Effects of sand burial on seedling growth of the coastal dune plant Viola grayi: Tolerance and adaptive responses to sand accretion

The responses of Viola grayi seedlings to complete sand burial were experimentally assessed in this study. Approximately 10‐month‐old seedlings were buried in sand to a depth of 0, 1, 5, or 15 cm. The re‐emerged seedlings were counted for 5 months, and the dry weights were compared. The results showed that shallow burial promoted the shoot development and total growth of seedlings. The dry weights of stems and leaves and the total dry weight of seedlings were higher in plants buried at depths of 1 and 5 cm than in unburied plants. The dry weight of roots did not differ among them. No seedlings buried at a 15‐cm depth re‐emerged. Most seedlings buried at 1‐ and 5‐cm depths produced adventitious roots from below‐ground stems. The tolerance and adaptive responses of V. grayi seedlings to sand accretion may contribute to their establishment in sand‐accumulating habitats. The responses of Viola grayi seedlings to complete sand burial were experimentally assessed. The results showed that shallow burial promoted the shoot development and total growth of V. grayi seedlings. The tolerance and adaptive responses of V. grayi seedlings to sand accretion may contribute to their establishment in sand‐accumulating habitats.