GROWTH-PATTERNS IN RAMALINA-MENZIESII IN CALIFORNIA - COASTAL VS INLAND POPULATIONS

Growth at the inland site was concentrated in the fall and winter when precipitation occurred; growth at the coastal site was nearly constant through the first year of the study. Ramalina menziesii from the inland site grew significantly faster at the coast (38.7%/yr) than inland (20.1%/yr). Lichen from both sites was transplanted both within and between sites. Both morphs grew equally within the same site, and more rapidly at the coastal site. Annual growth rates were lower when estimated as biomass: 15%/yr inland and 24%/yr at the coast. Some genetic differences appeared to exist between morphological types, but their growth responses to the environment were plastic. -from Authors