midcanopy

Midcanopy, also called the midstory, refers to the vertical stratum within a forest that lies between the upper canopy and the understory. It comprises the branches and foliage of trees and shrubs that have grown into an intermediate height and density, forming a distinct layer in many multi-layered forests. The exact position and extent of the midcanopy vary with forest type, age, and disturbance history.

The midcanopy receives less direct light than the upper canopy but more than the understory, creating a diffused light regime that supports shade-tolerant species. It often contains a mix of mature trees that do not reach the highest crowns and younger trees that have grown quickly or into gaps. The structure of this layer can influence wind flow, humidity, and temperature within the forest interior, contributing to a microclimate that differs from both the canopy and the forest floor.

Ecologically, the midcanopy serves as habitat and foraging space for a variety of organisms, including birds, arboreal mammals, insects, and epiphytic plants. It also plays a role in carbon storage and in the succession of forest structure, as trees in the midcanopy may grow into the upper canopy in response to disturbance or competitive release. In forest management, understanding the midcanopy helps in assessing biodiversity, growth dynamics, and the effects of thinning and gap creation.

In practice, midcanopy is identified through field observations or remote sensing methods such as LiDAR and canopy mapping, which reveal vertical stratification and crown distributions. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with midstory, depending on regional terminology and study focus.