Some Plant Growth Patterns in Relation to the Sand Dune Habitat

SUMMARY related to community structure and environmental factors. (2) Winter annual species had high growth rates and, except in the earliest stages, the shoots showed greater increase in dry weight than the roots. They may have low competitive abilities and depend on the restriction of growth of perennial competitors by low soil-water and nutrient levels. Because of their high growth rates and an early start, however, they complete their life-cycle before the stress of summer drought. (3) Biennial and perennial species varied in growth strategies. Some had high growth rates and are described as competitive strategists; others had quite low growth rates but tolerated extreme conditions and are described as stress-tolerant strategists. Where water and nutrients are scarce, uniformity of strategy might be expected, but there was a wide range of responses.