Response Patterns of Fen Sedges to a Nutrient Gradient Indicate both Geographic Origin-Specific Genotypic Differences and Phenotypic Plasticity

Abstract In wet peatlands, plant growth conditions are largely determined by local soil conditions, leading to locally adapted vegetation. Despite that Carex species often the prevailing vascular in fen peatlands of temperate zone, information about how these adapt environmental is scarce. This holds true especially for below-ground traits and adaptations fen-typical nutrient level variations. To address this research gap, we investigated different geographic origins (Germany, Poland, The Netherlands) C. acutiformis rostrata relate their response varying availability. We performed a common garden experiment with controlled gradient levels, analyzed above- biomass production both from origins. related as characterized vegetation composition-derived indicator values ecological habitat conditions. While detected high above-ground phenotypic plasticity origins, our data point genotypic differences, potentially indicating adaptation: Rhizome differed significantly between values. These results towards differences clonal spread behavior depending on peatland Therefore, should be taken into account when studying ecology, key functional can differ genotypes within single