The growth ofDrosera intermediain nutrient-rich habitats: the role of insectivory and interspecific competition

摘要

This study used field experiments to test whether insectivory confers any benefit onDrosera intermediaHayne growing on lakeshores characterized by high sediment organic content and dense vegetation. Ramets were grown in pots containing organic shoreline sediment for one summer at Axe Lake, Ontario. Insect availability was controlled by nylon mesh. Biomass accumulated byD.intermediawas not affected by insect availability. In a second experiment, whenD.intermediawas grown with ramets ofLysimachia terrestris(L.) BSP., the exclusion of insects significantly reduced the biomass accumulated byD.intermedia. These results suggest that insectivory may be important in reducing the effect of interspecific competition onD.intermediagrowing in nutrient-rich habitats.