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Phenology, growth and ecophysiological characteristics of Fallopia sachalinensis
Author(s) -
Marigo Gérard,
Pautou Guy
Publication year - 1998
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 - 10.2307/3237102
Subject(s) - biology , polygonaceae , phenology , ecology , plant ecology , habitat , botany , senecio , specific leaf area , forb , photosynthesis , grassland
Abstract. Fallopia (Polygonum) sachalinensis ( Polygonaceae ) is native to the Far East from where it was introduced into Europe and Northern America. It has only recently appeared on the large alluvial plains of alpine rivers, while it has formed monospecific stands in many habitats. In this study, we investigated some of the biological characteristics of this species in order to predict its invasiveness under the specific environmental conditions of alpine alluvia. When compared to other plants which tend to monopolize space, F. sachalinensis appears to have a life cycle characterized by an early seasonal development. It exhibits a high growth rate – ca. 4 to 5 cm/day, and its productivity is associated with intrinsic characteristics of the species: abundant leaf cover, the appearance of branches when the leaves reach an optimal size on the main stem, and favourable leaf orientation to capture high light intensity. Another morphological characteristic is the presence of a large medullary air cell containing a liquid rich in mineral salts which can be used by the plant when the demand for evaporation increases. Clonal spread associated with an extraordinarily high rate of proliferation of below‐ground organs, and mechanisms for adaptation to adverse conditions are biological traits rendering F. sachalinensis an invader in alluvial plains along alpine rivers. There is a risk that such species experience a demographic explosion in the geographical region under study.