Regeneration niches and functional traits of three common species in subtropical dune forest

▶ Using a habitat (subtropical coastal dune forest) that is barely documented in the forest literature, we test the pioneer/shade-tolerator model for forest regeneration by a detailed examination of three abundant species representing contrasting regeneration strategies. ▶ Combining field and greenhouse experiments, our data on seedlings from southern African dune forest suggest a surprisingly shade-tolerant community and indicate the importance of other factors for niche differentiation.