Yield and habit of New Zealand populations of Rumex acetosella at three altitudes in Canterbury

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Abstract
Measurements were made of the yield and habit of two lowland populations and one mid-altitude population of R. acetosella grown in soil in tins at sites near sea level, 1,900 ft, and 4,200 ft in Canterbury. Soil from each site was transported between sites in an attempt to separate climatic and edaphic effects on yield and habit. Correlations between plant height and yield were calculated. Altitudinal change of climate was the major determinant of yield and habit. Soil responses indicated the tolerance of the species to acid, base-deficient soils. The greater yield of the two lowland populations relative to the mid-altitude population diminished markedly with increasing altitude. Evidence is presented of soil adaptation to the site of origin and of plant population adaptation to soil. It is concluded that the successful colonisation of tussock grasslands by R. acetosella can be partly related to its phenotypic plasticity associated with the natural selection of habits facilitating survival in this environment and to the species tolerance to the soils of this environment.