Summer aridity rather than management shapes fitness‐related functional traits of the threatened mountain plant Arnica montana

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6259
• Publication Date: 2020-05-08T11:17:01Z
• Authors: Nils Stanik; Christian Lampei; Gert Rosenthal
• Keywords: Specific leaf area; Trait; Environmental gradient

Abstract Semi‐natural mountain grasslands are increasingly exposed to environmental stress under climate change. However, which the factors that limit plants in these grasslands? Also, is present management effective against changes? Fitness‐related functional traits may offer a way detect changes performance and provide new insights into their vulnerability We investigated variability of grassland target species Arnica montana along gradient Central German low ranges. This represents at its lower end conditions expected upper future measured vegetative, generative, physiological account for multiple ways plant responses environment. Using mixed effects multivariate models, we evaluated trait values among individuals as well populations order assess changing summer aridity different regimes. most showed strongly positive associations with reduced higher elevations, while only specific leaf area dry matter content no association. suggests level less arid montane sites sensitive this change factor. The coefficient variation almost all declined steadily decreasing site aridity. suggest indicates A. toward optimum especially because increased simultaneously. Surprisingly, habitat characteristics had influence on both variability. In summary, stronger effect shape than other characteristics.