Reproductive Strategies of Pioneering Alpine Species: Seed Production, Dispersal, and Germination

Abstract

Reproductive characteristics are reported for four plant species identified as potential early colonizers of disturbed alpine tundra in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Arenaria groenlandica and Juncus trifidus showed high production of viable seed, high germination percentages, and relatively high (albeit short-range) seed mobility combining the advantages of perennial longevity with reproductive vigor more typical of annuals. Potentilla tridentata and Diapensia lapponica lacked the above characteristics and appear to be much less opportunistic in their reproductive behavior. The frequent occurrence of P. tridentata in soils disturbed by heavy foot trampling was more likely related to its former presence and belowground vegetative persistence at these sites.

While A. groenlandica and J. trifidus appear capable of sexual reproduction, successful invasion of disturbed sites by these species is probably restricted to fairly local areas where there is a high fallout of seed.