Reproduction of Eriophorum vaginatum by seed in Alaskan tussock tundra
Gartner BL, Chapin FS, Shaver GR. 1986. Reproduction of Eriophorum vaginatum by seed in Alaskan tussock tundra. Journal of Ecology. 74(1):1-18
High densities of E. vaginatum seedlings were found in various microhabitats of Alaskan tussock tundra, especially in hepatic mats (< 1% of the tundra), which are stabilized areas of frost boils. Moss mats had lower seedling densities but, because of their greater area (36% of the tundra), contained the greatest density of seedlings per unit area of tundra. Smaller numbers of seedlings of Carex bigelowii and other species followed the same pattern. Eriophorum vaginatum seedlings grew faster and survived longer on hepatic mats, followed by moss mats, than in other tundra microhabitats where competition from moses and vascular plants or surface instability from frost heaving probably limit plant growth. The stimulation of germination by high temperature and light enables E. vaginatum to germinate well in disturbances.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Gartner, B; Chapin, F; Shaver, G
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- Arctic, Arctic LTER Site, Brooks Range Foothills, Eriophorum, Growth Rate, microenvironments, Reproduction, Seeds, Toolik Lake, vaginatum