Shady plants versus sun loving creatures

Nan wrote: Here is one for you: How might you explain the fact that
there are so many more sun-loving flowering plants than shade-loving
flowering plants?

>From a Mediterranean landscape viewpoint I think you're initial
impression of more sun loving plants than shade loving plants is
basically a true statement. However, when you think of temperate
rainforests and tropical rainforests I would venture the opposite is
true. It all has to do with the climate, geography and flora that you
live in. Mediterranean region floras have more open terrain than shaded
spaces most probably from the effects of limited moisture availability.
There is only so much water to be shared, which means larger and more
ubiquitous open spaces between plants and it also means that the smaller
plants (either by age or type of plant) living in the shade of larger
plants have to compete with the more extensive root systems of the
overhead larger plants. More competition for limited water resources
means less chance of survival. Dry shade may seem like an easier habitat
to grow in but I think in our dry, droughty Medit climates the opposite
is actually true.
Wet shade along streambanks and seeps is a much easier habitat to thrive
in since moisture is no longer the limiting factor.

Perhaps it is only humans and cattle that thrive in the dry shade of an
oak tree on a hot summer day!

Waiting for the coastal California glorious winter rains,
Ernie
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