Plant adaptability in karst regions

Karst ecosystems are formed by dissolution of soluble rocks, usually with conspicuous landscape features, such as sharp peaks, steep slopes and deep valleys. The plants in karst regions develop special adaptability. Here, we reviewed the research progresses on plant adaptability in karst regions, including drought, high temperature and light, high-calcium stresses responses and the strategies of water utilization for plants, soil nutrients impact, human interference and geographical traits on karst plants. Drought, high temperature and light change their physiological and morphological structures to adapt to karst environments. High-calcium and soil nutrients can transfer surplus nutrients to special parts of plants to avoid damage of high nutrient concentration. Therefore, karst plants can make better use of limited water. Human interference also affects geographical distribution of karst plants and their growing environment. All of these aspects may be analyzed to provide guidance and suggestions for related research on plant adaptability mechanisms.

Automated summary

Plants in karst regions adapt to the environment by changing their physiological and morphological structures to cope with factors like drought, high temperature, and light, which allows them to better utilize limited water resources. High-calcium and soil nutrients can be transferred to specific parts of plants to avoid damage from high nutrient concentrations. Human interference also plays a role in impacting the distribution and growth environment of karst plants.