Abstract: According to the classification system of life-form provided by Raunkiaer, Danmark ecologist, the life-form of plant communities in Dongling Mountain was analysed, and the life-form spectrum was organized. Ordination and classification of the life-form of plant community were done by principle component analysis (PCA) and systemic cluster analysis. The relationship between environmental factors (climate and soil) and plant life-form gradient was analysed by double sieving progressive regression method, and mathematical models were set up. The results showed that the characters of life-form of plant community were conformed to the general regular pattern of warm temperate plant life-form of the world, i. e the hemicryptophyte occupies highest percentage in the community. The result of ordination and classification of life-form of plant community is similar to the result of those of plant species of the community. The reaction to temperature gradient is most sensitive in geophyte and mid-phaenerophyte, less in little-phaenerophyte. The reaction to moisture gradientis most sensitive in chamaephyte and short-phaenerophyte. The percenage of hemicryptophyte is relatively stable in this area, indicating a strong binding force of the zones. The statistical models of elevant and life-form spectrum of plant community are better correlated with the mid-phaenerophyte, short-phaenerophyte and geophyte.

Key words: Dongling mountain, Plant community: Life-form spectrum, PCA ordination, System clasification, Mathematical model