The scaling relationship between leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in vascular epiphytes.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The scaling relationship between leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations reflects plant adaptation strategies and evolutionary dynamics. While extensively studied in terrestrial plants, vascular epiphytes-a key yet understudied component of global biodiversity-remain poorly understood.

Methods

We compiled leaf N and P data from 38 epiphyte species across tropical seasonal rainforests and subtropical montane forests in China, supplemented by a global literature synthesis. Standardized major axis (SMA) regression analyzed N-P scaling exponents (β) across forest types, functional groups, and habitats.

Results

Epiphytes exhibited a distinct global N-P scaling exponent (β=0.78), significantly higher than terrestrial plants. Facultative epiphytes sh

SUBMITTER: Hu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12808357 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature