Seedling growth in four species of chionochloa (gramineae)

Summary

Seedling growth in Chionochloa macra, C. rigida, C. rubra, and C. flavescens was measured by leaf production, tillering, and yield of leaves and roots. Each species was raised in its own soil and that of the others, both with and without added nitrogen and phosphorus. Seedlings of all species responded to fertiliser, especially to phosphate.

Some characteristic growth patterns emerged, particularly that of C. macra which produced consistently shorter leaves, low leaf and root yield, but high tillering compared with other species. Soils strongly influenced growth in all species and the species themselves proved adequate assessors of differences among soils. C. rubra and C. rigida seem to be more tolerant of a wider range of soils than C. macra and C. flavescens.