Classification and evaluation of some endemic plants from Turkey using Grime's CSR strategies

Abstract

Background: Functional traits play important roles in plant growth and survival. According to functional traits, there are several classification types for plants such as adaptive and demographic strategies. Materials and Methods: In this study, eight endemic taxa were collected from the Amasya Kirklar Mountain in Turkey and were classified and evaluated by Grime's CSR (Competitive, Stress tolerant, Ruderal) strategy scheme. Results: These plants are in the LR(lc) (Lower risk/least concern) red list category and they are hemicryptophytes according to Raunkiaer's life forms. The CSR strategies of Asyneuma limonifolium subsp. pestalozzae, Digitalis lamarckii, and Paracaryum ancyritanum were CR, Linaria corifolia and Scutellaria salviifolia were CR/CSR, Phlomis armeniaca was C/CR, and Sideritis dichotoma andJurinea pontica were SC. Conclusions: CR, CR/CSR, and C/CR plants are resistant to competition and disturbance such as grazing, trampling, mowing, soil erosion, and fire, whereas, SC are resistant to competition and stress, for example drought.