Leaf lifespan is positively correlated with periods of leaf production and reproduction in 49 herb and shrub species.

ABSTRACT: Leaf life span and plant phenology are central elements in strategies for plant carbon gain and nutrient conservation. Although few studies have found that leaf life span correlate with the patterns of leaf dynamics and reproductive output, but there have not been sufficient conclusive tests for relationships between leaf life span and plant phenological traits, the forms and strengths of such relationships are poorly understood. This study was conducted with 49 herb and shrub species collected from the eastern portion of the Tibetan Plateau and grown together in a common garden setting. We investigated leaf life span, the periods of leaf production and death, the time lag between leaf production and death, and the period of plant reproduction (i.e., flowering and fruiting). Interspecific

SUBMITTER: Lan Li F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4933094 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature