Habitat specificity of a threatened and endemic, cliff-dwelling halophyte

摘要: Coastal areas and other saline environments are major contributors to regional global biodiversity patterns. In these environments, rapidly changing gradients require highly specialized plants like halophytes. European coastal cliff-tops, rocky sandy seashores, saltmarshes, typical halophytes from the genus Limonium commonly found. Among them, aneuploid tetraploid (2n = 4x 35, 36, 37) multiflorum, endemic west coast of Portugal, is an interesting case study for investigating ecology conservation a halophyte agamospermic species. Although it listed in IUCN red list threatened species, information on its population size or rarity, as well ecology, some respects still unknown. Field surveys largest known were performed (Raso cape, Portugal) order determine habitat requirements status. A total 88 quadrats monitored, 43 which contained at least one L. multiflorum individual. For each sampled quadrat, four abiotic biotic variables two spatially derived recorded. Principal component analysis cluster showed narrow specificity this species appeared be intolerant competition with invasive alien plants. We conclude that situ local 'hotspot' rare vulnerable emerges priority ensure not lost.