Patterns of floral allocation along an elevation gradient: variation in Senecio subalpinus growing in the Tatra Mountains

Abstract This study examined the morphological variation in Senecio subalpinus W.D.J. Koch. (Asteraceae) along a 950-m elevation gradient Tatra Mountains, Central Europe, with emphasis on floral allocation patterns. Fifteen traits were measured 200 plants collected field from 20 sites then findings modelled by using linear mixed-effects models. Plant aboveground biomass and height decreased steadily increasing elevation; however, most distinctive feature was elevational shift Low-elevation had greater numbers of smaller flower heads lower overall number flowers, while high-elevation bigger flowers. Accordingly, mean individual mass increased significantly elevation. Interestingly, width outer ligulate flowers also considerably elevation, fill circumference head. Results this confirmed that is an important ecological driving vegetative S. . Possible causes observed variations are subsequently discussed, including varying effects both abiotic biotic factors gradients.