Similarity of epiphyte biomass distribution on Posidonia and artificial seagrass leaves

Abstract

Epiphyte biomass on Posidonia australis Hook f. and artificial seagrass leaves was analysed in relation to distance from leaf tip at different time periods following the autumnal shedding. The distribution pattern indicated no significant difference in the exponential nature of biomass increase. Similarities between epiphyte biomass distribution on real and artificial leaves is consistent with the hypothesis that biomass distribution on real leaves is not influenced significantly by metabolic interactions between host plant and epiphytes. Although a time component is involved in epiphyte biomass accumulation, the major factor in determining epiphyte biomass distribution is the relative position along the leaf.