lühiealised

Lühiealised is an Estonian term that translates to "short-lived" and is most commonly used in botany to describe plants that complete their life cycle within a single growing season. These plants are also known as annuals. They germinate from seed, grow, flower, produce seeds, and die, all within the span of one year. This life strategy allows them to rapidly exploit favorable conditions and disperse their seeds widely. Many common garden plants, such as marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers, are lühiealised. In agriculture, many important food crops, including wheat, corn, and rice, are also lühiealised. Their short life cycle means they must produce new seeds each year, making them dependent on the previous year's successful reproduction. Lühiealised plants often exhibit rapid growth and prolific flowering to ensure the continuation of their species. Their presence can be a significant indicator of soil disturbance or open habitats. In ecological terms, they play a crucial role in succession, colonizing bare ground and paving the way for longer-lived species.