Premium
Age structure and dynamics of Rhododendron ferrugineum L. populations in the northwestern French Alps
Author(s) -
Por André,
Doche Bernard
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of vegetation science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1654-1103
pISSN - 1100-9233
DOI - 10.2307/3236327
Subject(s) - montane ecology , ecology , shrub , abiotic component , biomass (ecology) , deserts and xeric shrublands , population , biology , geography , demography , habitat , sociology
. The ericaceous shrub Rhododendron ferrugineum occupies large areas at the subalpine level (1600–2200 m) of the northwestern French Alps. It frequently reaches 90–100 % cover, accumulates 60–70t/ha (dry weight) above‐ground biomass and is able to dominate many subalpine landscapes by outcompeting other species. We formulated the hypothesis that the species shows a rapid and invasive seedling establishment and a fast population development. We investigated the age structure and development of two populations. Although classic colonization stages can be identified, and variation did occur depending on the site, R. ferrugineum populations showed a surprisingly slow development compared with other ericaceous species. Curves obtained from polynomial regression equations of cover on age allowed us to predict the future development of populations. Thus, depending on the site, it would take 150 to 250 yr to achieve total cover. We discuss the factors involved that could explain this slow development and discuss which biotic and abiotic factors may be responsible for the large extension of this species in the subalpine belt.