Calluna and its associated species: Some aspects of co-existence in communities |
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Authors: | C H Gimingham |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Botany, University of Aberdeen, St. Machr Drive, Aberdeen, Great Britain |
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Abstract: | Summary Using heath communities (dominated byCalluna vulgaris) as an example, an attempt is made to identify those characteristics of other species wiich enable them to co-exist with
the dominant. In the course of its life-span,Calluna passes through a series of growth phases (pioneer, building, mature, degenerate) during which there are marked changes in
the condition affecting associated species. These display a variety of ‘complementary strategies’ which enable them to co-exist
withCalluna during a part, or the whole, of the sequence. Changes with time in the flora of even-aged stands ofCalluna, produced as a result of management by burning, are accounted for in similar terms. It is also shown that invasion of heath
communities by tree species (e.g.Betula spp.,Pinus sylvestris), which may eventually eliminateCalluna, is related to the sequence of growth-phases.
Contribution to the Symposium on plant species and plant communities, held at Nijmegen, 11–12 November 1976, on the occasion
of the 60th birthday of Professor Victor Westhoff-to whom the author conveys the good wishes of Scottish botanists and conservationists,
and particularly those of the University of Aberdeen.
Nomenclature follows Clapham, Tutin & Warburg (1962) for vascular plants, Watson (1968) for bryophytes, and Duncan (1970)
for lichens. Following common practiceCalluna vulgaris is referred to simply asCalluna.
Grateful acknowledgement is made to several present and former research students who have kindly permitted the use of their
data: particularly P. Barclay-Estrup, Edith M. French, Gong Wooi Khoon, C.J. Legg, Evelyn W. Paterson, S.D. Ward. I am especially
grateful to C.J. Legg for valuable discussions on the subject of this paper. |
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Keywords: | Co-existence Complementary strategies Heath communities |
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