How does marram grass survive in sand dunes?

How does marram grass survive in sand dunes?

Surviving happily on free-draining sand on windy coasts, the plant does everything it can to prevent unnecessary water loss. The waxy leaves are rolled inwards to prevent evaporation from the surface, while tiny hairs alongside the inside minimise air flow that could carry water away.

How do marram grass adapt?

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.

How does marram grass reduce the erosion of sand 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.

What conditions do plants have to cope with on a sand dune?

In order to survive in aeolian dune environments, plants employ both avoidance and tolerance strategies to cope with environmental stresses such as high wind velocities, sand blasting, sand accretion, wind erosion, unstable substratum, high soil temperature, and nutrient deficiency (Hesp, 1991;Maun, 1994; Maun, 1998) .

How does marram grass help Stabilise the 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 does marram grass grow on dunes?

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.

What is marram grass used for?

Uses. The roots of marram grass are edible, although rather thin and fibrous. The flowering stems and leaves are used for thatching, basketry and making brooms. Fiber from the stem is used for making paper, and the rhizomes are used for making rope and mats.

How does Marram grass help Stabilise the dunes?

How does Marram grass grow on dunes?

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

Why does marram grass need Xerophytic adaptations?

Like other xerophytes, marram grass is well adapted to its surroundings in order to thrive in an otherwise harsh environment. Marram grass has a rolled leaf that creates a localized environment of water vapour concentration within the leaf, and helps to prevent water loss.

What is a marram grass in geography?

marram grass in British English (ˈmærəm ) noun. any of several grasses of the genus Ammophila, esp A. arenaria, that grow on sandy shores and can withstand drying: often planted to stabilize sand dunes. Collins English Dictionary.

How is marram grass adapted to its environment?

Marram grass – that grey, green prickly grass that catches your legs when climbing up sand dunes, is fantastically adapted to life by the sea. Metres-long roots reach down in search of moisture, while creeping stems called rhizomes extend widthways below the surface, sending down even more ladder-like rooting structures along their length. It is…

What is the scientific name of marram grass?

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.

What kind of grass grows on the beach?

Marram Grass. 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.

Where to plant Marram and Lyme grasses?

Marram grass should be planted above the high tide mark as it can withstand salt spray but not a total saltwater submersion. Lyme grass on the other hand can withstand the occasional covering and can be planted nearer to the front of the dunes, if appropriate to the area.