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Role of rhizomes in tussock formation by Carex thunbergii var. Appendiculata
Author(s) -
Nishikawa Yoko
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
ecological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1440-1703
pISSN - 0912-3814
DOI - 10.1007/bf02346996
Subject(s) - rhizome , tussock , botany , carex , shoot , biology , juncus , wetland , ecology
Several types of tussock formed by Carex thunbergii var. appendiculata were compared with respect to the growth pattern of their rhizomes at various developmental stages at Benten Marsh in Yufutsu Mire, Hokkaido, Japan. The rhizomes were classified into three types based on their function: 1, very short rhizomes; 2, intermediate‐length rhizomes which grow upwards to raise the shoot base; 3, long rhizomes which grow horizontaly to spread the plant. The extent of development of the tussock and the total length of rhizomes per shoot was inversely related with the number of Type 3 rhizomes, and positively related with Types 1 and 2 rhizomes. The tussock was made of dead roots, dead rhizomes and much litter, which provided a substitute for soil for the rhizomes and absorbing roots. The growth conditions of the Carex changed from aerobic and eutrophic to anoxic and oligotrophic with tussock development. It is concluded that the tussock is adaptive to anoxic conditions.