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EFFECT OF INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION AND INUNDATION REGIME ON THE GROWTH OF ARTHROCNEMUM MACROSTA HYUM IN A COASTAL SWAMP IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

BILQUEES GUL AND M. AJMAL KHAN

Abstract: Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a stem succulent halophyte commonly found in the intertidal communities in the, tropics and subtropics. The effect of density on the growth of a population of A. macrostachyum in various zones at the Arabian Sea coast was studied. Above ground biomass was low in lower swamp and a change in density has little affect in all zones. Below ground biomass showed a considerable reduction in the upper swamp in comparison to the middle and lower swamp. Height of the plant remained unaffected by density but was substantially reduced in lower swamp. Number of branches and basal area of the plants decreased with increasing density while middle swamp plants showed high basal area and branching.

Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.