Contrary to the long-held belief that plants in the natural world are always in competition, new research has found that in harsh environments mature plants help smaller ones — and thrive as a result.

The first study to examine plant interactions in a hostile environment over their lifespan found that plants sheltering seedlings help the smaller plant survive and are more successful themselves, a processed in ecology called facilitation.

The study, led by Dr Rocio Perez-Barrales at the University of Portsmouth and Dr Alicia Montesinos-Navarro at Desertification Research Center in Valencia, Spain, studied adult and seedling plants in the ‘ecological desert’ of gypsum soil in the south-east of Spain.

The findings could have significance for those managing harsh environments including coastal management.

Dr Perez-Barrales said: «If you’re a seedling in a barren landscape — the top of a mountain or a sand dune, for example — and you’re lucky enough to end up underneath a big plant, your chances of survival are certainly better than if you landed somewhere on your own.

«What we have found which was surprising is an established large plant, called a ‘nurse’, shields a seedling, it also produces more flowers than the same plants of similar large size growing on their own.»

This win-win for adult and seedling plants in harsh environments has not previously been reported.

Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Portsmouth. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.