Salix spp can tolerate soils flooded for several months at a stretch
(depending on species). I"m guessing here... high latitudes have large
areas that are poorly drained. High altitudes also have their share of
lake margins, riparian margins and bogs...
Roots adapted to anaerobic environments can be part of the story.
Quoting Geoffrey Patton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:
Why do so many exotics species become alien pests? We are all aware
of the explanation for that success being the lack of predatory
species. Is this all there is to the story? Could their longer
evolution in their "homeland" have given them genetic advantages? Do
as many New World species become invasive exotics in the Old World?
Geoff Patton
--- On Sat, 8/23/08, David Inouye <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
From: David Inouye <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Salix success?
To: [email protected]
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 11:20 PM
What makes Salix (willows) so successful at high latitudes and high
altitudes? Unusual physiological traits?
PhD candidate
Department of Biology, University of Miami
www.bio.miami.edu/asaha
