Abstract
SUMMARY (1) The demographic behaviour of two Viola species ( V.fimbriatula and V. lanceolata) from open clearings is reported and compared with that of three woodland species. (2) Measurements were made of the size of the seedbank in the soil, germination, number and growth of seedlings, numbers of pre-reproductive and reproductive ramets, and fecundity over five years. Seedling growth, seed weight and number, leaf production and grazing losses, and investment in reproductive structures were also studied. (3) Seed banks of the clearing species were larger by a factor of five than those of the forest species. All showed plasticity in many characteristics, but the clearing species produced more seeds per plant, and lighter seeds. Clearing species grew faster than forest species. Irrespective of habitat, rhizomatous species produced more seed than stoloniferous species. (4) Conclusions are drawn from the entire series of papers. Viola populations appear to be demographically unstable.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.