Seed dispersal, germination and seedling growth of six helophyte species in relation to water‐level zonation

Abstract

SUMMARY1. Seed dispersal, germination, and seedling growth characteristics of six helophyte species. Iris pseudacorus, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, T. latifolia and Scirpus lacustris, were investigated in relation to their water‐level zonation.2. The experiments demonstrated a large variation in these characteristics between the species.3. Propagule floating capacities range from < 1 h (S. lacustris) to > 1000 h (I. pseudacorus).4. Seed germination in a water‐level gradient revealed two groups with respect to germination percentage ‐ exposed soil species (I. pseudacorus, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis) and submerged soil species (T. angustifolia, T. latifolia).5. There were two contrasting types of seedling growth response to submergence and exposure: one group of species formed longest leaves under exposed conditions (Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, I. pseudacorus), and the other under submerged conditions (S. lacustris, T. latifolia, T. angustifolia).6. The results suggest that early life‐history characteristics of the species relate to their locations in the riparian zonation: Phalaris arundinacea and Iris pseudacorus at the higher end, Phragmites australis intermediate, and Typha spp. and Scirpus lacustris at the lower end. Species occurring at lower locations show adaptations to (periodical) flooding of the soil (submersed germination and growth), while those from higher locations require prolonged exposed soil conditions to germinate and to survive the establishment stage.