Variation in leaf wettability traits along a tropical montane elevation gradient.

ABSTRACT: Leaf wetting is often considered to have negative effects on plant function, such that wet environments may select for leaves with certain leaf surface, morphological, and architectural traits that reduce leaf wettability. However, there is growing recognition that leaf wetting can have positive effects. We measured variation in two traits, leaf drip tips and leaf water repellency, in a series of nine tropical forest communities occurring along a 3300-m elevation gradient in southern Peru. To extend this climatic gradient, we also assembled published leaf water repellency values from 17 additional sites. We then tested hypotheses for how these traits should vary as a function of climate. Contrary to expectations, we found that the proportion of species with drip tips did not increase with

SUBMITTER: Goldsmith GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5412938 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature