Degeneration of foundation cushion species induced by ecological constraints can cause massive changes in alpine plant communities

Chen, Jianguo; Chen, Xufang; Qian, Lishen; Zhang, Yazhou; Li, Bo; Shi, Honghua; Sun, Lu; Schöb, Christian; Sun, Hang

doi:10.1007/s11427-022-2383-6

Sci. China Life Sci.

2023

DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2383-6

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Degeneration of foundation cushion species induced by ecological constraints can cause massive changes in alpine plant communities

Jianguo Chen,

Xufang Chen,

Lishen Qian

et al.

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Cited by 3 publications

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Growth dynamics and climate sensitivities in alpine cushion plants: insights from Silene acaulis in the Swiss Alps

Rai,

Breme,

Jandova

et al. 2024

Alp Botany

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Understanding alpine plants’ growth dynamics and responses to warming is essential for predicting climate change impacts on mountain ecosystems. Here, we examine growth determinants in the alpine cushion plant Silene acaulis in the Swiss Alps, exploring ontogeny, elevation, and climate influences. We collected 40 Silene individuals and 159 individuals from 38 co-occurring alpine species across 2200–3130 m elevations in the Swiss Alps, analyzing age and growth histories through annual growth rings. While comparing growth rates, we found that Silene was relatively slow-growing. However, Silene exhibited a dual growth strategy, initially rapid and then slowing after ~ 20 years, challenging perceptions of its longevity. Similar ontogenetic trends were observed in other alpine species, albeit with variations based on species and elevation. The consistent unimodal growth-elevation pattern in Silene and other alpine plants, peaking at ~ 2400 m, underscores shared environmental constraints on alpine plant growth. Additionally, cross-dating growth ring series and correlating with daily climate data enabled the precise assessment of warming impacts on growth. Silene’s growth is influenced by year-to-year climate variability, with warming-induced moisture stress and overheating during spring and summer adversely affecting its growth. Despite being low-statured, Silene is not completely decoupled from atmospheric influences. The heat-trapping function of Silene, effective in mature and well-formed cushions, makes it susceptible to adverse effects as temperatures rise. This sensitivity raises concerns about the potential dieback of Silene cushions, as witnessed during recent heatwaves, and emphasizes the broader ecological implications for alpine ecosystems, given Silene’s role as a crucial nurse plant.

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Growth dynamics and climate sensitivities in alpine cushion plants: insights from Silene acaulis in the Swiss Alps

Rai,

Breme,

Jandova

et al. 2024

Alp Botany

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Sex-specific facilitation and reproduction of the gynodioecious cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides on the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains, SW China

Chen,

Zhang,

Qian

et al. 2024

Plant Diversity

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Simulated climate warming strongly constrains the seedling establishment of alpine cushion Arenaria oreophila

Zhou,

Yang,

Chen

et al. 2023

Plant Diversity

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Degeneration of foundation cushion species induced by ecological constraints can cause massive changes in alpine plant communities

Cited by 3 publications

References 64 publications

Growth dynamics and climate sensitivities in alpine cushion plants: insights from Silene acaulis in the Swiss Alps

Growth dynamics and climate sensitivities in alpine cushion plants: insights from Silene acaulis in the Swiss Alps

Sex-specific facilitation and reproduction of the gynodioecious cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides on the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains, SW China

Simulated climate warming strongly constrains the seedling establishment of alpine cushion Arenaria oreophila

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