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Ancient stunted trees on cliffs

Author

Listed:
  • D. W. Larson

    (Cliff Ecology Research Group, University of Guelph)

  • U. Matthes

    (Cliff Ecology Research Group, University of Guelph)

  • J. A. Gerrath

    (Cliff Ecology Research Group, University of Guelph)

  • J. M. Gerrath

    (University of Northern Iowa)

  • J. C. Nekola

    (University of Wisconsin)

  • G. L. Walker

    (Appalachian State University)

  • S. Porembski

    (Botanisches Institut, University of Bonn)

  • A. Charlton

    (University of Manchester)

  • N. W. K. Larson

    (Cliff Ecology Research Group, University of Guelph)

Abstract

An undisturbed ancient woodland, dominated by tiny, slow-growing and widely spaced trees, grows on vertical cliffs of the Niagara escarpment in southern Canada1. To investigate whether this woodland is unusual or is part of a previously undetected global pattern, we sampled ages and radial growth rates for trees on cliffs in the United States and in western Europe. We find that vertical cliffs often support populations of widely spaced trees that are exceptionally old, deformed and slow growing. Some of the most ancient and least-disturbed wooded habitat types on Earth are found on cliffs, even at sites close to heavy agricultural and industrial development.

Suggested Citation

  • D. W. Larson & U. Matthes & J. A. Gerrath & J. M. Gerrath & J. C. Nekola & G. L. Walker & S. Porembski & A. Charlton & N. W. K. Larson, 1999. "Ancient stunted trees on cliffs," Nature, Nature, vol. 398(6726), pages 382-383, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:398:y:1999:i:6726:d:10.1038_18800
    DOI: 10.1038/18800
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    1. repec:caa:jnljfs:v:preprint:id:118-2023-jfs is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Jiří Lehejček & Matěj Roman & Martin Lexa & Paul Eric Aspholm & Jiří Mašek, 2024. "Old Juniper Troll stand - The oldest shrub population from Scandinavia," Journal of Forest Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 70(4), pages 176-184.

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