What adaptations does Marram grass have?

What adaptations does Marram grass have?

Marram is adapted to grow upwards and out of the top of the dune. In addition, marram and lyme grass have leaves that can curl into a cylinder in order to limit the loss of water in the constant wind. The lower surface of the leaf, where stomata take in carbon dioxide, also loses a lot of water.

What are the characteristics of Marram grass?

Marram grass develops deep and extensive rhizomes (roots) and produces dense clumps of grass, often up to a metre or so high, which dominate plant communities and entrap sand. It is more vigorous where sands are mobile, covering the plant and stimulating growth. Similarly burning promotes healthy and dense growth.

Is grass a Xerophyte?

Conserving water Marram grass is a Xerophyte – thriving in arid conditions where most plants would curl up and die.

What is a Marram grass in geography?

Scientific name: Ammophila arenaria. The dense, spiky tufts of Marram grass are a familiar sight on our windswept coasts. In fact, its matted roots help to stabilise sand dunes, allowing them to grow up and become colonised by other species.

How does Marram grass help Stabilise the dunes?

Over time, tough plants known as PIONEERS such as Marram grass take root on the dune, their root systems helping to stabilise the sand and fix it in place. As these plants die off they add nutrients and humus to the sand dune improving the soil, so more complex plants can move in, such as brambles.

What is a marram grass in geography?

How does marram grass help Stabilise the dunes?

Where do you find marram grass?

Marram grass is native to the UK’s coastal regions, including the Orkney, Shetland and Hebridean Islands, and has adapted to grow on open, free draining, low-nutrient mobile and semi-fixed sand dunes.

Where does marram grass grow?

Why is marram grass so important to the formation of sand dunes?

But Marram grass is not just a convenient child’s sword or hiding place, it plays a vital role in stabilising the dunes, its fibrous, matted roots binding the sand down, which helps to encourage the colonisation of other plants.

How do grasses reduce erosion of the dunes?

Aim. The aim of this item is to benefit areas of land adjacent to sand dunes at risk from wind erosion. Planting grasses such as Marram grass act to reduce wind speeds across the dune surface, thereby trapping and holding sand. Their fibrous, horizontal roots also help to hold and stabilise the sand.

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