BUTTRESS CHARACTERISTICS IN RELATION TO TOPOGRAPHY AND CROWN ECCENTRICITY IN PLANTED AND NATURALLY-REGENERATED <em>SHOREA</em> <em>LEPROSULA</em> TREES

Abstract

In logged-over stands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, in which Shorea leprosula seedlings were planted along cleared lines 14–15 years before this study, buttress heights and total surface areas were measured on naturally-regenerated and planted trees 20–40 cm diameter at 1.3 m height. Maximum buttress heights were 0.14 m (41%) higher on naturallyregenerated trees. Contrary to our expectations, the tallest buttresses were not concentrated on the uphill sides of tree bases nor on the opposite side of the trunk from the longest crown radius but crowns did extend farthest downslope. These findings suggest some minor adjustments to timber yield projections if the buttressed portions of the lowermost logs are not harvested.