2021/06/09 by Eskander, Monica, Smith, Katie L, Messih, Monique +1
#encroachment #madrones #meadows #plasticity
paper · doi:10.21973/n3sh44
Montane meadows provide a wide range of ecosystem services and host rich biodiversity. These regions of increased biodiversity are under the threat of conifer encroachment due to changes in climatic conditions. Pioneer species established along meadow edges, such as Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii), have been shown to facilitate Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) encroachment into meadows. By biologically altering the soil through mycorrhizal associations, madrones create suitable conditions for coniferous growth. Our results suggest that Pacific madrones physiologically adjust leaf thickness for optimal resource allocation depending on climatic conditions. In meadow edges, Pacific madrones show an increase in leaf thickness when compared to trees in their ideal forest habitat. This plasticity allows madrones to inhabit meadow edges, leading to further facilitation of conifer encroachment into montane meadows.