Abstract
The general range of Euphorbia amygdaloides L. in Europe and Asia is characteristic of a subatlantic-submediterranean distribution type. The main factor limiting its eastern distribution may be the minimum winter temperature. Field experiments were conducted to show the direct effects of decreasing temperature in a west-east gradient on individual plants. Euphorbia amygdaloides plants were transplanted along a transect beyond the distribution boundary in NW-Thuringia, Germany. Air temperature and soil temperature were recorded with data loggers at eight experimental plots. Frost damage was analysed at the end of the winter of 1995/96 and during the winter of 1996/97. Frost tolerance experiments were conducted in a freeze chamber during the same periods. Furthermore, frost damage in plots with and without snow cover was analysed. Frost damage was quantified by determining rates of electrolyte leakage (Murray et al. 1989).
Additional information on the species’ population biology and growth patterns near the distribution boundary is given. Photosynthesis measurements in response to changes in temperature provide data on the autecology of Euphorbia amygdaloides.
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Schulz, C., Bruelheide, H. (1999). An experimental study on the impact of winter temperature on the distribution of Euphorbia amygdaloides L. in Central Germany. In: Klötzli, F., Walther, GR. (eds) Conference on Recent Shifts in Vegetation Boundaries of Deciduous Forests, Especially Due to General Global Warming. Monte Verità. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8722-9_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8722-9_8
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