Abstract
The relative importance of the biennial life cycle of Melilotus alba for its distribution is investigated in the light of its typical habitats. Therefore the exact development in the life-course and its dependence on climatic factors is described. The stages of germination and flowering have been examined in detail. The experimental results show a broad ecological amplitude in the conditions for germination: the latter is hindered only by a continuously decreasing time-dependent seed dormancy. This dormancy leads to an important soil seed bank. Flowering is independent of the biomass of a single plant, and starts in each case in the second year. This flowering leads to the death of the plant. This behaviour is strictly biennial and is different to the behaviour of other ‘biennials’ which often are growing on the same sites as Melilotus , but which do not start flowering until they have reached a certain minimum weight. The connection of this life-cycle with a certain ecophysiological adaptation in the characteristic of gas-exchange makes it possible for Melilotus to compete successfully with perennial species on those sites where their productivity is low because of temporary drought.
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