that stand structure was uneven-aged. Physiognomy studies showed that in tree, shrub, and herbaceous layers, broad- leaved and need-leaved trees, deciduous shrubs, and forbs were, respectively, dominance life forms. Between environmental factors, aspect and soil textures were effective on diameter, height and individual number of Mediterranean cypress. Number of species had a positive and negative correlation with sand percentage and aspect, respectively.