Spatial patterns of water-dispersed seed deposition along stream riparian gradients.

ABSTRACT: Riparian ecosystems along streams naturally harbour a high plant diversity with many increasingly endangered species. In our current heavily modified and fragmented catchments, many of these species are sensitive to dispersal limitation. Better understanding of riparian plant dispersal pathways is required to predict species (re-)colonization potential and improve success rates of stream and riparian zone conservation and restoration. Dispersal by water (hydrochory) is an important mechanism for longitudinal and lateral dispersal of riparian species. Crucially for recruitment potential, it also influences the elevation along the riparian hydrological gradient where seeds become deposited. Due to the complex interplay between abiotic and biotic factors, however, it remains unclear how exact

SUBMITTER: Fraaije RGA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5619765 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature