Biomass Allocation of Xanthium strumarium L.: A key factor for invasive success at high elevation

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the importance of biomass allocation in the invasive success of Xanthium strumarium, an alien invasive species across an elevation gradient in Pakistan. This plant was selected as a model due to its lowland invasion capacity and going up the elevation gradient. Sites were sampled in three different elevation groups, ≤ 200m, ≤ 600m, and ≤ 1000m while ≥ 1400m above sea level, to analyze X. strumarium biomass allocation, related environmental variables, and community diversity. Root/Below ground, stems, leaves, fruits, total dry biomass and, its ratios were found to vary with elevation (P