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Restoring phylogenetic diversity through facilitation

Authors :
Jose A. Navarro-Cano
Alfonso Valiente-Banuet
Miguel VerdĂș
Emilio Laguna
P. Pablo Ferrer-Gallego
Marta Goberna
Inmaculada Ferrando
Source :
Restoration Ecology. 24:449-455
Publication Year :
2016
Publisher :
Wiley, 2016.

Abstract

Phylogenetic diversity enhances ecosystem functioning but restoration ecology has not taken advantage of this knowledge. We propose plant facilitation as a mechanism to promote phylogenetic diversity in restoration practices. We planted three functionally different species (Gypsophila struthium, Sedum album, and Limonium sucronicum) in a degraded gypsum ecosystem in Spain and found that after 7 years, the species with nurse traits (G. struthium) survived longer and facilitated the establishment of new species forming phylogenetically diverse neighborhoods. These facilitation-driven phylodiverse communities may potentially produce a cascade of benefits on ecosystem functioning.

Details

ISSN :
10612971
Volume :
24
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Restoration Ecology
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........6a1c3f2908b3c7a623d0e723a36119a8
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12350