Vegetos

Abstract

Knowledge of species traits and its associated intrinsic and extrinsic factors would helpful for increasing in served ecosystem services and for sustained population dynamics. In present study, reproductive and plant cover traits were evaluated for an endangered hot arid zone species Blepharis sindica. Trait analysis was carried out for two available populations. Traits plasticity were quantified for capsule diameters, number of cones, width, height and biomass of cones and plant cover at pure and mixed stand of this species. Sampling adequacy was examined through Kaiser-Meyer Olkin test. Significance and behaviours of stand types on these traits were measured through student t-test and Principal Component Analysis. Study revealed that plants from pure stand had higher cone biomass and numbers than that from mixed stand. Maximum trait plasticity was recorded for capsule diameter which was lowest for plant cover. Future prospect of this study related to increase the in-situ survival possibilities of this species and this can be achieved through identification of population with better trait values followed with suitable ground conditions (soil and community).