Abstract:The dynamics of common and rare tree species in a natural evergreen and deciduous broadleaved mixed forest were monitored over 6 years (2001-2007) in a 1 hm2 permanent plot in Houhe Nature Reserve,central China.The plot was dominated by 14 common tree species and 5 rare tree species.We focused on the dynamics of stems ≥5 cm DBH (diameter at 13 m above ground) of these 19 major tree species.Community ecology methods were used to measure and analyze changes in demographic and growth parameters of the major tree species.Spatial pattern of recruitment and mortality were also analyzed by point patterns analysis.Out of 998 stems,which were alive in 2001,100 died and 81 new stems developed over the 6year period.The total basal area for the 19 major tree species was initially 1956 m2/hm2,which increased to 2014 m2/hm2 by 2007.There were no obvious differences in size classes for all major tree species,and mortality was the highest for the middlesized trees.The spatial pattern of the dead stems for major tree species was random at larger scales and clumped at smaller scales.The recruited (new) stems were clumped at all scales.In addition,there was a positive interaction between the living stems and the dead stems,and a negative interaction between the living stems and the new stems at most scales.The results showed that disturbances and intra and interspecific competition were the major factors affecting the structure and dynamics of the rare plant community.The rare plant community also appeared to maintain a state of dynamic equilibrium.