The adaptation of Silene vulgaris to growth on a calamine waste heap (S. Poland)

Two populations of Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke (=S. inflata Mill.=S. cucubalus (L.) Wib.) were cultivated and compared. One population was from a calamine waste heap in Bolesław near Olkusz in southern Poland, the other a normal population from the Botanical Gardens in Warsaw. In comparison with the normal population, the plants from the waste heap population were characterized by faster growth, thicker and narrower leaves, and trailing shoots of small diameters. The xeromorphic adaptations of the waste heap population were accompanied by increased water stress resistance (PEG 6000 test). The main life strategy (type r) of the calamine waste heap population, associated with growth under the difficult conditions of the place, is based on accelerated growth and rapid entry into the generative phase. The smaller biomass gain of these plants is compensated for by abundant flowering (by 23%). Moreover, these plants exhibit a very high tolerance to lead. Tests with PbCl2 showed that lead stimulated root elongation (up to 164% of controls), biomass gain of roots, and formation of root hairs.