Bulb bankruptcy: energy dynamics in Eucomis autumnalis, a South African mesic grassland geophyte
Morris, C.; Nkuna, S.
Show abstract
Repeated grazing and trampling can reduce forb populations in South African mesic grasslands by limiting photosynthesis and depleting carbohydrate reserves stored in underground organs. We examined the effects of repeated defoliation on growth, bulb starch reserves and water status in the geophyte Eucomis autumnalis over 468 days. Four intense summer and autumn defoliations reduced above-ground production, bulb mass, starch reserves and bulb water pools, with the strongest impacts occurring in late summer and autumn when plants normally replenish reserves. Repeated defoliation disrupted seasonal source sink dynamics, forcing resources into regrowth and driving bulbs towards energetic bankruptcy. These results highlight the importance of avoiding heavy autumn grazing and providing periodic full-year rests to conserve geophytic forbs in mesic grasslands.
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