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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Leaf anatomy is associated with the type of growth form in Neotropical savanna plants

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Author(s):
Rossatto, Davi R. [1] ; Kolb, Rosana M. [2] ; Franco, Augusto C. [3]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Dept Biol, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciecias & Letras, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-19806900 Assis, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Brasilia, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Bot, BR-70904970 Brasilia, DF - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: BOTANY; v. 93, n. 8, p. 507-518, AUG 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 10
Abstract

Scleromorphic leaf structures are associated with plants growing under drought-prone conditions, high irradiances, and nutrient-poor soils. Sclerophylly can also be a valuable deterrent against herbivores. However, comprehensive studies of leaf anatomical traits encompassing different growth forms are lacking. The savannas of central Brazil (Cerrado) are characterized by high species diversity and a variety of growth forms. We performed a field study to characterize leaf anatomical traits and leaf mass per area (LMA) in 57 co-occurring Cerrado species of distinct plant families (located at different positions in the angiosperm phylogeny) and categorized according to the following growth forms: trees, palms, shrubs, subshrubs, vines, grasses and herbs. Plant growth form and leaf structure were interrelated. Four groups with distinct leaf anatomical syndromes were identified by NMDS analysis: grasses, palms, herbaceous (herbs, vines, and most subshrubs), and woody (trees and shrubs) plants. Trees and shrubs had scleromorphic dorsiventral leaves, with high tissue thickness and LMA. Herbaceous plants had thin, mesomorphic leaves. While most herbaceous plants had dorsiventral type of mesophyll, grasses and palms had homogenous mesophyll with sclerenchymatous bundle sheath extensions. Palms differed from grasses by having thicker leaves and sclerenchymatous hypodermis. In conclusion, Neotropical savannas cannot be exclusively described as scleromorphic vegetation. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/18049-6 - The diversity of ecophysiological strategies in a Cerrado herbaceous communities: a case study involving distinct environmental constraints
Grantee:Davi Rodrigo Rossatto
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 11/23112-3 - Leaf anatomy of plants from different vegetation formations
Grantee:Rosana Marta Kolb
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants