Investigating the mycorrhizal colonisation of Sedum spp. in the UK

Rumble, Heather

Abstract

Sedum, or stonecrops, are a popular garden plant. They are colourful but resistant to difficult growing conditions such as dry soils. These drought-resistant properties have also made them the most common species to be planted on green (vegetated) roofs, which are being installed on flat roofs in most cities in the northern hemisphere. However, sedum in the UK is a relatively rare wild plant and throughout the world little is known about the ecology of this family. The different habitats that sedum grow and are grown in make them an ideal plant to study competitive interactions. In the wild sedum often grows in harsh environments, such as mountainsides and coastal cliffs, either in isolation or in competition with other low-growing hardy vegetation such as mosses. But in gardens and on green roofs environmental conditions vary greatly and individuals are often planted in high densities, experiencing competition with individual sedum plants, other garden species and ruderal plants. Studying the ways that sedum cope with these varying environmental conditions and competitive scenarios enables ecologists to understand these processes and apply this to plant ecology more widely. In addition to understanding ecological processes, sedum is also a species of economic value. Understanding how to maximise their growth both in nurseries (for gardens) and on green roofs will benefit sedum growers and gardeners.

• Report Type: Project Report
• Deposit Date: Apr 19, 2023
• Keywords: Mycorrhizal colonisation; Sedum spp
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10634102