Examination of phenotypic plasticity in Hydrocotyle bonariensis in response to two soil types

The Role of Phenotypic Plasticity among Largeleaf Pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis) Populations Occupying Different Habitats in Coastal Georgia

“…Due to the patchy distribution of vegetation in coastal sand-dune habitats, there can be little to no canopy cover, and individual plants are often located within bare patches of sand where they experience direct sunlight for much of the day (Joesting et al 2016). Conversely, plants found in inland coastal plain habitats often grow in communities with a canopy of shrubs and/or small trees, which can provide shade, and subsequently can result in greater variation in light intensity within the habitat (Chiarello and Joesting 2018). High incident sunlight at TI may contribute to the greater air and soil temperature found for this habitat, which also persisted for longer periods of time at TI (Fig.…”

“…(Largeleaf Pennywort) is a perennial, clonal herb ranging in the Western Hemisphere from northern Virginia to southern Chile (Evans 1992a). In Georgia, Largeleaf Pennywort can be found in both coastal sand dune and inland coastal plain habitats (Chiarello and Joesting 2018). The environments of these 2 habitats differ with regards to several abiotic factors, including soil type, which subsequently can affect organic matter content and the amount of water and nutrients available for plant uptake (Chiarello and Joesting 2018).…”

“…In Georgia, Largeleaf Pennywort can be found in both coastal sand dune and inland coastal plain habitats (Chiarello and Joesting 2018). The environments of these 2 habitats differ with regards to several abiotic factors, including soil type, which subsequently can affect organic matter content and the amount of water and nutrients available for plant uptake (Chiarello and Joesting 2018). The soil of the sand-dune habitat consists mainly of large, granular sand particles that provide relatively low levels of water retention, organic matter content, and nutrients to support plant growth (Chiarello and Joesting 2018, Yong and Warkentin 1966).…”

“…The environments of these 2 habitats differ with regards to several abiotic factors, including soil type, which subsequently can affect organic matter content and the amount of water and nutrients available for plant uptake (Chiarello and Joesting 2018). The soil of the sand-dune habitat consists mainly of large, granular sand particles that provide relatively low levels of water retention, organic matter content, and nutrients to support plant growth (Chiarello and Joesting 2018, Yong and Warkentin 1966). In comparison, inland coastal plain soils consist of a variety of granular sizes, allowing for relatively greater water retention, organic matter, and nutrient availability (Chiarello and Joesting 2018).…”

“…The soil of the sand-dune habitat consists mainly of large, granular sand particles that provide relatively low levels of water retention, organic matter content, and nutrients to support plant growth (Chiarello and Joesting 2018, Yong and Warkentin 1966). In comparison, inland coastal plain soils consist of a variety of granular sizes, allowing for relatively greater water retention, organic matter, and nutrient availability (Chiarello and Joesting 2018). The difference in soil moisture and nutrient availability between the 2 habitats may lead to different patterns of biomass allocation, root morphology, and/or petiole and leaf cell size (Sultan and Bazzaz 1993a, b).…”