Wuchsform und Lebensgeschichte von Globularia bisnagarica L. (G. punctata LAPEYR., Globulariaceae)

Abstract

Globularia bisnagarica L. is an attractive plant to be found in rocky dry meadows (Xerobromion: TrinioCaricetumhumilis, in Eastern Germany also Stipetum capillatae), distributed over the whole Submediterraneanregion and at disjunct places in temperate Europe (Fig. 1). In Germany it is endangered and protected by law.The distribution in Eastern Germany (Fig. 13), the growth form, life history and population biology is investigatedto provide a basis for conservation measures.Globularia bisnagarica is an evergreen, subsucculent pleiocormous semirosette plant (i. e. with densely branchingstem bases that are connected with each other and the primary root for the whole life). The woody base bearsclear annual rings (Fig. 2) and resembles a semishrub. The root system is extensive and up to I m deep andbroad (Fig. 8, 9). The lifespan of the plant is some 20-25 years, that of the seeds at least 4 years. Reproductionis only performed by seeds. The diaspores (small nuts incased in the calyx) are dispersed by wind and animals,but this is not effective over long distance. The development and survival of seedlings depends greatly on openspaces or local destruction of the vegetation. The fitness of adult plants rapidly decreases with growing inter- orintraspecific competition. Therefore conservation measures must include disturbance.