Natural and anthropogenic disturbances may have different effects on plant population dynamics. The ability to resprout is one mechanism by which plants can persist after disturbances such as fire and grazing. Chapmannia floridana (Fabaceae) is a perennial herb that is endemic to Florida and can resprout after disturbance. I established plots in natural habitats (Florida rosemary scrub, scrubby flatwoods) that are managed with prescribed fire and in habitats that are affected by anthropogenic disturbances (roadsides, disturbed scrub, and pastures) to assess the population density and short-term survival of C. floridana. In addition, I clipped C. floridana individuals in scrubby flatwoods and pastures to assess the effect of plant size on resprouting ability.
Results/Conclusions
Densities of C. floridana were higher in disturbed scrub and roadsides than in Florida rosemary scrub and scrubby flatwoods; pastures had intermediate densities of C. floridana. In Florida rosemary scrub and scrubby flatwoods, population densities were not correlated with time after fire. Survival of C. floridana from June to December 2015 did not differ among habitats; mean percent survival ranged from 60% in disturbed scrub to 85% in Florida rosemary scrub. Within two months after clipping, 98% and 97% of individuals in scrubby flatwoods and pastures, respectively, resprouted. Habitats affected by anthropogenic disturbances can support high densities of C. floridana, and plants in these habitats do not experience reduced short-term survival. The high resprouting ability of C. floridana likely contributes to its persistence after disturbances such as fire and cattle grazing.