Resilience at the individual plant level

Authors: H A Mooney R J Hobbs

Publish Date: 1986

Volume: , Issue: , Pages: 65-82

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Abstract

Mediterraneanclimate regions of the world are characterized by events affecting plant growth and survival which occur either regularly such as summer drought or episodically such as fire insect outbreak extended drought or unusual cold These episodic disturbances may occur at differing frequencies and at different times of the yearLife form classifications have categorized the various means by which plants withstand or recover from annual unfavorable climatic conditions but less attention has been given to the mechanisms of recovery resilience from infrequent but catastrophic events with the notable exception of fireAt the individual plant level resilience can be defined as the ability of an individual to regenerate following disturbance either through replacement of damaged tissues or by the germination of its offspring from seed We outline a comprehensive view of the ‘regenosphere’ of mediterraneanclimate plants discussing the types and locations of regenerative tissue which includes seeds and buds Factors influencing regeneration include the length of viability of regenerative tissue response to growth triggers the availability of stored reserves and the vulnerability of regenerating tissue to damage Further factors influencing regenerative ability may be the timing of disturbance in relation to the seasonal growth cycle and to the life history of the plant

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