Plant adaptability in karst regions.

Chunni Liu, Yang Huang, Feng Wu, Wenjing Liu, Yiqiu Ning, Zhenrong Huang, Shaoqing Tang, Yu Liang

Journal: Journal of plant research 2021;134(5):889-906

PMID: 34258691

Abstract

Karst ecosystems are formed by dissolution of soluble rocks, usually with conspicuous landscape features, such as sharp peaks, steep slopes and deep valleys. The plants in karst regions develop special adaptability. Here, we reviewed the research progresses on plant adaptability in karst regions, including drought, high temperature and light, high-calcium stresses responses and the strategies of water utilization for plants, soil nutrients impact, human interference and geographical traits on karst plants. Drought, high temperature and light change their physiological and morphological structures to adapt to karst environments. High-calcium and soil nutrients can transfer surplus nutrients to special parts of plants to avoid damage of high nutrient concentration. Therefore, karst plants can make better use of limited water. Human interference also affects geographical distribution of karst plants and their growing environment. All of these aspects may be analyzed to provide guidance and suggestions for related research on plant adaptability mechanisms.

Address: Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China.; School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China.; Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s10265-021-01330-3

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https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10265-021-01330-3

MeSH Terms: Droughts, Ecosystem, Plants, Soil, Soil Microbiology