VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION BY LAYERING VERSUS SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN A SPRUCE-FIR FOREST AT ALPINE TREELINE, MEDICINE BOW MOUNTAINS, USA

Alpine ecosystems offer a unique opportunity to study tree species at the edges of their distributions and physiological limits. Clonal growth has shown to be an advantageous trait for woody species in alpine zones because it provides protection from high winds, freezing temperatures, and ice abrasion. The two dominant tree species in the Medicine Bow National Forest, Engelmann spruce (<italic>Picea engelmannii</italic>) and subalpine fir (<italic>Abies lasiocarpa</italic>), possess the ability to reproduce asexually through the vegetative process of layering. The current study investigated the frequency of vertical stems produced by layering versus seed germination within the krummholz and tree islands found across the alpine treeline ecotone. Observational data on vertical stem origin, size, and cone production were collected for fifty krummholz mats and forty tree islands within the Libby Flats area. Vertical woody stems originated mainly from layering in both the krummholz mats and tree islands with only small percentages originating from seed. The results provide preliminary data and insight into the extent of layering and vegetative reproduction throughout the treeline ecotone. In the face of changing climates it is important to understand the reproductive potential of these species.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Walters, Cristin

• Alpine

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/37657

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/37657