Studies in the Autecology of Juncus Squarrosus L

TL;DRAbstract

Studies in the autecology of Juncus squarrosus L. have been made over a three-year period, mainly in the area of high-level moorland at the head of Teesdale in the north Pennines. The morphology and anatomy of the plant are described, and an account is given of the form of the communities. Annual increments in rhizome growth of 0.5 to 2.0 cm. were recorded. About 20 sites were examined phytosociologically, Five noda were distinguished, namely the peaty gley, the podsol, the species-poor gley, the species-rich gley and the flushed-peat noda. The reproductive capacity was measured at 12 of these sites. IV here Juncus is dominant up to 8,000 seeds can be produced per square metre. Production is lower on well-drained soils, the number of florets per inflorescence being less, and when a smaller proportion of florets ripen to form capsules. In average years 50% of the florets ripen at heights up to 1800 ft. (550 m.). Larvae of the moth Goleophora alticolella eat the seeds at the lower levels

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