Differential impact of liana colonization on the leaf functional traits of co-occurring deciduous and evergreen trees in a tropical dry scrub forest.

ABSTRACT: The present study was carried out to analyze the leaf functional traits of co-occurring evergreen and deciduous tree species in a tropical dry scrub forest. This study also intended to check whether the species with contrasting leaf habits differ in their leaf trait plasticity, responding to the canopy infestation by lianas. A total of 11 leaf functional traits were studied for eight tree species with contrasting leaf habits (evergreen and deciduous) and liana-colonization status (with or without liana). In the liana-free environment (L^-), evergreen trees had significantly higher leaf tissue density (LTD) and total chlorophyll (CHL_t) than the deciduous species. Whereas the deciduous trees had higher specific leaf area (SLA) and mass-based leaf nitrogen concentration (

SUBMITTER: Pandi V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10421778 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature