Population size and reproduction of Gentians nivalis L. at ben lawers N.N.R.

Summary

Life history, reproductive performance, changes in plant numbers, and damage due to grazing were recorded from populations of Gentiana nivalis L. at one of its only two stations in Scotland. Up to 50 per cent of plants were biennials. These were larger than the annuals, produced more seeds, but were grazed preferentially and had poor survival. The production of seed capsules by plants exposed to grazing, mainly by sheep, was less than that of plants on inaccessible cliffs. Overall annual seed production within the main population was 3–4 seeds per m², some 150–200 times greater than the density of the plants. Seeds were deeply dormant and difficult to germinate in the laboratory. The density of G. nivalis was relatively stable within the largest and most dense population, although plants migrated within the area of suitable habitat from one year to the next. Numbers were unstable within small, sparse populations: plants disappeared one year only to reappear a year later. Viable seeds stored in the soil may enable G. nivalis to recolonize rapidly whenever conditions are suitable, thus decreasing the probability of extinction.