Population distribution patterns and interspecific spatial associations of Acanthopanax senticosus populations in Lingkong Mountain, Shanxi Province, China

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. Maxim.) Harms from the nature sanctuary of Lingkong Mountain, Shanxi Province, was studied. Based on field investigation, the spatial distribution patterns of different age classes of A. senticosus populations were obtained by Ripley's K function using spatial point pattern analysis. The spatial relationship between the main shrub species was also studied and the spatial distribution patterns of the populations were visualized. Results showed that the number of young individuals in the Acanthopanax populations was large, and the diameter-scale structure was pyramid-like. Furthermore, the population was growing and could achieve continuous updates. The Ⅰ individuals of the A. senticosus population significantly aggregated at the small scale, and clump intensity gradually weakened with increasing age and spatial scale, finally showing a random distribution. The Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ individuals from the A. senticosus populations significantly aggregated at the full scale and the Ⅴ and Ⅵ individuals significantly aggregated at the small scale, with clump intensity gradually weakening with increasing age and spatial scale, finally showing a random distribution. Although A. senticosus was positively correlated with internal scale, it was not correlated with or negatively correlated with the main shrubs in the community at the small scale, but was negatively correlated at the macro scale. Studies have shown A. senticosus growth conditions are appropriate and can weaken intraspecific competition through mutual shelter effects. Nevertheless, there is strong competition with other species, with poor survival status, which is a disadvantage in the community.