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localized adaptation in internodes and number of nodes, the current research supports earlier
studies (Knight 2004, Evans 1988, Evans 1992a).

Internodes were found to be statistically different between the foredune and shellhash and
foredune and backdune. The average internode of 9.09 cm in the foredune was the largest
internode of all habitats and the foredune is the least favorable of the dune habitats. Length of
the main ramet in the foredune area was also the longest comparative to other habitats; therefore,
the number of nodes being higher in the foredune is to be expected. The longer length of main
ramets in the foredune approached statistical significance with a p value of 0.058. The length of
the plant and internodes may suggest resource translocation within the plant in the foredune
especially. The number of lateral ramets was also highest in the foredune, with an average of
6.75. The p value was 0.038, with statistical difference mostly from the foredune and dune
samples. The foredune and backdune approached statistical significance with a .057 on Tukey’s
post hoc comparison. The plants in the foredune tend to be longer, have more lateral ramets, and
therefore take up more area beneath the sandy substrate. These findings suggest that H.
bonariensis may hold a very important role in dune retention especially in the foredune where
erosion is greatest (Pilkey 2007). By occurring in the harshest of the dune habitats in the greatest
length in both main and lateral ramets, H. bonariensis may be a solid first line defense for beach
erosion efforts.

There was evidence of both asexual and sexual reproduction occurring in the study area
on Fort Fisher, NC. The 3.7 cm plant from the shellhash appeared to have recently germinated.
The number of inflorescences in entire genets and in lateral ramets was statistically significant in
the foredune. This data supports research by Evans (1992) that reported plants flowering in the
foredune areas and sprouting in the more protected shellhash and swale areas of Shakleford

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