Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 96. (Budapest 2004)

Molnár, J., Erdei, B. ; Hably, L.: The transport of leaves and fruits - a taphonomical study of leaf litter

from the transection) provided high number of leaves found relatively far from their source. Even at a distance (40 m) greater than the height of the parent tree numerous leaves were recorded in the samples, moreover they were found in each quadrat (Fig. 15). It is noteworthy that in the sample plot indicated by FERGUSON (1985) trees having the highest representation in the leaf litter were similarly Quercus robur and Quercus rubra LINNAEUS, 1753. Wind velocity in the shrub layer is much lower than in the canopy layer, thus, leaves of shrubs may be restricted to a limited area or underrepresented in the leaf litter, e.g. the 3 m high Hippophae rhamnoides LINNAEUS, 1753 in our sample plot (situated 1 m from the transection). The asymmetric leaf distribution around its trunk may be attributed to the fact that its leafy crown is shifted a bit to the north direction. The relatively high maximum number of leaves decreases suddenly to a couple of specimens as moving away from the shrub and 5 m far from it even no leaves are to be found. Leaves of evergreen trees are expected to be underrepresented in the leaf litter due to their lower turnover and generally heavier leaves (FERGUSON 1985). However, it must be considered that due to the relatively slow decay of evergreen leaves they may be preserved almost intact for more years in the leaf litter. Accordingly, in our sample plot a 6 m high Pinus peuce GRISEBACH, 1844 tree was situated 1 m far from the transection and provided extremely high number of leaves in some of the quadrats (some thousands of specimen, the same was displayed by a Pinus nigra ARNOLD, 1785 tree) but in quadrats further than 5 m from the transection none of its leaves were found indicating its limited transport. The wide distribution and occurrence of the leaves of Quercus robur in the sample plot may be explained in part by its height and in part by the elongated fall of their leaves. Similarly, Quercus rubra was represented by its leaves in most quadrats, though with less number of specimens. Field experiments (FERGUSON 1985) suggested that among leaves of three different shapes but of the same surface and density, the least of all leaves of elongate shape were transported on the ground whereas heart shaped leaves were transported the furthest. The autumn and spring leaf distributions showed generally insignificant transport of the leaves between the autumn and spring sampling periods. It is noteworthy that the lanceolate leaves of the Quercus libani OLIVIER, 1807 tree were recorded in extremely high numbers (more than 200 leaves in some quadrats), though it should be added that it was close to the transection. In contrast the lobed leaves of the Acer trees compared to their height were represented with relatively low number of specimens. Transport of leaves on the ground depends on the presence of herbaceous layer. It is noteworthy that the herbaceous layer was very poor up to the 14th meter of the transection then some moss-grown patches occurred sparcely which showed a transition to grassy vegetation. From the 14th