Architecture and functional traits of semi-arid shrub species in Cabo de Gata Natural Park, SE Spain

摘要

The basic architectural features of 45 shrub species represent-ing 12 families are described from a Mediterranean semi-aridshrubland in the location of Cabo de Gata (SE Spain). Six dif-ferent architectural models were recognized: Scarrone, Rauh,Holttum, Leeuwenberg, Champagnat and Corner. The Tom-lilinson model was recognized as a variation with basitonic rep-etition of the Rauh, Corner, Leeuwenberg and Holtt'im mod-els. The sympodic variant of the Scarrone model was the mostcommon in our study area. Functional traits such as plantheight, lateral spread and plant coverage were correlated withthe architectural models. Small shrubs up to 0.6 m height withreduced lateral spread (0.1-0.25 m) and plant coverage (0.5-1 m2) were likely to have sympodic growth patterns, acrotonicdichasial branching and terminal inflorescences. Inversely,large shrubs up to 1-3 m in height, with large canopies (1-3 ma), and well developed lateral spread (> 0.25 m) were likelyto have a determinate growth pattern with lateral inflores-cences. The first group have species which grow following thesympodic variant of the Scarrone model, whereas the secondgroup presents species following the Rauh model and includesthorny shrubs from the climax communities.