Abstract: Distribution pattern and its correlation with macro-topography of four widely distributed Chinese beech (Fagus L. ) species, F. longipetiolata Seem. et Diels, F. lucida Rehd. et Wils., F. engleriana Seem. and F. baslumica Yang, were studied using their literature-reviewed geographic distribution data and computer-digitized topographical map of China with a scale of 1: 1 000 000. As a result, distribution patterns of Chinese beech species are characterized by an unclear south-to-north change, a remarkable east-to-west difference, and an "island distribution phenomenon in some regions where a higher or lower distribution occurs than in their neighbering areas. This is closely coupled with macro-topography in China. Along the longitudinal directions, altitude at the upper limits of the four species increases with increasing mean topographic altitude in accordance with a logarithmic or linear fimction, but various species show different responses to the relationship between the species distribution altitude and the topographic altitude. These findings identify "massenerhebung" in Chinese beech distributions, and clarify their differences among the species. The differences may be related to ecological adaptability and ecological range of the species.

Key words: Chinese beech, Distribution pattern, Distribution altitude, Kriging method, Topography