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- Title
The functional ecology of Empodisma minus (Hook. f.) Johnson & Cutler in New Zealand ombrotrophic mires.
- Authors
Agnew, A. D. Q.; Rapson, G. L.; Sykes, M. T.; Wilson, J. Bastow
- Abstract
Mires dominated by restionaceous rushes occur in valley and basin sites around New Zealand. The main restiad species is Empodisma minus which produces a surface mat of negative geotropic roots which eventually form a principal part of the underlying peat. Comparison of the peat chemistry of four such mires with a minerotrophic mire was consistent with their suspected ombrotrophic status. The base-exchange capacity achieved (704 ± 23.3 mequiv m-2 of the surface) by the superficial roots of Empodisma is at least as great as that of the New Zealand Sphagnum cristatum which is not dominant in ombrotrophic conditions. The widespread development of a hummock and hollow microtopography may be associated with higher rainfall regimes and the propensity of Empodisma for directing most incoming rainfall (on which its nutrient economy depends) down its wiry stems.
- Subjects
RESTIONACEAE; SPECIES; PEAT; PLANT roots; GEOTROPISM; PEAT mosses
- Publication
New Phytologist, 1993, Vol 124, Issue 4, p703
- ISSN
0028-646X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1469-8137.1993.tb03861.x