Plant Traits and Biomass Allocation of Gentiana Hexaphylla on Different Slope Aspects at the Eastern Margin of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Abstract. The growth, biomass partitioning and reproduction of alpine Gentiana hexaphylla species in local microclimates have important ecological significance in the study of the adaptation strategies of alpine plants. At the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China we set up eight sample positions surrounded by mountains at an altitude of 4000 m and subsequently transplanted and measured the indices of growth, biomass allocation and reproduction of Gentiana hexaphylla to investigate the adaptation strategies in different slope aspects. Our results showed that slope aspects significantly affected the survival and reproduction strategies of Gentiana hexaphylla. Plants growing on sunny slopes tend to reproduce sexually, and those growing on shady slope are inclined to reproduce asexually. Along the circumference of the mountain, from slope S to slope SW, the growth of plant height from the early vegetation stage to the full bloom stage showed a wave shape and biomass accumulation showed a "W"-like pattern. The adaption strategy of Gentiana hexaphylla has a stronger correlation with soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen and phosphorus than with light intensity, soil annual temperature and soil water content. Our results will help to understand the physiological adaptation of Gentiana hexaphylla in different slope aspects and explore the rule of plant functions and character responses to various habitats, so as to reveal the life cycle strategy.

Which factor explains the life‐history of Xanthium strumarium L., an aggressive alien invasive plant species, along its altitudinal gradient?

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Environment-Driven Changes in the Functional Traits of Milk Thistle [Silybum marianum (L). Gaertn.] Along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Semi-Arid Environment: Perspective on Future Plant Invasion

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