Nurse plants

Nurse plants are a type of plant that provide a beneficial environment for other plants to grow. They are often larger, more established plants that offer protection and nutrients to smaller, less established plants. This relationship is a form of mutualism, where both plants benefit from the interaction.

Characteristics

Nurse plants are typically larger and more established than the plants they support. They provide shade, protection from wind and predators, and often enrich the soil with nutrients. The plants that benefit from nurse plants are often smaller, less established, and more vulnerable to environmental stressors. These beneficiary plants are sometimes referred to as protégé plants.

Mechanisms

The mechanisms by which nurse plants support protégé plants can vary. Some nurse plants provide physical protection, shielding smaller plants from harsh weather or predators. Others enrich the soil, providing nutrients that the protégé plants need to grow. Some nurse plants even produce chemicals that deter pests or diseases that could harm the protégé plants.

Examples

One example of a nurse plant is the saguaro cactus in the Sonoran Desert. The saguaro often begins its life under the shade of a nurse tree like the palo verde or mesquite, which provides shade and moisture for the young cactus. Another example is the relationship between kelp and various species of algae in marine environments. The kelp provides a substrate for the algae to grow on, as well as protection from predators and strong currents.

Ecological Importance

Nurse plants play a crucial role in many ecosystems. They help to maintain biodiversity by supporting a variety of plant species. They also contribute to the stability of ecosystems by helping to prevent soil erosion and by promoting nutrient cycling. In some cases, nurse plants can even facilitate the recovery of damaged ecosystems, such as those affected by deforestation or desertification.

See Also

• Facilitation (ecology)
• Mutualism (biology)
• Ecological succession