Intraspecific variation of samara dispersal traits in the endangered tropical tree Hopea hainanensis (Dipterocarpaceae).

Propagule dispersal is a crucial life history stage, which affects population recruitmentand regeneration as well as community structure and functions. The windborne processof samara dispersal is affected not only by samara traits and other plant traits, butalso by environmental factors. Therefore, studying samara traits related to its dispersaland intraspecific variation in relation to other plant traits and environmental factorscould help to understand population distribution and dynamics. Hopea hainanensis,a Dipterocarpaceae tree species dominant in lowland rainforests in Hainan (China) butendangered due to anthropogenic disturbances, is dispersed mainly by wind becauseof its sepal-winged samara.