Habitat-driven variability in morphological and anatomical traits of Dactyloctenium aegyptium (Poaceae) in semi-arid regions.

Abstract

Background: The ability of Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. to adapt to diverse habitats reflects its remarkable ecological plasticity.

Methods: This study investigates the morphological and anatomical traits of D. aegyptium across six distinct habitat types in semi-arid regions, which vary in moisture availability, soil texture, and levels of disturbance. We used one-way ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to evaluate habitat-driven differences and identify key patterns of trait variation.

Results: We found significant habitat-induced differences in morphological traits such as stem length, root length, leaf length, and plant biomass. Stem length and diameter peaked in sandy and canal bank habitats, while abandoned land exhibited the lowest values. Leaf length was highest in canal bank habitats and lowest in abandoned land. Sandy places supported the highest biomass, reflecting optimal growth conditions, while abandoned land recorded minimal biomass. Anatomical traits displayed habitat-specific adaptations, with roadside habitats exhibiting the thickest root epidermis and sandy places showing the highest endodermis thickness. Leaf anatomical features such as vascular bundle dimensions and bulliform cell density varied significantly, reflecting adaptations to environmental stresses. PCA revealed that plant traits clustered according to habitat type, with traits such as stem length, leaf size, and biomass associated with resource-rich habitats like roadside and agricultural land, indicating habitat-driven differentiation and adaptive plasticity.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the strong relationship between habitat variability and morphological and anatomical plasticity in D. aegyptium, providing insights into its adaptive strategies in semi-arid regions. This study contributes to understanding the ecological resilience of grass species under varying environmental conditions and highlights the importance of habitat-driven plasticity in shaping plant traits.