Influences of gap size on growth of native plants transplanted into an Imperata cylindrica grassland: Does growth form matter ?

Abstract

When native species are transplanted to restoration sites, the amount of growth in planted individuals depends on the gap size between plants. The influence of gap size can also be affected by the growth form of the planted species. Five native species, two with procumbent thalli and three with epigeal cotyledons, were transplanted into 15^-cm and 30^-cm gaps in an Imperata Cylindrica grassland. The plants with procumbent thalli grew significantly better in the 30^-cm gaps, whereas the plants with epigeal cotyledons grew equally well in 15^-cm and 30^-cm gaps. There is a need to determine whether the transplants can prevent invasion by other species.