Effect of intraspecific competition and inundation regime on the growth ofArthrocnemum macrostachyum in a coastal swamp in Karachi, Pakistan

Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a stem succulent halophyte commonly found in the intertidal communities in the tropics and subtropics. The effect of den sity on the growth of a population of A. macrostachyum in various zones at the Arabian Sea coast was studied. Above ground biomass was low in lower sw amp and a change in density has little affect in all zones. Below ground bi omass showed a considerable reduction in the upper swamp in comparison to t he middle and lower swamp. Height of the plant remained unaffected by densi ty but was substantially reduced in lower swamp. Number of branches and bas al area of the plants decreased with increasing density while middle swamp plants showed high basal area and branching.