Altitudinal variation in leaf morphology and functional traits of sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) in Gilgit region, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT: Sea-buckthorn is a multi-purpose plant that provides food, feed, fuel, and medicine. Climate conditions affect its adaptability more than the terrain characteristics. Limited research has focused on its leaf functional traits important for climate adaptation. This study characterized seventy sea-buckthorn accessions from five locations in Gilgit region of northern Pakistan (2444-3172 m.a.s.l) for leaf-functional traits (leaf angle, hairs, rolling, groove, and wettability - summarized as leaf traits and physiological traits including stomatal conductance (gs), leaf relative water content (RWC), transpiration (E), water use efficiency (WUE) and photosynthesis (A)). Leaf surface structures were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Majority of accessions at Misgar (higher altitude) s

SUBMITTER: Hakeem S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12769487 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature