Species frequency of communities along northern slope of Changbai Mountain, Northeast China

The species distribution frequency of communities from 700 m to 1900 m along northern slope of Changbai Mountain was studied by using Raunkiaer's frequency analysis methods in summer of 1999. The variation on composition and structure of communities with the increase of elevation was displayed from the point of view of frequency. The results showed that for all the species of community including tree, shrub and herb, the frequency presented a “L” shape even though there were difference among communities. The percentage of high frequency species increased with the increase of elevation. As one of important index in reflecting species spatial patterns, frequency not only show up the importance of species, but also the evenness of spatial distribution in community. Frequency figure could reveal the complexity and diversity of community at some extent.