Plant trait–environment relationships in salt marshes: Deviations from predictions by ecological concepts

• Published in: Perspectives in plant ecology, evolution and systematics Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 183 - 192
• Main Authors: Minden, Vanessa, Andratschke, Sandra, Spalke, Janina, Timmermann, Hanna, Kleyer, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 20.06.2012
• Subjects: Allocation; Allocations; canopy; dry matter content; Ecology; Economics; environmental factors; high water table; Investments; leaf area; leaves; Mathematical models; Nutrients; Organs; photosynthesis; Plant ecology strategy schemes; Plant functional traits; plant organs; prediction; RLQ analysis; salinity; salt marsh plants; Salt marshes; Plant functional traits; Plant ecology strategy schemes; RLQ analysis; Allocation

Salt marshes are exposed to high groundwater levels and salinity due to periodical inundation and are under constant influence of physical disturbance. Plants inhabiting salt marshes need to pursue different strategies to colonize this environment and hence, trait expressions should vary along the e...