Changes in flowering resource allocation of Saussurea dzeurensis with elevations

Aims Our objective is to study the effect of elevation on the reproductive allocation and sexual allocation of Saussurea dzeurensis during the flowering season. Methods We used the field investigation method and dry mass method to evaluate morphological characteristics of S. dzeurensis at different elevations. Important findings Elevation had a significant impact on the biomass and resource allocation of S. dzeurensis; reproductive allocation and male allocation were positively correlated with elevation, but vegetative allocation and female allocation were negatively correlated with elevation; there was a trade-off of resource allocation between capitulum number and mass, between reproductive allocation and vegetative allocation, and between male allocation and female allocation; When resources were limiting, the resource input of every structure of S. dzeurensis was balanced by increasing reproductive allocation and sexual allocation so that the plant can adapt to the stressful environment and have high rate of reproductive success.