Growth in length of Carex rostrata stokes shoots in relation to water level

Abstract

The pattern of growth leading to length increment and the influence of water depth on length of Carex rostrata Stokes shoots were studied in four different habitats in central Sweden. Individual shoots were studied in permanent plots from 1981 to 1986. The water level is an important factor for growth of C. rostrata shoots, especially during early summer, when most of the length increment takes place. There are differences in the size of shoots depending on their age. The sterile shoots can continue their length increment throughout the season and differ from the fertile shoots which cease their growth after flowering. This study illustrates that a clonal species which lives under fluctuating water conditions can adapt both size and density of its shoots, and considerably increase their size and reduce their density in years with unsually high water level.