Abstract
BackgroundThe gypsovag shrub Cistus clusii is locally dominant in semi-arid gypsum plant communities of North-Eastern Spain. This species commonly grows in species-poor patches even though it has nurse potential, suggesting interference on neighbouring species. Other Cistus species exert a chemically mediated interference on plant communities, suggesting that it might be a common phenomenon in this genus. This study aimed investigating whether C. clusii exerts chemically mediated interference on neighbouring species in gypsum plant communities. We tested in a greenhouse whether aqueous extracts from C. clusii leaves (L), roots (R) and a mixture of both (RL) affected germination, seedling survival, and growth of nine native species of gypsum communities, including C. clusii itself. We further assessed in the field richness and abundance of plants under the canopy of C. clusii compared to Gypsophila struthium (shrub with a similar architecture having a nurse role) and in open patches. Finally, we specifically assessed in the field the influence of C. clusii on the presence of the species tested in the greenhouse experiment.ResultsAqueous extracts from C. clusii (R and RL) negatively affected either germination or survival in four of nine species. In the field, richness and abundance of plants were lower under the canopy of C. clusii than under G. struthium, but higher than in open patches. Specifically, five of nine species were less frequent than expected under the canopy of C. clusii.ConclusionsCistus clusii shows species-specific interference with neighbouring species in the community, which may be at least partially attributable to its phytotoxic activity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of species-specific interference by C. clusii.
Highlights
The gypsovag shrub Cistus clusii is locally dominant in semi-arid gypsum plant communities of NorthEastern Spain
Greenhouse experiment Cistus clusii aqueous extracts had a negative effect on seed germination rates of three of the nine test species (H. squamatum, H. stoechas and C. clusii; Fig. 1)
Seed germination of H. squamatum was lower in the trays subjected to extracts than it was in the control trays and did not differ significantly among extract treatments
Summary
The gypsovag shrub Cistus clusii is locally dominant in semi-arid gypsum plant communities of NorthEastern Spain This species commonly grows in species-poor patches even though it has nurse potential, suggesting interference on neighbouring species. Some plant species produce chemical compounds that are released to the local environment through volatilisation, leaf leachates, root exudates or leaf litter decomposition [12,13,14] These compounds can have positive effects by promoting plant growth [15] or increasing species richness [16], they are usually phytotoxic and act as selective agents that affect the performance of other species negatively [17].
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