Functional traits of major herbaceous plants in the hydro-fluctuation belt of the Three Gorges Reservoir

The environmental heterogeneity of the hydro-fluctuation belt in the Three Gorges Reservoir is illustrated by the fact that each elevation corresponds to a different time and depth of water submergence. We analyzed seven plant functional traits in 37 major herbaceous species from three sample sites in the reservoir hydro-fluctuation belt. We then divided the plant species into different groups (including different life forms and different plant families) and analyzed variations in their functional traits. To determine growth and resource utilization adaptability of plants located in different elevation belts, we analyzed the plant functional traits and trait correlations at different elevations (corresponding to different water environments). We identified four particular traits in the results. 1) Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and fine root tissue density (FRTD) of perennials were significantly higher than those of annuals and biennials (PPPP<0.05). 4) There was convergence in plant traits among different elevation belts. The study showed that different herbaceous plant groups generate various trait combinations to adapt to the environment. Plants growing in lower elevation habitats have a low investment and quick recovery growth strategy, and vice versa. The plant trait correlation convergence among different elevation habitats implies a convergent adaptation of herbaceous plants in the hydro-fluctuation belts of the Three Gorges Reservoir.