Beiträge zur Biologie der Gefäßpflanzen des herzynischen Raumes. 5. Quercus rubra L. (Roteiche): Lebensgeschichte und agriophytische Ausbreitung im Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz

Abstract

DREßEL, R.; JÄGER, E. J.: Contributions to the biology of Hercynian vascular plants. 5. Quercus rubra (northern red oak): Life history and agriophytic invasion in the national park “Sächsische Schweiz”. – Hercynia N. F. 35: 37-64. During the last 2 – 3 decades, Quercus rubra (northern red oak) has established itself in the cliff forests of the national park “Sächsische Schweiz” (eastern Saxonia). The tree behaves there as an agriophyte (a plant that may persist also in the natural vegetation), and dominates over all native woody plants, e. g. Quercus petraea. As a base of nature conservancy management, the distribution and the life history of Quercus rubra has been investigated (seed ecology, structure and development of vegetative and generative organs, root system, production of acorns and their dispersal by jays, damage by deer and insects). The limits of ecological tolerance in the national park are defined in relation to soil acidity, nutrients, and moisture. The age structure and development of the young trees established in the national park indicates a serious change of the cliff vegetation by the invader. Therefore, control measurements are recommended.