Responses of leaf structure and photosynthetic properties to intra-canopy light gradients: a common garden test with four broadleaf deciduous angiosperm and seven evergreen conifer tree species

• DOI: 10.1007/s00442-012-2279-y
• Publication Date: 2012-02-15T11:26:27Z
• Authors: Tomasz P. Wyka; J. Oleksyn; R. Żytkowiak; P. Karolewski; A. M. Jagodziński; P. B. Reich
• Keywords: Specific leaf area; Shade tolerance

Spectra of leaf traits in northern temperate forest canopies reflect major differences longevity between evergreen conifers and deciduous broadleaf angiosperms, as well plastic modifications caused by within-crown shading. We investigated (1) whether long-lived conifer leaves exhibit similar intra-canopy plasticity short-lived broadleaves, (2) global interspecific relationships photosynthesis, nitrogen, structure identified for sun adequately describe differentiated response to light gradients. studied structural photosynthetic properties intra-tree shade foliage adult trees seven four angiosperm species a common garden Poland. Shade exhibited lower mass-per-area (LMA) than leaves; however, the relative difference was smaller broadleaves. In LMA correlated with lamina thickness tissue density, while conifers, it but not density. reduction thinner palisade layer. The more conservative adjustment could result from combination phylogenetic constraints, contrasting anatomies shoot geometries, also functional requirements foliage. Mass-based nitrogen concentration (N(mass)) leaves, broadleaved species. Given this, corresponded area-based N (N(area)). N(area) were less powerful predictors rate (A (max(area))) comparison angiosperms. Multiple regression showed that, each group, A (max(mass)) related N(mass) LMA, whereas became significant codeterminant analysis combining both groups. Thus, fundamental mass-based relationship reported previously exists dataset across-functional type variation.