Growth Responses to Salinity in Relation to Distribution of Two Mangrove Species, Sonneratia alba and S. lanceolata, in Northern Australia

• DOI: 10.2307/2390093
• Publication Date: 2006-06-17T06:55:33Z
• Authors: M. C. Ball; S. M. Pidsley
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

1. There were interspecific differences in salt-tolerance. Sonneratia alba grew salinities ranging from fresh water to sea water, with growth being maximal 5 50% water. In contrast, lanceolata 0 occurring 5% 2. Under optimal conditions for of both species (i.e. water), the less salt-tolerant species, S. lanceolata, achieved twice height, leaf area and biomass more species. It appears that increasing salt-tolerance is at expense competitive ability under low salinity conditions. 3. Growth analysis showed change net assimilation rate accounted most between changes by a increase 100% 4. Interspecific salt tolerance consistent (but do not fully explain) differential distribution along natural gradients northern Australia, seasonal variation apparently an important factor their survival many environments