THE ADAPTATION OF CALLUNA VULGARIS (L.) HULL TO CONTRASTING SOIL TYPES

Abstract
SUMMARY: Samples of Calluna vulgaris were collected from several sites of contrasting soil type and the mineral status of plants and soils measured. Differences in the concentrations of several potentially toxic elements in these plants and soils occurred but the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus concentrations, particularly in the plants, were similar. When cuttings of Calluna from each population were grown in all soil types, it was shown that these samples were adapted to the different soils. Two ways in which this species may be adapted to tolerate high concentrations of lead were noted.