Chin J Plan Ecolo ›› 1995, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (3): 248-254.

Special Issue: 青藏高原植物生态学:植被生态学

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Main Characteristics of Littledalea racemosa Alpine Steppe in Qinghai-Xizang(Tiber) Plateau

Guo Ke   

  • Published:1995-03-10
  • Contact: Jin Qi-hong

Abstract: Littledalea racemosa is one of the endemic grass species distributed only in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and mainly within the alpine belt between 4400—4900m above sea level. The distribution area of the alpine steppe dominated or co-dominated by L. racemosa is delineated by the Kunlun Mountains in the north, the Tuotuohe river in the south, and the Hoh xil Mountains in the west. The steppe community is relatively poor in species, only 34 species being recorded in the 8 investigated plots. The 61.8% of the species are of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau geographic elements, and more than half (also 61.8%) of species belongs to the hemicryptophytes. Most of species are perennial with exceptions of 2 prostrate shrubs and I annual. Based on the species composition and structure of the investigated communities, at least 4 community-types of the alpine steppe were distinguished. they were the L. racemosa dominated steppe, the L. racemosa and Carex moorcroftii co-dominated steppe, the L. racemosa and Astragalus confertus (A. polycladus) co-dominated steppe, and the L. racemosa and Stipa purpurea co-dominated steppe. The difference of soil texture and structure were the principal reason for formation of these community-types.