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Growth of Halimium halimifolium under simulated and natural browsing in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain)
Author(s) -
Aguilar Silva F.J.,
Diaz Barradas M.C,
Zunzunegui M.
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 - 10.2307/3236372
Subject(s) - national park , shrub , shoot , herbivore , biology , vegetative reproduction , geography , mediterranean climate , forestry , natural park , horticulture , botany , ecology , environmental science
. The annual cycle of vegetative growth in the Mediterranean shrub Halimium halimifolium ( Cistaceae ) subjected to simulated and natural browsing on the stabilized sands of Doñana National Park (SW Spain) is described. In a drier area without herbivory (Monte Intermedio) plants were subjected to different intensities of clipping. In a more humid area with high herbivory pressure (Monte Negro) plants were isolated by cages. Plants were monitored monthly from February to November 1994. Vegetative growth starts in March and ends in June or July, according to temperature and water availability. Plants intensely clipped and plants subjected to natural browsing responded maximally regarding shoot length, and number of leaves on main shoots and branches. Clipped plants, however, did not reach the height and cover of controls.