A simulation study on the importance of size-related changes in leaf morphology and physiology for carbon gain in an epiphytic bromeliad.

ABSTRACT: This study addresses the question of how size-related changes in leaf morphology and physiology influence light absorption and carbon gain of the epiphytic bromeliad Vriesea sanguinolenta. A geometrically based computer model, Y-plant, was used for the three-dimensional reconstruction of entire plants and for calculation of whole plant light interception and carbon gain. Plants of different sizes were reconstructed, and morphological and physiological attributes of young and old leaves, and small and large plants were combined to examine the individual effects of each factor on light absorption and carbon gain of the plant. The influence of phyllotaxis on light absorption was also explored. Departure of measured divergence angles between successive leaves from the ideal 137.5 degrees sligh

SUBMITTER: Zotz G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4240376 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature