The seaside is facing a very difficult problem. Seedlings are unable to establish themselves, and no seedling have been seen in many many years. The alder is capable of sprouting new branches from "clumps". Theoretically, these clumps may be hundreds and even thousands of years old. Periodically stems will break or be burnt in a fire, resulting new clones re sprouting from the base.
It would be interesting to examine why no new seedlings are able to establish themselves. Previous investigations have found out that viable seeds are produced by individuals, and that germination does occur. It seems that seedlings are incapable of finding suitable micro sites.
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