The plant functional groups of an ultramafic environment in north-western Greece

Classification of resident species into functional groups improves understanding of relationships between plant species and the ecosystem processes they influence. Eleven representative plant species from an ultramafic environment in the Pindos Mountains in north-western Greece were grouped into two different functional group classifications based on their strategies to manage toxic soil ion concentrations and scarce nutrients. Dominant attributes of each group were interpreted in terms of soil variables and ecosystem processes including biogeochemical cycling and resilience. Multivariate and non-parametric statistical analyses identified soil element concentrations of signature ultramafic soil elements as the dominant factors influencing ecosystem processes. Similar statistical analyses determined plant groups differed significantly in their strategies to manage adverse soil conditions. Functional group characteristics indicated stress tolerance attributes of dominant species restrict biogeochemical cycling. Attributes of less abundant species augment biogeochemical cycles and enhance resilience.