Parnassia palustris Population Differences in Three Korean Habitat Types

Abstract

Parnassia palustris is an herbaceous perennial with a circumpolar distribution and has three habitat types in Korea based on a landscape ecological perspective: calcareous and low altitude (CL), mountainous stream (MS), gneiss and high altitude area (GH). To find the best habitat type for P. palustris population maintenance, I surveyed vegetation and environmental properties in the three habitat types. This habitat classification is in line with classifications based on soil physico-chemical properties and species composition. All three habitat types had moist soil with low nitrogen nutrient content. CL had shallow soil depth, a temperate climate and calcareous soil with a high pH. MS had a thin soil layer with high Ca2+ content, a high pH and heavy disturbance. GH had low temperature and a deep soil layer with low pH. Neighboring species in GH were strong competitors compared to neighboring species observed in CL and MS. Population development in MS was higher than CL and GH. Reproductive traits were also higher in MS than CL and GH. As a result, the MS habitat is regarded as the best habitat for P. palustris of the three habitat types. I suggest maintaining P. palustris habitats with a sufficient water supply and weak competition to sustain the population successfully. This may further restore the MS habitat to expand the distribution range of this species. Our study also provides knowledge to conserve and restore the MS habitat for the vulnerable calcicole or early successional species, like P. palustris.