Elucidating patterns in the population size structure and density of Aloe plicatilis, a tree aloe endemic to the Cape fynbos, South Africa

Cousins, Stephen; Witkowski, E.T.F.; Pfab, M.F.

doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2013.09.012

Cited by 28 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 54 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Size structure and density data presented in Cousins et al . () for these three populations were collected in August 2010 (Voorsorg 1 ) and June 2011 (Kliphoutkloof and Voorsorg 2 ), whereas the data shown in the present study were collected in June 2011 (Voorsorg 1 ) and November 2012 (Kliphoutkloof and Voorsorg 2 ). Prescribed burning was not feasible because fynbos fires can be extremely hazardous, and controlled burns are usually done for management or restoration purposes only.…”

Section: Methodscontrasting

confidence: 56%

“…Populations occur at altitudes of 190–950 m, with average annual temperatures of 14–18°C and average rainfalls of 400–1900 mm/year (Schulze ; Cousins et al . ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…In order to determine the microhabitat of K. plicatilis , percentage cover within a 1 m radius of individual plants was visually estimated at all 19 populations surveyed in Cousins et al . (). Cover was classified into one of five categories: rock, forbs, graminoids (Poaceae/Restionaceae), gravel and bare soil/litter.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…On average, adult plants range from 1.5 to 2 m in height (Cousins et al . ), but exceptionally large individuals may reach 4–5 m. Kumara plicatilis flowers from August to October, and fruit capsules release small, wind‐dispersed seeds in December/January (Van Wyk & Smith ). Its distribution extends from the Franschhoek Mountains in the south, to the Grootwinterhoek Mountains near Tulbagh in the north (Van Wyk & Smith ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A subset of data from 19 populations surveyed in a previous broad study on the ecology of K. plicatilis (see Cousins et al . , 2014a,b) was used to assess the relationship between habitat occupation and fire damage (16 historically burned populations and four recently burned populations: ‘Kliphoutkloof’, ‘Voorsorg 1 ’ and ‘Voorsorg 2 ’ near Rawsonville/Worcester, and a population near the Theewaterskloof dam south of Franschhoek (see ‘Theewaterskloof’ in Fig. ) (Voorsorg 1 was surveyed both pre‐ and post‐fire, hence n = 19 populations).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Beating the blaze: Fire survival in the fan aloe (Kumara plicatilis), a succulent monocotyledonous tree endemic to the Cape fynbos, South Africa

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Fire is central to the ecology of Mediterranean-type climate ecosystems, but little is known about the fire ecology of succulent plants therein. This study investigated the fire ecology of an arborescent succulent monocot, Kumara plicatilis (L.) G. D. Rowley (Asphodelaceae), a Cape fynbos endemic. Habitat suitability was assessed to determine whether the species tolerates or 'avoids' fire, and fire survival traits (bark thickness and tissue water content) were measured. The population size structure and density of three K. plicatilis populations were assessed after natural fires, and resprouting potential was investigated. Kumara plicatilis adopts a dual fire survival strategy, occupying rocky sites to 'avoid' fire and possessing morphological features that afford fire tolerance, e.g. well-protected apical meristems and thick corky bark. Bark thickness of burned individuals in situ was similar to unburned plants, suggesting that K. plicatilis bark provides effective insulation against fire. Mortality rates were 64%, 40% and 11%, and decreased as rock cover at the population level increased. All three populations showed reduced plant density post-fire, with greater density reductions associated with lower rock cover. Small plants appear most vulnerable to fire damage due to lower absolute bark thickness and plant heights within the flame zone. Kumara plicatilis is an apical sprouter, recovering after fire or mechanical stem damage by onward growth from surviving stem apices, rather than resprouting. Post-fire population recovery therefore likely depends on inter-fire recruitment.

show abstract

Section: Methodscontrasting

confidence: 56%

“…Populations occur at altitudes of 190–950 m, with average annual temperatures of 14–18°C and average rainfalls of 400–1900 mm/year (Schulze ; Cousins et al . ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Beating the blaze: Fire survival in the fan aloe (Kumara plicatilis), a succulent monocotyledonous tree endemic to the Cape fynbos, South Africa

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Population re‐establishment and spatial dynamics of crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum), a foundation species in restored alpine ecosystems

Sulavik,

Auestad,

Boudreau

et al. 2024

Ecology and Evolution

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Many ecosystems are defined and shaped by one or a few common, foundation species. Even though such species hold a key role in the restoration of these ecosystems, the demographic processes involved in their re‐establishment have rarely been studied. Foundation species' population dynamics, re‐establishment history, and the abiotic and biotic factors that affect individual establishment at restored sites can be studied by addressing population spatial patterns and age structure. Such an approach to studying population dynamics is particularly relevant for long‐lived species with low mortality, such as shrubs in alpine areas. We studied a population of the foundation species Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum at an alpine spoil heap site and found evidence of population re‐establishment starting within a decade after construction. High Empetrum densities close to the spoil heap edges indicated that short distances to seed sources in the surroundings had a strong positive effect on establishment of individuals. Empetrum individuals were significantly clustered, which indicated intraspecific facilitation. As revealed by spatial analyses of recruits and older, established individuals, clustering developed gradually over time, which indicated a shift from no interaction to increased facilitation. We conclude that intraspecific facilitation promotes Empetrum reestablishment at the studied alpine spoil heap. Synthesis: We show that population spatial patterns and age structure can be successfully used to unveil the re‐establishment history of a foundation species in a restoration context. Efficient seed dispersal and intraspecific facilitation seem to be important factors behind Empetrum's successful re‐establishment at alpine spoil heaps. Identification of abiotic and biotic factors determining foundation species' establishment success at restored sites can support planning and improve success of restoration.

show abstract

Aloe ASPHODELACEAE

Newton¹

2019

Monocotyledons

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Elucidating patterns in the population size structure and density of Aloe plicatilis, a tree aloe endemic to the Cape fynbos, South Africa

Cited by 28 publications

References 54 publications

Beating the blaze: Fire survival in the fan aloe (Kumara plicatilis), a succulent monocotyledonous tree endemic to the Cape fynbos, South Africa

Beating the blaze: Fire survival in the fan aloe (Kumara plicatilis), a succulent monocotyledonous tree endemic to the Cape fynbos, South Africa

Population re‐establishment and spatial dynamics of crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum), a foundation species in restored alpine ecosystems

Aloe ASPHODELACEAE

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About