Inselbergs: Biotic Diversity of Isolated Rock Outcrops in Tropical and Temperate Regions

Inselbergs: Biotic Diversity of Isolated Rock Outcrops in Tropical and Temperate Regions
ISBN-10
3642597734
ISBN-13
9783642597732
Category
Science
Pages
524
Language
English
Published
2012-12-06
Publisher
Springer Science & Business Media
Authors
S. Porembski, W. Barthlott

Description

Inselbergs are isolated rock outcrops that stand out abruptly from surrounding plains. Despite the widespread occurrence of granite inselbergs throughout all climatic and vegetational zones, their remarkably rich plant life was largely neglected in the recent literature. This richly and partly in color illustrated volume provides a detailed survey of all major abiotic and biotic features characteristic for inselbergs. The extreme environmental conditions on inselbergs are described in depth as well as specific adaptive traits of rock outcrop plants including their morphological, anatomical and physiological responses. The diversity and structure of inselberg plant communities are examined on a global scale with detailed regional accounts for different tropical and temperate zones.

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