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3307391 
Journal Article 
Age structure and dynamics of Rhododendron ferrugineum L populations in the northwestern French Alps 
Pornon, A; Doche, B 
1996 
1 
Journal of Vegetation Science
ISSN: 1100-9233
EISSN: 1990-2002 
OPULUS PRESS UPPSALA AB 
KNIVSTA 
7 
2 
265-272 
WOS:A1996UX38300015 
The ericaceous shrub Rhododendron ferrugineum occupies large areas at the subalpine level (1600-2200 m) of the northwestern French Alps. It frequently reaches 90-100% cover, accumulates 60-70t/ha (dry weight) above-ground biomass and is able to dominate many subalpine landscapes by outcompeting other species. We formulated the hypothesis that the species shows a rapid and invasive seedling establishment and a fast population development. We investigated the age structure and development of two populations. Although classic colonization stages can be identified, and variation did occur depending on the site, R. ferrugineum populations showed a surprisingly slow development compared with other ericaceous species. Curves obtained from polynomial regression equations of cover on age allowed us to predict the future development of populations. Thus, depending on the site, it would take 150 to 250 yr to achieve total cover.We discuss the factors involved that could explain this slow development and discuss which biotic and abiotic factors may be responsible for the large extension of this species in the subalpine belt. 
cover; demography; development; establishment 
Meeting of the Working-Group-on-Long-Term-Vegetation-Dynamics of the International-Association-for-Vegetation-Science 
GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS