Global variability in hydraulic traits and water use strategies of mountain shrubs and dwarf shrubs.

ABSTRACT: Shrubs are perennial, multi-stemmed woody plants whose adaptation to stress factors allows them to colonise extreme habitats, including high elevations. Accordingly, shrubs are one of the most important growth forms in mountain regions, but their hydraulic properties are poorly understood. We conducted a literature search on the water use strategies of mountain shrubs, focusing on their main hydraulic traits related to water uptake, transport and release, as well as hydraulic limitations in summer and winter. In addition, the leaf cuticular conductance was measured in selected Alpine species. A total of 104 publications were found, mainly from North America, Europe and Asia, and a few from Africa and South America, with snow and steppe habitats strongly underrepresented. The dataset reveal

SUBMITTER: Musso C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12631516 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature