Adaptability of Rare and Endangered Limestone Plants to Acidic Soil after Ex-situ Conservation

Abstract:

Using semi-quantitative method, we investigated the adaptabilities of 81 rare and endangered limestone plant species introduced to acidic soil in Guilin Botanical Garden, China. The adaptive ones accounted for 54%, moderate adaptive ones accounted for 27% of the total, less adaptive ones for 11%, unadaptive ones for 8%. Most introduced rare and endangered limestone plants are found adaptive or moderate adaptive to the habitat condition of the Garden. Of those unadaptive and less adaptive species, only a small portion were affected by soil condition, whereas others were affected by the difference of climate condition.

Key words:Limestone; Rare and endangered plants; Ex-situ conservation; Acidic soil; Adaptability